Sea Oak

In 'Sea Oak,' George Saunders depicts a male stripper living in the dangerous Sea Oak housing project with his unemployed sister Min, cousin Jade, their children, and optimistic Aunt Bernie.

After Bernie dies during a robbery and resurrects as a decomposing, foul-mouthed ghoul with magical powers, she demands the family hustle for money—urging the narrator to show his penis for tips, Jade to flaunt her body for a job, and Min to work harder.

As Bernie disintegrates into talking body parts, she questions her unfulfilled life, but her influence inspires the narrator to pursue a better future, moving the family out of poverty.