A brilliant, witty social commentary. "Cat's Cradle" puts the magnitude of human gullibility and stupidity into perspective. It's funny, intelligent, a little dark here and there, but it's unerringly wise and clear-sighted. The significance of the cat's cradle is beautiful, but I won't spoil that here.

The story is told in the first person. The main character, John, is led by fateful events into the lives of the children of Felix Hoenikker, the fictional creator of The Bomb and inventor of deadly 'Ice-Nine'.

In the opening pages it states: "Nothing in this book is true." I would amend that to exclude Vonnegut's insight into human nature.

It also states: "Live by the 'foma' (harmless untruths) that make you brave and kind and healthy and happy." Therein lies the secret to a long and fulfilling life.

Read it, absorb it, enjoy it.

Anyone mature enough to be able to laugh at themselves.

Bokononism. What a hoot! I'd join in a heartbeat.

The fact that he breaks some of the "rules" of writing that I'm trying so hard to stick to, and gets away with it!

Read everything Kurt Vonnegut ever wrote. I wish I had one drop of the man's talent.

Buoyed and inspired.

Is brilliant!

I don't recommend this book to anyone who is devoutly religious, or who takes themselves, or humanity, too seriously.

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of Cat's Cradle   from Amazon.Com!

Created Jul 02, 2007 at 11:13am • Submit your own review...