Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
A really good collection of Kurt Vonnegut's short stories. I enjoyed reading them all.
I read the story "Harrison Bergeron" in high school (who didn't?) and to prove it, I can show you the book. Because I stole this. Sorry, RHS! I blame Nancy. (Actually, I know I read "Welcome to the Monkey House" (the eponymous short story) in Seminar. Because I remember uh wow I can't even remember her name anymore, the English teacher who wasn't Helen -- I remember her talking about all the feminine imagery, like walking through a drainage pipe, and the ocean, and a boat, and Amanda Bell (I think it was Amanda Bell) insisting that the snub nosed revolver, as a phallic symbol, trumped all of that. And that it wasn't the suicide parlor chick saying "Pointless," it was Vonnegut. MAN did she hate Vonnegut.)
Anyway.
I re-read this because I am re-reading a bunch of Vonnegut, looking for a suitable reading for the wedding. I love Kurt Vonnegut, and he says a lot of things that I feel. I haven't found anything appropriate yet. I'll let you know.
The stories are mostly only okay. You don't hear Vonnegut's voice in them, not as overtly, anyway, as in later works -- though I suppose some people might prefer that.
The sci fi short stories do exactly what short science fiction is supposed to do: they expand on something that we think we want (like "being happy" or "living forever") and take it to an extreme, show us how maybe we don't want that after all. He does it well, and he keeps things short and sweet, and to be honest I think they all come off as impressively not-dated.
My favorites are the eponymous story, and the last one, about the stuff that can make you live forever. I didn't even re-read "Harrison Bergeron" this time around, because I'm tired of people asking about it in the "What Was That Book?" community. I also like the one about the girl and the cat. And "Long Walk To Forever" -- it's cheesy and sentimental, but I like it anyway, I can't help it.
Anyway.
I re-read this because I am re-reading a bunch of Vonnegut, looking for a suitable reading for the wedding. I love Kurt Vonnegut, and he says a lot of things that I feel. I haven't found anything appropriate yet. I'll let you know.
The stories are mostly only okay. You don't hear Vonnegut's voice in them, not as overtly, anyway, as in later works -- though I suppose some people might prefer that.
The sci fi short stories do exactly what short science fiction is supposed to do: they expand on something that we think we want (like "being happy" or "living forever") and take it to an extreme, show us how maybe we don't want that after all. He does it well, and he keeps things short and sweet, and to be honest I think they all come off as impressively not-dated.
My favorites are the eponymous story, and the last one, about the stuff that can make you live forever. I didn't even re-read "Harrison Bergeron" this time around, because I'm tired of people asking about it in the "What Was That Book?" community. I also like the one about the girl and the cat. And "Long Walk To Forever" -- it's cheesy and sentimental, but I like it anyway, I can't help it.
In this set of short stories, Vonnegut is Vonnegut. He's concerned about the dangers of overpopulation, war and technology. But even more like Vonnegut, he celebrates humanity.
Like any short story collection, some pieces are great, while some are crap. My favorite include "All the King's Horses," "EPICAP," and "Unready to Wear." Still, all stories in Monkey House are enjoyable and classic Vonnegut.
Like any short story collection, some pieces are great, while some are crap. My favorite include "All the King's Horses," "EPICAP," and "Unready to Wear." Still, all stories in Monkey House are enjoyable and classic Vonnegut.
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
reflective
Harrison Bergeron will forever be one of my favorites.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Some truly great short stories in here. A shame that the titular story does have something of importance to say but the way the point is brought home doesn't mesh well with modern, nor indeed my, sensibilities.
My favorites were: The Foster Portfolio, D.P., All the King's Horses, Deer in the Works, More Stately Mansions, New Dictionary
My favorites were: The Foster Portfolio, D.P., All the King's Horses, Deer in the Works, More Stately Mansions, New Dictionary
Extremely entertaining and clever. Only gave 3 stars because of the title story "welcome to the monkey house," as a feminist and a human, I hate this one. I get that he is a satirical writer, but considering that the story was first published in playboy, I think its safe to assume he fucked up with that one.