A Man Without A Country

Even hardcore Vonnegut fans were disappointed with his more recent offerings (God Bless You Dr. Kervokian and Timequake), and when Kurt promised not to write again, there were more than a few of us who (at least quietly) agreed that he might be on to a pretty good idea. Vonnegut, however, could not keep that promise, and I for one am happy. In A Man Without A Country, Vonnegut has regained his old fire.

Like classic Vonnegut, A Man Without A Country is a short, poignant read, including guest appearances by Bokonon and Kilgore Trout. This time, however, Vonnegut comes right to the point. For instance, he threatens to sue the makers of Pall Mall cigarettes because he hasn’t died yet, even though the packs clearly warn that smoking should’ve killed him long ago. Says Vonnegut, “The last thing I ever wanted was to be alive when the three most powerful people on the whole planet would be named Bush, Dick, and Colon.”

If you’re looking for words of hope in a depressing world, this is probably not the book for you. However, that hope is still there. Writes Vonnegut, “All I really wanted to do was give people the relief of laughing.” And you did. And you did. Or, to once again quote from Vonnegut, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.”

Thank you, Kurt, for allowing me to laugh at the absurdity that masquerades as life.

Next up on my night stand is Jimmy Carter’s new book. Both Vonnegut and Carter were presents from my daughter and son-in-law. What a nice thing to give to somebody. Books.