Rating: 
Summary: Vonnegut is king, this is not his best
Review: this novel is a Vonnegut, and I should start by saying that he is my favorite author of all time, so you should definitely read this book. However, if you have NEVER read Vonnegut, don't start here, really. Start with something he wrote after the fifties. Many may disagree but Hocus Pocus, while not my favorite, is a good place to start. The Sirens of Titan is a little too heavy sci-fi for me, but aside from KV, I really don't like sci-fi books. I am VERY impressed with KV's philosophy being so well honed by this early time in his career. If you are a Vonnegut fan, Player Piano was better because it was his first and it still held many of the same philosophies. It seems in the seven years between PP and TSOT the only thing he added was his wild sci-fi fantasies. That is not to say his fantasies are bad, they can be interesting, but here I was bored with the whole "big brother" type control theme he used. I just don't feel he expanded on it in any way that made me look at the whole theme in a new way. AND HEY, that is one of my favorite themes.That said, it is still KV, THE best writer of the 20th century bar none.
Rating: 
Summary: Years ahead of its time
Review: Or maybe just timeless. This book deserves to be considered among the ranks of Brave New World and Catch 22. Clearly the inspiration for Douglas Adams works, but with a much more subtle subcontext; idiot, soldier, robot, worshipped leader - all just pawns on the chess board for some larger purpose they can't comprehend. The beauty is that every character firmly believes he/she/it understands the role of those directly below, and have no true idea of their own purpose. White hot in its simplicity and clarity. Beyond all the intriguing themes is Vonnegut's wicked humor, on glorious display here with a little more joie de vivre than in later works like Cat's Cradle and Breakfast of Champions. This is a book I will pass down to my children - but not until they gain my sardonic sense of humor.
Rating:
Summary: momentous
Review: I love this book for so many reasons it's hard to sum up in a small review.... one thing I do enjoy throughout most of Vonneguts novels is it's mixture of complexity and simplicity. By complexity I mean his overall vision and view of life. In this book I disagree with one of the comments on the back cover that refers to Vonnegut answering the meaning of life. One of the things that most interest me about his novels is not the answer he gives; yet the questions he dares his readers to ask themselves. And there in lies the meaning of life. This is where his simplicity takes over. His style of writing is as if he's shining a flashlight to lead you through a dark room. This book is a must read for all Vonnegut fanes. It's still a toss up to which is the better novel this or Slaughterhouse. I think anyone would enjoy either.
Rating:
Summary: Pure Brilliance
Review: An avid Vonnegut reader, this novel is my favourite. The characters, full of personality and quirky behaviour, demand attention, and well deservingly, succeed. In following Malachi on his "spiritual" journey through space and time, one can not help but fall prey to the brilliance of Vonnegut's narration. A classic novel, comprised of pure wit and social critique, this is a definite read for anyone, espcially those who adhere to a cynical view of life, the universe, and everything.
Rating:
Summary: top Vonnegut
Review: Unlike many of his other books, this one relies upon the science fiction, and Vonnegut works wonders with it. I question why in later books he let it become less integral. He does a very satisfying job of conveying how fleeting and pointless he feels life sometimes seems to be.
Rating:
Summary: "Somebody up there likes me"
Review: *Warning*--May contain spoilers. I say to you this, no other book has influenced the way in which I act, or precieve things as much as 'Sirens of Titan'. A book, almost laughably outlandish, that takes the reader on a journey through both time and the life of Malachi Constant, the "luckiest" son of a gun you'll ever meet. Atleast untill he meets Rumfoord and his dog Kazak. In trying to teach Mr. Constant a lesson that there is no such thing as luck, Rumfoord finds that his own life has been pointlessly wasted, in what turns out to be one of the most heartbreaking scenes in literature. At the end of this book you can't help but feel sorry for all mankind, and how each and every life has been tediously used by the 'Tralfamadorians'. (One of the most extreme critisisms of religion that I've had the pleasure of reading) The idea that someone, or something influences the decisions that you make is not only depressing, but it's downright disturbing. What's the point of living life, if someone's living it for you? Let's face it, this is no uplifting book by any means. If uplifting is what you're looking for, I suggest Grisham or Seuss for that matter. Vonnegut is extremely cynical in his views on life, which is to say that he doesn't feel as though life is extremely pleasant, but he does it in such a way as to show us that life can be pleasant. Which is illustrated between Malachi and Beatrice in the final moments of this literary masterpiece. A must read.
Rating:
Summary: Worth Reading
Review: The story and charecters are not very compelling, but the theme is. I wouldn't recommend this book as a quick or lightly enjoyable read. If on the other hand you are looking for a book with ideas which will make you think for a while, I would highly recomend The Sirens of Titan. The science fiction aspects are also intrigueing as Vonnegut bends time for untraditional purposes. Be warned that this book can evoke feelings of depression. Read Vonnegut at your own risk, and remember that your only defense is laughter.
Rating:
Summary: This book Ruined my life!
Review: in that never again, since the age of 13 can i take anything in life seriously again - success, failure, suffering, or happiness. It is all illusion and allusion, one big farcical intertwined synchronicity going nowhere fast. This book is to blame for that. Parents, keep this book away from your kids! THIS is the book that should be banned in high schools! Needless to say, I have read it 3 times since I was 13, and plan to read it again soon, and have left instructions for a copy to be cremated with me when i am finally disposed of, after my trivial and inconsequential life is at last over, having gone on much too long, like a bad novel. "Greetings". please allow me to now disassemble myself, thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Not a science fiction fan? Give this a shot.
Review: Typically, I do not enjoy science fiction. It all usually just seems too unbelievable for me, and I can't get past that. Vonnegut kind of takes those typical themes that science fiction books so often have, and twists it into something so compelling you always want to read on to discover that's going to happen next. This is my second most favorite book by Vonnegut, so obviously I recommend it. The characters in it are fantastic, and the plot thickens so much you can barely contain yourself by the middle of this thing. Kurt is famous for Slaughter-House Five and Cat's Cradle, which are also great works; however, in my opinion nothing compares to his early works.
Rating:
Summary: Vonnegut at his best
Review: I've read my fair share of Vonnegut books and I have say that this is my favorite. There is just something about it that is so much fun to read once you get into the environment of it. It is so clever and just makes you want to read on to be amazed by the characters and the twists and the insights into just about everything having to do with life and people. Everyone should read Slaughterhouse-5 first, but then go to this, as it is just great to read. I almost put it down when the whole "Rented a Tent" started, but I am so glad I persisted. I would not have been able to learn about the sublime Mars invasion. Or the best characters in all of literature, the "Harmoniums." I would not have been able to learn about Malachi's brilliant investment strategies. I would not have been able to fully understand the brilliance of Vonnegut. This is more science fiction than most, but is also the most memorable. I remember so much more about this than any of the other 5 Vonnegut book's I've read. Do yourself a favor and read this, it's really cool and really fun to read. Truly enlightening. Vonnegut's most entertaining work. You MUST read this, or else... as always {{{milo}}}
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