Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. 1922-2007
Such sad news, Kurt Vonnegut died yesterday.
I have such a personal feeling about this writer that I'm having trouble putting into words what he meant to me. Books have always been a huge part of my life and he holds the place as my all time favorite writer. I got hooked on Vonnegut back in the 80's and bought a few books for my Dad. He, too was mesmerized by Vonnegut. (I buried one of Vonnegut's books with my dad when he passed away in 2000.)
What I really want to say is that you should read his books. They are as important today as they ever were -- and as darkly funny too. My favorite -- the one I have read over and over and written paper after paper about in college -- is Cat's Cradle
I'll end here with a favorite quote of mine from Vonnegut:
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.
-- Kurt Vonnegut
this shocked me to tears, this morning. it is a great loss.
Posted by: rachel m | Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 10:26 AM
I read so many of his books back when I was in high school. I was saddened to hear of his death.
Posted by: Carole | Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 10:45 AM
I can't really talk coherently about this yet. I am weepy and so very sad today.
Posted by: Elizabeth | Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 11:07 AM
Me too. He was my all time favorite writer- my favorite book of his is Slapstick (though I love Cat's Cradle too...)
Posted by: Amy | Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 11:17 AM
When I heard that he had passed I immediately thought of you. I have never read one of his works, but obviously that has to change.
Posted by: Vicki | Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 08:31 PM
I have never read any of his books. Might have to try one.
Posted by: michelle-ozark crafter | Friday, April 13, 2007 at 12:08 AM
I always wanted to read one of his books and have the Cat's Cradle in Mt. TBR I believe, so it just moved up to the next book to be read.
Posted by: Karin | Friday, April 13, 2007 at 03:39 AM
I am meant to read Vonnegut. It's odd that I haven't yet. I saw a man on a plane reading one of his books this weekend, and thought to myself that I should definitely read his work. Then, your post. I didn't even realize that he had died. Just now, I went straight to Amazon and ordered Cat's Cradle. Thanks for the tip.
Posted by: Wendy DG | Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 08:58 AM
A brilliant voice gone. It is sad indeed.
Posted by: ebony | Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 10:13 AM
I hadn't heard. How sad. I really liked his more recent books too, Like the one with Dr. Karavokian in the title. Thanks for posting about this. If you don't listen to the news, you can miss these things.
Posted by: juju | Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 06:24 AM