Tenth of December, George Saunders

My first question was is this book speculative fiction set partially in the future, or was it a searing examination of the present, unearthing layers of existence that we refuse to look at? Wanting to buy a puppy to fix things at home as opposed to accepting someone just as they are. The love and acceptance of an aging couple. Into the mind of ‘Al Roosten’ during and after a charity event where they auction off dates with local celebrities from their town (you’ll laugh and be sad at the same time). The most poignant for me was merely 1 and a quarter pages long- “Sticks”. George summed up a character’s entire life within those few words… heartbreaking and yet so true of life. This short story alone is worth checking out the book from your local library.