Matthew’s Comments (group member since Mar 08, 2015)

Matthew’s comments from the Reading List Completists group.

Unfortunately, when I finished this - my second time through - I realized that this is still a 3 star book for me. It is not my favorite Vonnegut - that distinction probably belongs to Cat's Cradle.

I know that throughout his career he tried some unique scenarios that tested the limits of imagination, but it was just too disjointed for me in this one - I felt a little like he was fighting to make a point, and I was never entirely sure what it was.

I can, say, though, if I look at this book as shorter little anecdotes and not as a complete work, it feels better to me. There are some very interesting discussion points in each separate section.

Grapes of Wrath begins today - enjoy another classic!

TheLongWait wrote: "Glad to hear. I will come up with some more later if u like"

Very interesting - I remember those parts, but had yet to tie them into a theme. Seems like a lot of Avril's personality and how it influenced the other members of the Incandenza are key points here.

TheLongWait wrote: "Also a key scene to remember from this section pgs 724-728, 651-662, and footnote 269 pgs 1047-1052. key plot points if u can read them closely"

I have my Infinite Jest time set aside for tonight - not only will I do my next section of reading, I am going to go back and check these out.

Thanks - I am going to have to check those sections out again. I do frequently notice the reoccurring theme, but you have got the notes and references to back it up!

I really like the parts with Kate Gompert.

Hey, TheLongWait, the part you had me reference for pages 755 to 769 (How can you tell if someone is sad?) is the part I mention above. Kate Gompert, psychotic depression, and the author's cry for help.

I finally finished this up - I may have been the last one who was participating who hadn't finished.

This was a very interesting story that makes you think about our place in the world and the political and social issues that plague us. Even though this related to the cold war, I think a lot of the issues are still very pertinent today.

Possible spoiler-ish stuff to follow - not spoiler tagging it, but proceed with caution!

The biggest question would be how far would we go to save our planet and humanity itself? There have been several books, movies, etc. recently that start with the idea of mass extinction caused by disaster being the "bad thing", but by the end all the characters are starting to wonder if it is necessary for the survival of the majority. This book makes you think about this scenario in the same way.

I will not be defeated by Infinite Jest!

When it comes to discussing Infinite Jest, I find it difficult to tell if something is going to be a spoiler.

I did pick this up at the library - pretty beaten up copy, had to tape it up right away! Will start sometime in July.

I read it in high school and I remember that I loved it.

This book is so weird!

I noticed a "Reagan for President" bumper sticker and this book was published in the 60s. Very astute of Vonnegut!

Discuss the Lots of Lists Poll winner for July 2015 here!

Jennifer wrote: "The Grapes of Wrath it is, it seems! I will get my copy this weekend. :)"

Good call! The Grapes of Wrath it is!

Lots in here lately about the pressures put on young kids to succeed leading to depression and drug use. Knowing the fate of the author, was this book a cry for help? (especially p. 692 to 698 - Kate Gompert is back and psychotically depressed)

I am about 1/3 of the way through so far. It is interesting, but much more unusual I remember. Vonnegut is always unique!

I am thinking about it . . . might read it after the next few I have lined up.

Glad you are enjoying it!

Going to start my re-read today!

The ETA boys encounter a gross fridge stored in the recesses of the academy. I expected what they would find to be much worse than spoiled food.

Just a couple more days to vote for the July Book . . . The Grapes of Wrath currently has a slight lead over Blood Meridian