Rating: Summary: Cat's Cradle Review: This book was full of unexpented twists, and was extremely well written. I've always been a fan of Vonnegut.
Rating: Summary: excellent read for an open mind Review: Kurt Vonnegut's "Cats Cradle" produces an excellent outlook on society in general. The main character, Jonah, named after the biblical Jonah and the Whale story for his unfortunate circumstances, is writing a book called "The Day The World Ended". Throughout his research, he meets many brilliant minds and by pure coincidence (or as Bokonon would say, as it was supposed to happen) he comes across an object which can actually end the world. A interesting analysis of scientists, truth, religion and human nature. Near the beginning it tells you that if you cannot understand how a religion can be based on lies yet still be practised then you will not understand the book (that Jonah is writing: "The Day The World Ended"). You will understand this later in the book. An excellent read for an open mind on many topics such as religion, truth and science.
Rating: Summary: Thank you, fellow reviewers Review: I dearly wanted to review Cat's Cradle simply because I love this book. Instead, I started reading the other reviews, and I have now read through every one that precedes this one. I was fascinated to see what others saw, or didn't see, in this book. My favorite reviews, not to be missed, were by Elaine, dante999, and Jayyne. Thanks also to Chuck Schwab, Greg Hughes, toddwylie, Doug Vaugh, and many others....Yes, I mean, no. This book both is and isn't about science, religion, nuclear weapons, genius, power, politics, and the future. This book comes as close as anything I've ever read to explaining human history. I'm not going to tell you what that explanation might be: just maybe I would be foisting my delusions on defenseless minds. Nevertheless, think about it, and try not to be distracted by all of the fun that you are having, as you do the Cat's Cradle.
Rating: Summary: This is the second Vonnegut book you should read! Review: Killer Kurt once more had me chuckling and thinking--the loveliest of combinations for any time and any place. Ten to one says you'll never read a more nonsensical book so close to the truth. He gets religion, government, wealth and all sorts of other fun targets in this one. I find that this is a spectacular second book in the Vonnegut works to read--if you've never been introduced to him, though, try Slaughterhouse-Five. It's a gentler introduction to Vonnegut.
Rating: Summary: Imagine, three hoosiers on the same flight... Review: Vonnegut's dark comedy masterpiece is one of the best books I've ever read. He successfully blends philosophy, science fiction, and humor to create an interesting and hilarious novel. In my opinion, this is the best book Vonnegut wrote, which is saying a lot considering his other triumphs. Anyone looking for a plot heavy book should probably look elsewhere. Vonnegut's novels focus much more on the characters and their traits (flaws, many times). This is a wonderful story about the nature of man and his tendencies towards destruction. The ending (while trashed by many other reviewers - perhaps they didn't get it) is one of the funniest and most chilling things I have ever read. This book is wonderful for its ability to make the reader look at oneself and laugh. A must read.
Rating: Summary: Is this the way the world ends? With a whomp? Review: I am a disc jockey and this past week I read a news story on air about the US government dropping powder onto thunderheads which dried up the clouds and greatly lessened the strength of the storm; now our government is planning on testing the powder on hurricanes. This actual event drove me to search out my copy of Vonnegut's "Cat's Cradle" and re-read this hilarious, thought-provoking, doomsday tale. It's filled with eclectic characters: a dwarf with an ugly sister, a mad scientist, spiritualist, bicycle manufacturer, South American dictator, losers and misfits. It's peppered with cliches that only Vonnegut can get away with. It introduces a fantastic religion that makes perfect sense. He even creates a new language. But at the core is the chilling fact that the U.S. Marines have induced the scientist to invent Ice Nine, even though he knows the inevitable outcome of this substance. It's a merry ride that Vonnegut takes us on. One of his best books, and that is high praise indeed. A very fast read.
Rating: Summary: Awesome Satire Review: This book takes you on a trip ( almost literally)--- so entertaining. The book in pace (but not content) resembles a very good and entertaining movie. The humor and sense of comical adventure is outrageuos. Not only humorous ... has a lot to think about .. you could spend the same amount thinking about all the implications as you did reading the book.
Rating: Summary: Read it. Review: I have trouble giving Vonnegut anything but 5 stars, but for a few exceptions. This is not one of them. This is a Vonnegut great, entirely creative, funny, and interesting. Read it.
Rating: Summary: See the cat? See the cradle? No, I didn't think so. Review: Have you ever made a cat's cradle? You know, that stupid thing you make by twisting yarn around your fingers in an elaborate manner? It certainly doesn't have a cat in it, and looks nothing like a cradle. This is the premise behind Cat's Cradle -- the dogged insistence of humankind to see what we want, when we want, instead of confronting the truth. An absurd plot and equally idiosyncratic characters, intricately woven in true Vonnegut style, make this book hilarious as only he can.
Rating: Summary: A very good book! Review: I wanted to kill myself after reading this book. Kurt laughed laugh, pissed on love, and destroyed the nerves in my mind. I absolutely like this book. If you love riding a roller coaster, you'll love this book even more.
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