A Man Without a Country by Kurt Vonnegut Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of A Man Without a Country
Book Review: Final thoughts
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished re-reading this book. It is sad and funny , plump with joy and fear. Funny how all these feelings feed on one another. I think this book is a bit like the Last Lecture---final thoughts from a life: people can be nutty(he really goes after pols) but don't let this harsh truth make you fold up your tent; understand the value of humor, not the Bob Hope superficial gruel but the Mark Twain, we are all in a pickle together wisdom ; try to be kind and, failing that, try to do no harm. My favorite section---how to plot out a book, replete with charts. He was a great writer because he made it look so simple. And that's hard. At 145 pages, a night or weekend's reading.Book Review: A Great Man's Final Rant
Summary: 3 Stars
Not denying that KV was a giant of late 20th century American letters. This is like reading an amusing rant from a guy who knew his best was behind him. A quick read, mildly amusing, at times thought provoking but not at all representative of his best work. If a young reader picks this up and is inspired to read his earlier stuff then this book has served it's purpose.Book Review: I wish I could have met him
Summary: 5 Stars
I read the book the same day I bought it. The only downside is that it is too short. However, it's an excellent read. Reading this is like sitting next an old man telling you about the fascinating life he has lived. It is witty, pointed, and brings up some excellent food for thought. Fans of Vonnegut may notice some repeated thoughts from earlier books but this one still managed to bring up some original laugh out loud funny items.
When I was finished with the book, I didn't feel as if I just read something. I felt like I had just finished talking with a wise old friend.
Book Review: A Man Without A Country
Summary: 5 Stars
A great last work. If you have any quarrels with the Bush, the Iraq war, etc... This is a hilarious title.Book Review: We're here to help each other get through this thing, whatever it is.
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a fan, I admit that I'd read KV's grocery list if he'd let me. Fortunately this is so much more than a grocery list. Other reviewers have said that this book is a disappointment, that it wasn't deep or that it strayed into areas where Kurt shouldn't have gone. I disagree.
This book was written at the end of a man's life. His writing changed throughout his lifetime, along with his health, his thinking and his interests. This isn't his best book if you're measuring it against Cat's Cradle, but it is an excellent book if you're considering where the ideas came from, where the author has been, and where the author was in his lifespan when he wrote this.
We will all age and grow and change. Some of that will make us wiser and more interesting, some of that will just make us different. I've enjoyed watching Mr. Vonnegut grow and change through his writing and was not at all disappointed with this book.