The Braindead Megaphone | George Saunders | Talks at Google

"The Braindead Megaphone", George Saunders's first foray into nonfiction, is comprised of essays on literature, travel, and politics. At the core of this unique collection are Saunders's travel essays based on his trips to seek out the mysteries of the "Buddha Boy" of Nepal; to attempt to indulge in the extravagant pleasures of Dubai; and to join the exploits of the minutemen at the Mexican border. Saunders expertly navigates the works of Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, and Esther Forbes, and leads the reader across the rocky political landscape of modern America. Emblazoned with his trademark wit and singular vision, Saunders's endeavor into the art of the essay is testament to his exceptional range and ability as a writer and thinker.
George Saunders's writing has appeared in The New Yorker, Harper's, GQ, and The Guardian. A professor at Syracuse University, he has won the National Magazine Award for fiction and an O. Henry Award.
This event took place September 10, 2007 at Google Headquarters in Mountain View, CA