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Tuesday, October 18, 2005
ECUADOR
Last night, after putting Fargo to bed, I started reading Galapagos, by Kurt Vonnegut. Man. Whoever referred to him as a "postmodern Mark Twain" was spot-on. I wish I could write like Kurt Vonnegut. He certainly must be the greatest author alive. I say "must be" because I haven't read everything, but I certainly haven't read anyone better.
One might only wish such a brilliant author was as prolific as so many non-brilliant authors (such as, for instance, Mary Faulkner - not that I've actually read any of her 904 novels, but I'm sure they're about as well written as the humorous instruction manuals that accompany cheap items made in China).
Certainly, he has been productive, but I'm afraid his 17-some novels aren't enough to hold me for more than another 5 years or so. Sure, there are lots of non-fiction pieces, and short stories, but the novel is where he really shines. His essays are a whole other beast. Kind of like a hippo. Powerful, impressive, but comical.
OK. I didn't really have anything to say. If you have never read Vonnegut, then get with it.
-m
Last night, after putting Fargo to bed, I started reading Galapagos, by Kurt Vonnegut. Man. Whoever referred to him as a "postmodern Mark Twain" was spot-on. I wish I could write like Kurt Vonnegut. He certainly must be the greatest author alive. I say "must be" because I haven't read everything, but I certainly haven't read anyone better.
One might only wish such a brilliant author was as prolific as so many non-brilliant authors (such as, for instance, Mary Faulkner - not that I've actually read any of her 904 novels, but I'm sure they're about as well written as the humorous instruction manuals that accompany cheap items made in China).
Certainly, he has been productive, but I'm afraid his 17-some novels aren't enough to hold me for more than another 5 years or so. Sure, there are lots of non-fiction pieces, and short stories, but the novel is where he really shines. His essays are a whole other beast. Kind of like a hippo. Powerful, impressive, but comical.
OK. I didn't really have anything to say. If you have never read Vonnegut, then get with it.
-m
Comments:
Hey there, *Mark . Don't know what else you've read, but I'm a big fan of Cat's Cradle (probably my favorite), but Slaughterhouse-5, Mother Night (which also has a good movie versions with Nick Nolte - the only Vonnegut movie that is at all true to the spirit of the book), Player Piano, God Bless You Mr. Rosewater, Bluebeard.... lots of good ones. Never did like Breakfast of Champions or Slapstick, though.
Watch it, *Steve.
I liked Cat's Cradle alot. Deadeye Dick was also good. I actually liked Breakfast of Champions quite a bit. Also Sirens of Titan. But, maybe my favorite, so far, is a much newer one - Timequake. Kilgore Trout is central to that one.
Oddly, his most famous - Slaughterhouse-5 - is one I haven't read yet. I was taking advantage of the U. of WYO library to read the less popular ones, cuz I figured I could always find Slaughterhouse-5.
I liked Cat's Cradle alot. Deadeye Dick was also good. I actually liked Breakfast of Champions quite a bit. Also Sirens of Titan. But, maybe my favorite, so far, is a much newer one - Timequake. Kilgore Trout is central to that one.
Oddly, his most famous - Slaughterhouse-5 - is one I haven't read yet. I was taking advantage of the U. of WYO library to read the less popular ones, cuz I figured I could always find Slaughterhouse-5.
You may want to start reading fast if you want to confirm "greatest author alive." I don't know how long he will hold out. Ole' junior is getting long in the tooth.
--gh
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--gh
