Book Review: A Swim In A Pond In the Rain by George Saunders

 review by Michael G. Vail

 An acclaimed short story author and novelist, George Saunders also conducts a course in the 19^th century Russian short story at Syracuse University. In his new book, A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, Saunders shares what he teaches his students about seven stories by Chekhov, Gogol, Turgenev and Tolstoy.

 His pupils are aspiring authors, “some of the best young writers in America,” according to Saunders. I mention this because his book is very much about the nuts and bolts of what makes a story work. He compares the “mystery” of how a story gets written to a guy constructing a model railroad town in his basement. “The aim of this book is mainly diagnostic,” he explains.

 The casual reader may find much of this to be heavy sledding. For writers, though—and would-be writers—there’s much that is valuable.

 Saunders notes, for instance, that “all a story is, really” is “a continual system of escalation. A swath of prose earns its place in the story to the extent that it contributes to our sense that the story is escalating.”

 He uses the term “meaningful action” instead of “plot” in describing why the appearance of a story’s main character makes it “restless”. And notes: “Energy, hopefully, gets made in the early pages and the trick, in the later pages, is to use that energy.”

 According to Saunders, every part of a story must be entertaining in its own right AND must advance the story in a non-trivial way. “Don’t make things happen for no reason,” he states. “Having made things happen, make it matter.”

 It’s surprising that a book like A Swim in a Pond in the Rain has been released by a major publisher, considering that its potential readership will never be large. Those of us who will treasure it can only be thankful.

Previous books by George Saunders include Lincoln On The Bardo and Tenth of December.

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Michael G. Vail is the author of the novel The Salvation of San Juan Cajon, and the short story/poetry collection High Desert Elegy.

Review of Truly Like Lightning by David Duchovny

review by Michael G. Vail

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           Several novels set in the Morongo Basin have appeared recently and received their share of attention. A few years ago, it was Ivy Pochoda’s highly acclaimed Wonder Valley, which follows several folks living on the edge, including a pair of criminals hiding out in the book’s namesake eastern portion of the Basin.

          Now David Duchovny, the star of the popular TV series The X-Files, has published Truly Like Lightning. It’s the tale of Bronson Powers, a former Hollywood stuntman and Mormon shaman who lives on a huge tract of inherited desert (“an Eden of cactus and rattlesnakes”) with his three wives and ten children.

          Would-be real estate magnate Maya Abbadessa finds out about their land, supposedly the potential source of untold future profits, and concocts a scheme to try and acquire its use.

          The novel’s initial chapter is slow going—a reminder of why writing coaches from time immemorial remind their progeny to “show, not tell.” But the story Duchovny has to tell is fairly interesting, and there’s some good writing in Truly Like Lightning. Unfortunately, one of the most important turns in the plot is also the weakest—and most unlikely.

          Maya convinces Bronson and his wives to place three of their home-schooled children in Rancho Cucamonga schools and agree to sell her part of their precious land if the kids do better in the suburbs than with their family. A county social worker is a party to Maya’s con. I couldn’t buy any of this. Maybe you can.

          With its creaky plotline and often cartoonish characters, Truly Like Lightning sometimes comes across as a story that’s destined to become a made-for-TV movie. Coincidentally, Duchovny mentioned in a recent Los Angeles Times interview that the novel is being shopped in Hollywood for just such a project. And he said he’s looking forward to playing the part of Bronson.

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Michael G. Vail is the author of the novel The Salvation of San Juan Cajon, and the short story/poetry collection High Desert Elegy.

    

New Book! High Desert Elegy by Michael G. Vail

 

Click here to purchase on-line ($12.00) 

“In this collection, Mike Vail reveals and celebrates his deep appreciation for the landscape of the Mojave Desert and the people who inhabit it. His poems and stories are wry, poignant, accessible, and strongly evocative of both time and place.” Lorie Smith Schaefer, Author of Us, Now and Then

“Whether in his short stories or poems, Michael G. Vail’s writing is captivating--poignant, but always upbeat.” Barbara Wu Heyman

“Filled with vivid details and memorable characters, Vail’s writing draws you in and captures your heart! I laughed, I cried, I nodded in agreement…and wondered what would be coming next.” Julie Boesch

“Vail’s short story, ‘The Moaning Cave’, will take its place alongside the spookiest of modern legends.” Janet Dixon

“I love how easily I’m drawn into the stories. Each one like a different ride in an amusement park—and leaving me looking forward to more. Bravo!” Lonnie Hahn

“Have you ever thought of everyday life as an adventure? You will find out about that side of life in High Desert Elegy, a collection of thought-provoking stories and poems by Michael G. Vail.” Adela Xu

“A master at capturing a solid sense of place through his visual and poetic narratives, Vail takes the reader into experiences that touch your heart and soul.” Julie Zimmerman

“Michael G. Vail’s writing is emotional and very personal. He reminds us of our frailties, and inspires us to look in the mirror.” Bruce Yeoman

“These poems and short stories are heart-warming and heart- wrenching.” Carol Webster

“The expressive quality of Vail’s writing demonstrates a unique and compelling perspective that showcases his raw storytelling and unconventional voice.” Kay Hamann

“Vail has such a wonderful way of painting images with words and creating intricate moods using minimal language.” Joan Robey

“The writing in High Desert Elegy is measured, careful and artistic. And it’s all that even as Vail’s pulling you into something that’s fun and yet revealing of the ethereal nature of human behavior and emotion.”Steve Stajich

“Michael G. Vail’s writing is smart, direct and unflinching. He details the lives of people you might recognize, sometimes sadly so. These moving stories and poems are both beautiful and brutal, like the Mojave Desert’s summer sun.” Kent Wilson

“Touching, contemplative and at times stark, Vail’s work is always engrossing and entertaining. High Desert Elegy is a stirring read.” Karl Bradley

“Stop whatever you’re doing and get High Desert Elegy. You will not be sorry. Michael G. Vail’s words allow you to lose yourself in the stories and poems he creates.” Myrna Vallely

“The stories and poetry are gritty slices of life. Not always about big life events, but they each represent a turning point or a moment to reflect for the characters. Much of Michael G. Vail’s body of work looks at the darker side of the human experience: love, lust, hate, abuse, death, fear, to name a few. Through these peeks into the lives of others, we are reminded of our own life experiences and choices. Vail’s writing draws a response out of the reader and leaves you with much to think about.” Joylyn Davis

New Book! The Salvation of San Juan Cajon by Michael G. Vail

You'd think building a new school would be pretty straightforward, right? You'd be wrong. Michael G. Vail takes us on the tangled journey of local education politics that surrounds the brick and mortar. - Jeff Vincent, Director, Public Infrastructure Initiative, University of California, Berkeley

In 'The Salvation of San Juan Cajon', Michael Vail masterfully weaves the realities of public school development in urban California communities with a wonderfully-crafted story about a man's struggles with his love for his profession and personal deficiencies with a runaway-son. The story is touching and leaves the reader wanting more. - Barbara Wu Heyman

"Fresh and original! 'The Salvation of San Juan Cajon' tells a riveting tale that reveals the behind the scenes interplay of education, politics and community relationships as one school district strives to serve its students." - Julie Boesch, Superintendent, Maple School District

Click here to purchase on-line ($14.99)

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