Short Story Writer: George Saunders

03/24/14 - Monday's Topical Currents:  George Saunders has been called one of America’s greatest short story writers. His work astounds readers with its effortless mix of humor and horror. A brilliant satirist, he delights in skewering the foibles of our corporate-driven, consumer-based society. But beneath the fun and games lies a profound wellspring of compassion for his fellow man.   Saunders’ latest short-story collection, Tenth of December, was a New York Times bestseller and finalist for the National Book Award. Saunders is also the recipient of a half million dollar MacArthur Genius Fellowship and the prestigious PEN/Malamud Award, which honors “excellence in the art of the short story. “ He currently lives in upstate New York, where he teaches creative writing at Syracuse University. Literary contributor Ariel Gonzalez spoke with Saunders.