I know it has been a couple of months since Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. left this world, but I did not get a chance to express my dismay in his untimely passing. He was an amazing author! His work certainly pushed the boundaries between his story environments and this crazy reality. What a view of the world. It was exquisite!
He just wrote the truth in such a satirical manner that you could not help but laugh at the insanity of it all. Why are humans the way they are? Kurt could tell it like it is and it just made sense.
I was first introduced to Kurt (not that I had not heard of him, but had never had the chance to read one of his novels) in my sophmore year of college. I do not even remember the name of the course, but every book was depressing and I just was having such a hard time getting through them. I could not even read one chapter of The Ice Storm. I'm sure some of you probably think I'm a freak that I could not get through that book, but for whatever reason or wherever I was at the point when I was supposed to read that book for class, it just bothered me at the pit of my being. I'm sure nothing would phase me now, but I just cannot bring myself to attempt to read it again. I am mainly a fantasy reader as well, so taking a very heavy American lit course just was not floating my boat in any way.
So through all of these depressing novels, comes this light at the end of the tunnel (too bad it was not the last book of the semester): Cat's Cradle. I could not believe how absolutely amazing the book was! I'm sure the reading for the course added to the sheer enjoyment I had while devouring that fantastic piece of literature! It made me an instant fan. His wit and writing style just collided in a perfect piece in every way. The madness of it! It was brilliant! Definitely worth the read if you have not read it.
So, off I went with Vonnegut in my pocket. Knowing what he could do and the images he could invoke were quite eye opening. I knew I had found a fiction/fantasy/sci-fi writer that I could read between the hard-core fantasty and sci-fi titles I normally read. I have not yet read all of his books and was very distraught to hear of his death and in the manner in which it happened. He used his mind with such intensity; I thought it was cruel that he lost the use of it at the end.
At this point, I have yet to read his classic Breakfast of Champions. I wanted to be sure I read all his other novels with the characters involved in this novel before starting it. I have read his definitive Slaughterhouse 5, Godbless You, Mr. Rosewater, Bluebeard, and others. I have certainly not made it through them all, but have been slowly picking up the missing books at my favorite used book store. However, now that he is no longer here of course the books are not to be found. Everyone has the same idea. Oh well. Someday, I'll pick up all of his books and be able to read them all.
At this point, the ones I do have are in boxes due to the fact that my house is still not entirely unpacked. So, my whole library is in boxes and it makes me sad not to have my dear friends surrouding me. It is really frustrating to know you have a book, but are not really sure where it might be. Plus, when you have about 1000 books, it really makes it difficult to pinpoint them. Someday it will be out so I can peruse the books to read at my leisure, but not at this time.
Of course, trying to read as much as I once did has proven difficult to say the least. A child adds quite a new spin on the free time available. I have managed to start reading more than usual, which is a wonderful thing to be back to my favorite pastime. I only have access to the small amount of books that are out, not one of which is a Vonnegut book, but I will get back to him.
I just wanted to express my appreciation for his satirical and insane genius! Every time I read one of his books, I am left with such a gratifying experience and find it hard to believe that there will be no more. Alas, that is the way of things.
I at least am reminded of his characters and stories because my sister ended up getting my husband and I one of his pieces of art: his self portrait. I love it! It was to go in our library, but who knows when that will happen. At least he can hang out on the wall in our living room until we find a rightful place for him. It is a really cool picture.
So, to see you pass, Kurt, was an upsetting thing to hear, but at least your books will allow us to visit your world time and again. I guess that is what they call momento mori (Yeats, I believe, if I recall my lit classes) because you will certainly be remembered.
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