On to book two - Slaughterhouse Five. I am forcing myself to read some Vonnegut, in hopes that I will get something out of it - if not an understanding of how his style works (if it works). I tried reading "Cat's Cradle" last year and literally threw it down because the style frustrated me. I usually go by the "first fifty page" rule when reading, and gave up on that one around page 37. That said, Slaughterhouse Five is an easier and less annoying read, so I will probably finish this one and use it as a stepping stone to more of Vonnegut's work.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
2 - "Slaughterhouse Five" - Kurt Vonnegut
Ginsberg's journals led me exactly where I knew they would, post-William Blake visions and pages upon pages of analysis of Herbert Hunke's character. This pre-"Howl" era is really my favorite of his because everything is still so simple and he is youthfully questioning all that is around him. As he grows older and more aware of his celebrity status, he loses his appeal and gets wrapped up in spirituality, drugs and activism that overshadows his pure human emotions. That said - I will always love a Ginsberg book, and this one was no difference.
On to book two - Slaughterhouse Five. I am forcing myself to read some Vonnegut, in hopes that I will get something out of it - if not an understanding of how his style works (if it works). I tried reading "Cat's Cradle" last year and literally threw it down because the style frustrated me. I usually go by the "first fifty page" rule when reading, and gave up on that one around page 37. That said, Slaughterhouse Five is an easier and less annoying read, so I will probably finish this one and use it as a stepping stone to more of Vonnegut's work.
On to book two - Slaughterhouse Five. I am forcing myself to read some Vonnegut, in hopes that I will get something out of it - if not an understanding of how his style works (if it works). I tried reading "Cat's Cradle" last year and literally threw it down because the style frustrated me. I usually go by the "first fifty page" rule when reading, and gave up on that one around page 37. That said, Slaughterhouse Five is an easier and less annoying read, so I will probably finish this one and use it as a stepping stone to more of Vonnegut's work.
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Slaughterhouse Five and Cat's Cradle are the only Vonnegut I've read so far. I have a few others by him that I'm gonna get through, but as of now I really enjoy the way he writes. What did you find so irritating about Cat's Cradle?
ReplyDeleteYeah I'm curious why you think his style is irritating as well! I LOVE the way he writes!
ReplyDeletethis is probably my favourite book!
ReplyDeleteone of my friends was frustrated by his style too and could not get past the first 30 pages. I hope you can get through this one! really fast read.