Congratulations, by the Way

Three months after George Saunders gave a graduation address at Syracuse University in 2013, a transcript of that speech was posted on the website of *The New York Times,* where its simple, uplifting message struck a deep chord. Within days, it had been shared more than one million times. Why? Because Saunders’s words tap into a desire in all of us to lead kinder, more fulfilling lives. Powerful, funny, and wise, *Congratulations, by the way* is an inspiring message from one of today’s most influential and original writers.

**Praise for *Congratulations, by the way** *

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“As slender as a psalm, and as heavy.” **— *The New York Times** *

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“The graduating college senior in your life probably just wants money. But if you want to impart some heartfelt, plainspoken wisdom in addition to a check, you can't do much better than [ *Congratulations, by the way* ].” **— *Entertainment Weekly** *

“The loving selflessness that [George Saunders] advises and the interconnectedness that he recognizes couldn’t be purer or simpler—or more challenging.” **— *Kirkus Reviews** *

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“Warm and tender.” **— *Publishers Weekly** *