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God Bless You, Mr. Vonnegut
I just noticed that several of my friends have as their away message farewells to Kurt Vonnegut. "Oh no!" was my immediate reaction. "So it goes," said Rishi. Indeed. So sad. that I never met him. At the end of 8th grade my English teacher, Neil Davis, gave me a copy of Cat's Cradle as a "graduation" gift. It totally blew my mind, and I consider it my introduction to contemporary literature. Years later, Slaughter-House Five reads and rereads so painfully well. I believe it was Freeman Dyson who said it's the only book anyone needs to read about the firebombing of Dresden, and others have gone so far as to say it's the only book anyone needs to read about war. I doubt Vonnegut would have accepted that, but what a work! I'll never forget the earnest mother's cry in the beginning--you were only babies!--and the Tralfamadorian gospel: He will punish horribly anybody who torments a bum who has no connections. But my favorite book of his will probably long be Bluebeard---such a visually magnificent plot.
Aaieee. I cannot even think of something to say, and am simply becoming watery-eyed. Why haven't I read more of his books? Why didn't I go find him? Such a clever, creative man, who provided insight and inspiration to all us like-minded weirdos. God bless you, Mr. Vonnegut. Rest in peace.
Comments (8)
You're the first person I've ever seen claim Bluebeard as your favorite Vonnegut novel. I agree, though, and I've read them all. My mental painting of the last painting in that novel is as clear today as It was when I first read that book, a week after it was in stores. We've lost a great human.
Posted on Apr-12-2007 | Link
You're the first person I've ever seen claim Bluebeard as your favorite Vonnegut novel. I agree, though, and I've read them all. My mental painting of the last painting in that novel is as clear today as It was when I first read that book, a week after it was in stores. We've lost a great human.
Posted on Apr-12-2007 | Link
Cat's Cradle was my introduction to Vonnegut too, and it still gives me chills thinking of how absorbing it was. I am just grateful we were all able to hear a glimpse of his voice.
Posted on Apr-13-2007 | Link
I love the blog that you have. I was wondering if you would link my blog to yours and in return I would do the same for your blog. If you want to, my site name is American Legends and the URL is:
www.americanlegends.info
If you want to do this just go to my blog and in one of the comments just write your blog name and the URL and I will add it to my site.
Thanks,
David
Posted on Apr-15-2007 | Link
Bluebeard is my favorite too. Though Cat's Cradle comes in a close second.
Posted on Apr-16-2007 | Link
I don't think that you need to feel regret for not seeing him in person. I don't feel that he's gone, with the great books that he has left behind.
Posted on Apr-16-2007 | Link
"God Bless you Mr. Rosewater" is my fave Vonnegut book. Followed by Slaughterhouse Five. The movie sucked.
kgp
Posted on Apr-24-2007 | Link
Like others, I was introduced through Cat's Cradle, but it was Breakfast of Champions that has remained with me to this day, and should be on all required reading lists.
Posted on Jan-07-2008 | Link