A review by kalventure
Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut

challenging reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"Fascism was a fairly popular political philosophy which made sacred whatever nation and race the philosopher happened to belong to. It called for an autocratic, centralized government, headed up by a dictator. The dictator had to be obeyed, no matter what he told somebody to do."

First published in 1973, Vonnegut's satire holds a blunt mirror up at the core of Midwestern Americana mentality, reflecting back the rampant racism and misogyny that permeates within MAGA rhetoric, making it all the more relevant today despite being written over fifty years ago. 

This novel breaks a lot of conventions, as if Vonnegut is struggling with a displeasure of the publishing industry as well as American society. It's weird and disjointed, shocking and painful, but a powerful read with illustrations from Vonnegut himself included (*).

Re-reading one of your favorite authors in graduate school is an absolute treat, especially in the current political environment. 
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