The man is responsible for a massive chunk of the contents of my book crate. I just love his work. Both of the places I was locked up as a juvenile I stole Kurt Vonnegut novels from their libraries. At least I got something out of it.
I've been wanting to read something of his for about a year now. my old writing teacher told us aobut one of his books. i believe it was called "welcome to the monkey house" or something similar to that. it's definitely on my list but i just havent gotten around to it also its been pretty hard to find it in the bookstore. i think ima just go to the library and see if they got it.
I was watching a Hunter Thompson documentary, and they states a sad but true fact. "Collage kids don't give a fuck about Kurt Vonnegut or (someone else I haven't heard of), but they love Hunter Thompson." I love Hunter Thompson... but that really pisses me off.' /end off topic rant
He was a brilliant man. I had "So it goes." Tattooed on my wrist. lol Slaughterhouse-Five was the first book I ever read by him and after that I fell in love.
The first book I ever read by Mr. Vonnegut was Breakfast of Champions. As I was reading, it was hard to see at times for the tears of laughter. From there I went on to read Cat's Cradle, Player Piano, Galapagos, etc. I'm still working on my collection of his books. I know this is the Fiction forum; but I'd highly recommend his non-fiction as well. One of his books I took the most from was his last book (that wasn't published post-humously) A Man Without A Country. As it is Non-Fiction, the reader gets a rare chance to see more of the man himself and what his actual beliefs and politics were. It's a must read for any Vonnegut fan.
I was given slaughterhouse 5 as an assignment in school. One day I had in school suspension so I figured I'd read it. I read the whole book that day and loved it, it's awesome. He's really funny, has some far out ideas and has a unique way of writing. It actually reminds me a bit of Thomas Wolfe's "The elektric kool aid acid test", the style of writing is actually very similar I think. Anyway I'd be interested in reading another of his. Any suggestions?
The books previously mentioned are definitely suggested. I would honestly, recommend anything by him.
If you've read Slaughterhouse-Five ... well, just jump in anywhere. I had a harder time getting through Slaughterhouse-Five than any of his other books. I am not sure why, it could have just been a mood thing at the time. I highly recommend Player Piano! As well as the usual suspects: Cat's Cradle, Breakfast of Champions, and Galapagos! I quite liked Bluebeard as well, though it was a lot different to his usual theme's of his books.
cat's cradle is my 3rd favorite book ever. slaughter-house 5 is amazing too. i really didn't like timequake. and there was another one i read in iraq, had a clown on the cover and the phrase "lonely no more!" that one was pretty good.
I feel like I need to put a plug in here for The Sirens of Titan, which is definitely my favorite Vonnegut book.
I read sirens of titan and loved it. The book was amazing. Its just as good as slaughterhouse five if not better. I then got halfway through breakfast of champions and hated it.
Have you tried George Saunders? Every time I mention loving Vonnegut, everyone seems to rush to tell me to get on Saunders as fast as possible. I've yet to, but as a Vonnegut fan, If you've read him, I'd like to get your take.
There is a really cool podcast/book club called "Kurt Vonneguys". They been doing the works of Vonnegut in published order.
I read "Pastoralia" by George Saunders. I've only read one Vonnegut,"Slaughter House Five",so I can't really compare. "Pastoralia" is a collection of short stories set in some kind of surreal dystopian future,but not necessarily as you would imagine it. Very good. Post-modern but not pretentious. I highly recommend it.