Rating: Summary: Inspires me to read yet more Vonnegut Review: I picked up CC after a friend recommended SH5, which I read and enjoyed. Vonnegut's sly, subtle wit will probably strike many at first as just cynicism, but the character's all have heart. Ironically in all of the absurdity of Vonnegut's characters and stories, he manages to capture more of humanity than any author I've read in quite some time.
Rating: Summary: Simply awful. Review: Cat's Cradle is the worst book I have ever read. It's a pointless, plotless book, and should not be considered as any sort of literary achievement. This book is a waste of time, and I do not recommend it to anyone.
Rating: Summary: Another brilliant work from KVJr Review: Using his trademark gruff, farcical voice, Vonnegut has written another brilliant novel proclaiming disdain for war, nations, horror, science, religion and all the other absurdities of mankind. Cat's Cradle is a clever, humorous Cold War satire involving an obscure Caribbean island, a religious philosopher named Bokonon, and an apocalyptic substance called "ice nine."I especially enjoyed tidbits of Bokonist philosophy sprinkled throughout the book. For example, the Bokonist term, karass, refers to the teams that all of humanity is unknowingly organized into to do God's will. People in the same karass participate to help each other achieve cosmic goals-all perfectly unwittingly. And there's granfalloons, which are false karasses created by people themselves, and which are meaningless. Examples of granfalloons are, according to Vonnegut, "the Communist Party, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the General Electric Company, the International Order of Oddfellows-and any nation, anytime, anywhere." While the narrative is broken up into staccato chapters containing references to future events, the book mainly follows a standard timeline-basically, from beginning to end-unlike his most sophisticated and emotionally charged book, Slaughterhouse Five. Nevertheless, while not on a par with Slaughterhouse Five, Cat's Cradle is an enjoyable romp into Vonnegut's colorful imagination and worth a read.
Rating: Summary: See the Cat? See the Cradle? Review: I'm not going to write a lengthy review, but I must say that this book, among other Vonnegut writings, has changed my way of thought. He's the cynic with a heart indeed and with a type of humor that will "blow" your mind. I highly recommend this book if you want to have a new perspective on life.
Rating: Summary: Interesting and Thought Provoking Review: I had heard of Kurt Vonnegut for some time, and decided to subjectively decide upon his brilliance. I chose Cat's Cradle as my introduction to the crazy world of Vonnegut, and I must say that I was impressed. His writing is witty, funny, and unique. His cast of characters were unbelievable and hilarious. His comments on religion, politics, science, etc. were profound and thought provoking. Vonnegut's genius only takes precedence in your mind days after you have finsihed this work, as you constantly anaylze his statements and beliefs. It has been a long time since I have had to anaylze a novel, but Cat's Cradle serves as an interesting piece to dwell upon.
Rating: Summary: A Coldly Humorous End for the World Review: Ice-nine is a substance that will freeze anything it touches. Invented by Felix Hoenikker, one of the scientists who created the atomic bomb, it has the potential to bring the world to an end by turning the planet into a freezing ball. "Cat's Cradle" is a novel full of sharp satire and irony. The narrator, who is writing a book about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, meets in the course of his research a variety of weird and wonderful characters who recount their experiences of the late Dr. Hoenikker. This leads him on a quest to find Hoeniker's three children, who each possess "chips" of Ice-nine... A novel that has been compared a number of times to "Dr Strangelove", "Cat's Cradle" is a witty, dry-humored approach to the apocalypse. Although Hoenikker's three children are weird, I could relate to these characters more than any of the others in the book. The way in which the world comes to an end is so ironic and offbeat. I can imagine Terry Gilliam making a movie of this novel. With his quirky approach to film-making, I'm sure it would work well.
Rating: Summary: more than just a great work of literature Review: this book is more than a gretawork of literature. this book has a heart and soul. beyond description.
Rating: Summary: Continues to be an important work Review: I read Cat's Cradle when I was about 15, and I just reread it recently as a 39 year old. While the book remains an important work, I think a bit of the urgency and vitality wore off. I remembered that it had some cool ice-stuff and a frozen dog from being a teen. Upon this reading, I was amazed how spiritual the essence of the story seemed under the layers of obvious satire. Jonah, the reporter, is attracted to the exotic Mona, not because of her beauty (but being the typical male, that's what he thinks) but because, ultimately through the simple act of touching his feet to hers, he finds God. Vonnegut seems a very anti-religious man.....hating the organized religions of the world, but still facing up to the fact that God can be found anywhere and everywhere, even if one dosen't know what one seeks. The book, due to it's anti nuclear theme, was perhaps more urgent in the 1970's, but it is still a laugh-out-loud enjoyable read. I also admire the layers of storytelling. It is one of my favorite Vonnegut offerings.
Rating: Summary: This is pure satire Review: Satire on just about everything here religon, peronist's, people, dictators and so on. A pleasure to read. A modern Swift.
Rating: Summary: This is my favorite Vonnegut novel so far. Review: This is my favorite Vonnegut novel so far. It has great usesage of humor and satire that still rings true today. Even people I know who aren't fans of Vonnegut, enjoy "Cat's Cradle." If you are to Vonnegut, I would also suggest this novel. Learn all about "Ice 9" and a world in which science has gone mad.
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