Date of Birth: December 2, 1958
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Biography
George Saunders is an acclaimed American writer known for his short stories, essays, novellas, and children’s books. Born in Amarillo, Texas, Saunders grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. He graduated from the Colorado School of Mines with a degree in geophysical engineering in 1981. After working as a geophysicist in Indonesia, he pursued an MFA in creative writing from Syracuse University, where he is now a faculty member. Saunders’ writing is characterized by its wit, humor, and keen social commentary. His work often explores themes of consumerism, corporate culture, and the human condition. His notable books include “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline” (1996), “Pastoralia” (2000), and “Tenth of December” (2013), which was a finalist for the National Book Award and won the Folio Prize. In 2017, he won the Man Booker Prize for his novel “Lincoln in the Bardo.”
5 Interesting Facts about George Saunders
1. George Saunders initially worked as a field geophysicist in Sumatra, Indonesia, before turning to writing.
2. Saunders is a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the “Genius Grant,” which he received in 2006.
3. His book “Lincoln in the Bardo” was inspired by a story he heard about Abraham Lincoln visiting the crypt of his son Willie.
4. Saunders teaches in the Creative Writing Program at Syracuse University, where he has influenced a generation of writers.
5. He has written for prestigious publications such as The New Yorker, Harper’s, and GQ.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Saunders
1. “Humor is what happens when we’re told the truth quicker and more directly than we’re used to.”
2. “When you read a short story, you come out a little more aware and a little more in love with the world around you.”
3. “A person can’t help but breathe in society and culture and all its complexities and contradictions.”
4. “The things we care about most are the things we can’t really talk about.”
5. “Fiction is a way of imagining how it would be to live someone else’s life.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
As of the latest estimates, George Saunders’ highest net worth is approximately $2 million.
Children
George Saunders has two daughters, Alena and Caitlin, with his wife Paula Redick.
Relevant Links
1. [George Saunders’ Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Saunders
2. [George Saunders at The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/george-saunders
4. [Interview with George Saunders on NPR](https://www.npr.org/people/4510176/george-saunders
5. [George Saunders’ Profile on MacArthur Foundation](https://www.macfound.org/fellows/787/
