George Saunders, veritable King of the Short Story at this point, has gone ahead and won yet another thing, this time in England. Moments ago, Saunders was announced the winner of the inaugural Folio Prize for his can’t-beat-it-don’t-even-try collection, Tenth of December (published by Bloomsbury Books over in the UK; Random House here in the US).
From the Folio Prize website:
“The Folio Prize 2014, worth £40,000, aims to recognise and celebrate the best English-language fiction from around the world, published in the UK during a given year, regardless of form, genre or the author’s country of origin.”
Word to the wise: if you happen to be in the vicinity of one Mr. George Saunders in the near future, we advise shaking his hand; not only to congratulate him, but because the man is clearly made of golden good fortune and a boatload of talent, so here’s hoping something rubs off.
In all seriousness, congratulations Mr. Saunders. We’re big fans and thrilled for all of your hard-earned success. Also, you’re making it totally respectable to tell our parents we’re going to quit our jobs and write short stories for a living. Thanks.
BookPeople 
Wow! I am going to have to get this book NOW!!!!!
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“Tenth of December” is an excellent collection. Saunders is a unique storyteller. His best work is brilliant. But some of his stories don’t work; his reach exceeds his grasp. But you have to give him credit for trying new things. If you like short stories, I highly recommend Bobcat and Other Stories by Rebecca Lee (one of the two books “Tenth of December” beat for the Story Prize last week), The UnAmericans by Molly Antopol, Nothing Gold Can Stay by Ron Rash, News from Heaven by Jennifer Haigh, The News from Spain by Joan Wickersham, This is Paradise by Kristiana Kahakauwila, Train Shots by Vanessa Blakeslee, and Flashes of War by Katey Schultz. 2013 was an amazing year for short stories. More at my blog about literary fiction by women: http://readherlikeanopenbook.wordpress.com.
BOBCAT is phenomenal. Everyone should read it. I am personally now totally in love with Rebecca Lee. Ditto on The Unamaericans and News from Spain. 2013 was definitely the year for the short story.
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Victory Lap blew me away.