I know, right? What am I doing posting on a Saturday night — during a holiday weekend no less? Well, the truth is, last night I woke up in a hot sweat thinking that there might be someone out there who has not read Congratulations, By The Way, the book version of George Saunders’ now-famous convocation speech given last June at Syracuse University. And if that is indeed the case, I felt the need to remedy the situation immediately. I know we here at DALS tend to get hyperbolic when the subject is Saunders (author of the award-winning short-story collection Tenth of December and one of the original DALS guest-posters), but diehard readers know why. His writing is big-hearted and generous; his capacity for empathy, seemingly endless. What he regrets most in life, Saunders tells graduating seniors, are failures of kindness.
I believe that by handing Congratulations to a graduate or a friend, you are handing them not just a book, but a message, a philosophy, a worldview.
Here’s one of my favorite moments in the speech:
And so, a prediction, and my heartfelt wish for you: as you get older, your self will diminish and you will grow in love. You will gradually be replaced by love. If you have kids, that will be a huge moment in your process of self-diminishment. You really won’t care what happens to you, as long as they benefit. That’s one reason your parents are so proud and happy today. One of their fondest dreams has come true: you have accomplished something difficult and tangible that has enlarged you as a person and will make your life better, from here on in, forever.
Can’t wait to read this.:) Thanks for the giveaway!
Would love to share this with my late brother’s son. I am so proud of the challenges my nephew has overcome but I don’t know him as well as I would like and this would be a lovely way to connect.
I can think of so many people who would benefit from this message… including, far too often, myself.
sounds like a great book!
Thank you for sharing this. Looking forward to reading it!
My baby sister is graduating in a couple of weeks (and I teach high school). This book looks incredible! Thanks for hosting the giveaway! Can’t wait for your next cookbook to come out!
Yay! I loved this speech when I read it way back when you posted a link to it the first time around. Loved it!
The post brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing this. No matter what will get a book for my daughter’s college graduation next year from Johns Hopkins and even for my sons from pre school! xo found cute pics from Honey Adams and you were so tiny and precious!
This sounds amazing! As a mom to two very little guys, I get this. Can’t wait to read and share.
This is too awesome! Great looking book!
So funny! I was just writing academic marketing copy for this book and thinking that it sounded so good. Small world!
As a big fan of Saunders’ work, I’m a big fan of this!
Great gift idea!
Love it!
I would love to gift this to my graduating 8th grader. Thanks for highlighting, even on a Saturday on a holiday weekend!
I keep coming back to that phrase “failures of kindness.” Man, does that pack a punch.
You all are so cute. And the best.
This is such a thoughtful idea! I love this speech – what a gift to be able to share it with others:-)
Love this and will likely buy if I don’t win! Thanks for sharing!
I have been wanting to read this speech since hearing about it this time last year. Oh, and I am a Syracuse grad, class of ’87.
As I lay here, propped up in a hospital bed, I realize I so need this book. My two babes – one almost two and one almost eleven weeks – are at home with their poppa and have no idea what’s going on, what an acetabular fracture is, or what “car accident” means. All I know is I have a whole host of people to give this book to — folks who have covered us in grace and help and casseroles. Staring down four more months until I can put weight on a right leg, I feel like *I* should be ordering this one in bulk. Thanks!
I just graduated college today and would love to read this and pass it on to a friend.
Thanks so much for offering this giveaway!
As a college professor, I would love to be able to share this with some graduating seniors.
What a great giveaway! Thanks!