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kierank's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Racial slurs, Violence, and Car accident
Moderate: Death and Suicide
kolbyfeesh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Since he was actively shunning storytelling, the story was difficult to engage with- the satirical framing of the issues of america was interesting, but nothing much *happened*. I will say that Trout’s short stories were an excellent plot device.
The ending absolutely blew me away. I was enthralled, through and through, and couldn’t put it down.
Graphic: Violence and Racial slurs
paulwesterberg's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I am better now.
Word of honor: I am better now.
probably my least favorite vonnegut thus far—but also the kurt vonnegut, jr. narrator feature is simply peak. not sure if this was the perfect time of my life, or absolute worst time, for me to read this one.
Graphic: Violence, Mental illness, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide, Transphobia, Rape, and Homophobia
joensign's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Racism, Homophobia, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Sexism, Rape, Suicide, and Animal death
Minor: Death of parent
crabbynico's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
At some point, I will review this more in depth when it is fresher in my mind. For now, I will say that this was a wild ride that goes almost nowhere, like a roller coaster making a loop, and is no less fun for it. There’s more slapstick here than some of his other works, the narration is at times absurd and there is rather heavy usage of some racial slurs and stereotypes. Yes, they are used to mock racist ways of thinking and the systems that support it, but it’s done in a very dry way that might not be immediately apparent to everyone. That’s not so much a criticism as a caution. There is also a smaller amount of similar content regarding homophobia and one thing near the end that is quite upsetting in that regard.
My big takeaway was mostly just feeling sorry for everyone involved. It wasn’t a bummer of a book by any means, with Vonnegut’s trademark absurdist humor providing the levity to float me through it all. That said, I would not relish another trip to the city of Midland, as it is a very bleak place.
Graphic: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Suicide, and Mental illness
To put it bluntly: a violent hate crime is perpetrated on a man by his father, in the midst of a psychotic episode. While not deeply graphic, it is implied that his face is barely recognizable as a face afterwards. Also, a former convict waxes nostalgic about prison sex and fucking cows so—yeah, there’s that.johndougmike's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Racial slurs, Sexual content, and Violence
granolalezbian's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Racial slurs
meekumoh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Racial slurs, Slavery, Racism, and Suicide
Moderate: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Addiction, Death, Grief, Ableism, and Death of parent
krisroll's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Graphic: Abortion, Car accident, Death of parent, Suicide attempt, Rape, Self harm, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Slavery, Blood, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexism, Sexual content, War, Violence, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual harassment
zosiablue's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
(Though I know what he's doing, the race stuff doesn't age well at all. That's worth more than a parenthetical for sure, but just a warning.)
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Mental illness
Moderate: Sexism, Classism, Suicide, and Grief