Join us as we experience two visions of American life: one from the 1950-60’s and one from today.

Kurt Vonnegut has long been considered one of our most insightful and sharp-witted commentators of American life. From his first short stories in the early 1950’s until his death in 2007, he has been a darkly witty and sometimes troubling commentator of our times. These stories range from the ordinary to chillingly dystopic visions of what our life could be in 2081 and beyond.

George Saunders newest collection of stories reinforces why he is still one of America’s most impressive and imaginative writers. Saunders’ stories can be somewhat surreal, appalling or even shocking but somehow always darkly fun. No matter where and when the setting, the present or the future, his stories are always slyly relevant to life today.

Format: Each week there will be two presentations, one story by each author, followed by discussions based on these selections and the comparative visions of the authors.

Resources/Expenses: Liberation Day by George Saunders and Welcome to the Monkey House by Kurt Vonnegut are both available on Alibris.com and Amazon. Prices range from new at $14.59 to $2.27 for used copies. Alibris, supporting independent bookstores, tends to be less costly.