I’ve read all of those except Dance Dance Dance, which I’ll add to my list. Kafka on the Shore, Norwegian Wood and Windup Bird were my favorites, followed by 1Q84. Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World was probably my least favorite of those I’ve read. I just couldn’t get into the Hard Boiled Wonderland half.
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Dance Dance Dance was my least favourite of the ones I liked.
The Secret Poisoner: a century of murder
on the development of forensic toxicology in 19th century Britain/France alongside the murder cases that spurred it
https://amzn.to/4gWir3l
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The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert.
I just bought Slaughterhouse 5!
And also Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life
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I forget – Have you read any of Vonnegut’s other stuff?
I was talking w/ one of my kids about Cat’s Cradle last night
read that last year. very enjoyable
Recently read:
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God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut
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Pontoon: A Novel of Lake Wobegon by Garrison Keillor
Thanks @meep , I have not read any other Vonnegut. If there is something that you think I should read I will put it in the growing list of to-dos though. I trust your judgement!
I’ve read quite a few, but not sure i can name all the titles
I’ll have to re-read Vonnegut (he’s a quick read) because it’s been years.
We were just randomly talking about Slaughterhouse 5 last week. I read it then 10 or so years later couldn’t remember a single thing it was about. So then I re-read it and now I again can’t remember a single thing it was about. Maybe I’m due for another re-read!
Just finished I Am Not Sidney Poitier by Percival Everett
Funny, enjoyed it.
I just had to read this book, The Public Burning by Robert Coover, after reading a recent essay on it. (The link to the essay follows my comments below). I don’t know how well known this book is so will be interested to hear if any other folks have read it.
The book was written in 1977 and is set in a particularly dark period of American history: the early 1950s. Specifically it is a fictional account of the days leading up to the execution of the Rosenbergs for spying in 1953.
The story is narrated by the then VP, Richard Nixon. We are treated to his musings and fantasies as he is guided by Uncle Sam (the American Way) in his struggle against the Phantom (Communism). Nixon’s thoughts are bizarre, pathetic and frightening at the same time. How could someone like this ever become the POTUS was my reaction.
The book is entertaining while being disturbing. The hold on the masses of religion and the fear of communism are persistent themes. The extreme portrayal of Uncle Sam was way over the top when this book was written but Donald Trump makes his character more believable now.
The book is full of biting satire and the writing is delirious at times. I heartily recommend it.
I read it shortly after it came out. I recall it as being very salacious and controversial.
Would be banned in some places these days.
That sounds interesting.
I am a little confused on the Time Travel ideas that are talked about. But enjoying this immensely!
Next up is 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson
When he talks on his YouTube I sort of find myself googling the words he says. He is VERY articulate (I think that is the correct word, let me google it - YEP). But he uses words that I’ve never heard.
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Peterson is undoubtedly very intelligent but I find some of his views to be very offensive. Having said that, I only have secondhand reports of his views so should listen to one of his podcasts.
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reading Jennette’s McCurdy’s memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died”
starts w her being very young and how her mom (bat shit crazy and self-centered always) pushed her into being a child actor.
also reading (“what we owe to each other” by TM Scanlon (always brought up in The Good Place). Well, early on this is an academic book on philosophy that is establishing terms and meanings. a total slog after 100 pages of it. hoping there is more to enjoy or if it really just proves why chidi anagonye didn’t have any social skills if this is what really moved his needle.
I think he’s always being attacked - so I kinda understand his offensiveness. He’s very passionate for the quality of life and teaching life lessons for young men - I am jealous that I didn’t have a guy like this when I was in my late teens to late 20s. I think I could have benefited from his teachings.