Finished reading Cat’s Cradle last week. Yes, I definitely like Vonnegut. My takeaways:
- Vonnegut is a fatalist. Two for two in the books I’ve read (Slaugherhouse Five was the other).
- About 2/3 through the book, I was completely baffled as to where the story was going. Kind of felt like an episode of “Family Guy.”
- His character development is incredible – he does little to share the characters’ thoughts and feelings, but somehow through vague and trailing dialogue, you find yourself knowing exactly what you need to know about each.
Now I’m on to Asimov’s Foundation. Definitely on the full-scale science fiction path – more so than I would thought I would enjoy. The writing isn’t difficult or heavy, but the story’s time-based transitions and constantly introduced new characters make it tough reading. I’m good for 3-4 chapters at a time, then I have to stop. Or maybe I just lack the necessary intelligence to get through more in one sitting. I’m willing to accept either. I’m sort of enjoying it – mostly because I’m actually trying a hard core sci-fi book and it’ll all be over in about a week. Already thinking ahead to Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye next.