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Congratulations, by the way
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  • Published: 22 April 2014
  • ISBN: 9780804193009
  • Imprint: RH US Audio Adult
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $23.00

Congratulations, by the way

Some Thoughts on Kindness

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This inspiring meditation on kindness from the author of Lincoln in the Bardo is based on his popular commencement address.

Three months after George Saunders gave a graduation address at Syracuse University, a transcript of that speech was posted on the website of The New York Times, where its simple, uplifting message struck a deep chord. Within days, it had been shared more than one million times. Why? Because Saunders’s words tap into a desire in all of us to lead kinder, more fulfilling lives. Powerful, funny, and wise, Congratulations, by the way is an inspiring message from one of today’s most influential and original writers.

Praise for Congratulations, by the way

“As slender as a psalm, and as heavy.”—The New York Times

“The graduating college senior in your life probably just wants money. But if you want to impart some heartfelt, plainspoken wisdom in addition to a check, you can't do much better than [Congratulations, by the way].”—Entertainment Weekly

“The loving selflessness that [George Saunders] advises and the interconnectedness that he recognizes couldn’t be purer or simpler—or more challenging.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Warm and tender.”—Publishers Weekly
  • Published: 22 April 2014
  • ISBN: 9780804193009
  • Imprint: RH US Audio Adult
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $23.00
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About the author

George Saunders

George Saunders is the author of nine books, including the novel Lincoln in the Bardo, which won the Man Booker Prize, and the story collections Pastoralia and Tenth of December, which was a finalist for the National Book Award. He has received fellowships from the Lannan Foundation, the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Guggenheim Foundation. In 2006 he was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship. In 2013 he was awarded the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in Short Fiction and was included in Time’s list of the one hundred most influential people in the world. He teaches in the creative writing program at Syracuse University.
portrait photo of George Saunders

Also by George Saunders

The Braindead Megaphone
In Persuasion Nation
Pastoralia
The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip
The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil
Fox 8
Civilwarland In Bad Decline
See all

Praise for Congratulations, by the way

A sampling of the comments on the speech from nytimes.com:

  • "Probably one of the most important lessons ever taught. Think of how much brighter the future would be if more people learned this and actually followed this sage advice. Brilliant."

  • "Brought me to tears, so beautiful, so true, Thank you George. These graduates will never forget this day and this speech."

  • "This is absolutely lovely and necessary (AND short and funny -- the master of the short story indeed)."

  • "Many thanks to Mr. Saunders for sharing his words with the world. The best commencement speech I've ever read, and I have read many over the years."