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Thursday, April 12, 2007

Kurt Vonnegut Dead

Seminal American author and sometime political activist, Kurt Vonnegut, has died. He was 84.

Vonnegut rose to popularity in the 1960s and 70s with such classics as Slaughterhouse Five. He went on to pen several short stories and other fiction pieces, plays, and essays. Some other titles include Slapstick, Welcome to the Monkey House, and Breakfast of Champions.

Perhaps more well-known than his actual works is his place in pop culture. He appeared in films as himself; many major characters were seen reading his books; and many times he and/or his works were mentioned. Two of the best instances that spring directly to mind are Footloose and Back to School.

Vonnegut was - and will remain - immensely popular, especially amongst college kids. I happen to own most all of his books and have tried to read several off and on throughout the years, but... I honestly just don't get it. Something like most of the stuff William Gibson writes, the chapters and scenes are extremely short but take on an air of great import, which I find precocious and pretentious. I'm not ashamed to admit that I've simply never gotten Vonnegut - and I have tried.

Either way, his passing is a sad thing and all of us here wish he and his family well.

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