Charles Holdefer: 3 books

George Saunders’ Pastoralia is an exaggerated dystopia of late capitalist America, merging the spirit of James Thurber with the world of the Simpsons. In his entry in Ig’s acclaimed Bookmarked series, award-winning author Charles Holdefer addresses how Saunders captures the pain and absurdity...

Jerry Renfrow runs an innovative freelance business. He helps others to be nice—for a price. Jerry deals in dreams and affections. A ferocious comedy and love story, Nice offers a rollercoaster of a read, a straight-on look at human foibles, and a sharp portrait of contemporary America.

Rod Gass is accused of being a criminal. He’s failed at careers that people didn’t know existed. Now a custodian at the Van Allen School of Mortuary Science, he is enjoying himself immensely. His niece, Judy, wants to know why. She is the only one ready to unveil this man, and to challenge...