A Swim in a Pond in the Rain

Our next book is going to be A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders. This is a book of Russian short stories (by Chekhov, Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Gogol) with added commentary by George Saunders teaching us how to read well. George Saunders is a modern American author (feel free to read his Wikipedia Bio) who also is a professor who teaches a class on the Russian short story at Syracuse University."A Swim in a Pond in the Rain is a deep exploration not just of how great writing works but how the mind itself works while reading, and of how the reading and writing of stories make genuine connection possible."- (from the back cover)I first heard about this book on The Close Reads Podcast at their End of the Year Reading Episode where they each talk about their favorite books from the previous year. Their review of this book was compelling enough to make me grab the book and check it out. I listened to the audible version which was delightful (read by a few celebrities including people from The Office and Parks and Rec casts)  and I am very excited to reread it with you all.My plan is to go through this one slowly by reading a short story, then Saunders commentary, and then rereading the short story again. I think this will be a helpful way to read the stories and hopefully develop reading skills along the way. Rereading is what C.S. Lewis says makes the difference between an unliterary and a literary person (if you need motivation for why rereading is a beautiful practice!)"An unliterary man may be defined as one who reads books once only...We do not enjoy a story fully at the first reading. Not til the curiosity...has been given its sop and laid asleep, are we at leisure to savor the real beauties."- C.S. Lewis (On Stories)I hope you all come to love these stories and reading in general more after spending time with these authors and stories!

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