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Kurt Vonnegut

A man without a country

At the start of A man without a country Kurt Vonnegut explains how as a child in a large family he took to humour as a way of getting himself heard. I thought to myself 'Well that explains a lot'. For I have to say I have never got on with his work, and it seems to me to be constantly saying 'look at me, aren't I strange'. The book starts off OK, with details of Vonnegut's life - but it doesn't last, and really the best recommendation I can give for this book is that it's fairly short, and would serve as a taster, to see how you felt about Vonnegut's writing.

Vonnegut is often said to be Mark Twain's literary successor. I'm not convinced myself, but even if this is the case, then, well I've still got plenty of the original Mark Twain's work to read.

Towards the end of the book he seems to lapse into fairly uniform criticism of the USA, and at one points explains how he advises a new mother that the best she can do for her child is emigrate. In a way I prefer those Americans who are convinced that everyone else in the world wants to go and live there - at least I can laugh at them.

Amazon.com info

Hardcover 192 pages
ISBN: 158322713X
Salesrank: 203021
Weight:0.7 lbs

Published: 2005 Seven Stories Press

Amazon price $16.29

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Amazon.co.uk info

Hardcover 160 pages
ISBN: 0747584060
Salesrank: 189229
Weight:0.79 lbs

Published: 2006 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Amazon price £11.24

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Amazon.ca info

Hardcover 192 pages
ISBN: 158322713X
Salesrank: 76893
Weight:0.7 lbs

Published: 2005 Seven Stories Press

Amazon price CDN$ 18.87

Marketplace:New from CDN$ 11.97:Used from CDN$ 7.60

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Product Description
A Man Without a Country is Kurt Vonnegut's hilarious and razor-sharp look at life ("If I die-God forbid-I would like to go to heaven to ask somebody in charge up there, Hey, what was the good news and what was the bad news?'"), art ("To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it."), politics ("I asked former Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton what he thought of our great victory over Iraq and he said, Mohammed Ali versus Mr. Rogers.'"), and the condition of the soul of America today ("What has happened to us?"). Gleaned from short essays and speeches composed over the last five years and plentifully illustrated with artwork by the author throughout, A Man Without a Country gives us Vonnegut both speaking out with indignation and writing tenderly to his fellow Americans, sometimes joking, at other times hopeless, always searching. Kurt Vonnegut is among the very few grandmasters of contemporary American letters, without whom the very term "American literature" would mean less than it does. His novels include Cat's Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five, among so many others. Projects with Seven Stories Press in recent years include God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian and, with Lee Stringer, Like Shaking Hands with God, a book about writing. His most recent novel is Timequake (1997). In addition to his writing, Vonnegut is a visual artist of note. His paintings and prints can be seen at www.vonnegut.com. He lives with his wife, photographer Jill Krementz, in New York City. Daniel Simon is the founder and publisher of Seven Stories Press and served as editor on two previous books by Kurt Vonnegut, God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian and, with Lee Stringer, Like Shaking Hands God. Simon is also co-author of a biography of Abbie Hoffman, Run, Run, Run: The Lives of Abbie Hoffman.

Product Description

A Man Without a Country is Kurt Vonnegut's hilarious and razor-sharp look at life ("If I die-God forbid-I would like to go to heaven to ask somebody in charge up there, Hey, what was the good news and what was the bad news?'"), art ("To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it."), politics ("I asked former Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton what he thought of our great victory over Iraq and he said, Mohammed Ali versus Mr. Rogers.'"), and the condition of the soul of America today ("What has happened to us?"). Gleaned from short essays and speeches composed over the last five years and plentifully illustrated with artwork by the author throughout, A Man Without a Country gives us Vonnegut both speaking out with indignation and writing tenderly to his fellow Americans, sometimes joking, at other times hopeless, always searching.

Kurt Vonnegut is among the very few grandmasters of contemporary American letters, without whom the very term "American literature" would mean less than it does. His novels include Cat's Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five, among so many others. Projects with Seven Stories Press in recent years include God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian and, with Lee Stringer, Like Shaking Hands with God, a book about writing. His most recent novel is Timequake (1997). In addition to his writing, Vonnegut is a visual artist of note. His paintings and prints can be seen at www.vonnegut.com. He lives with his wife, photographer Jill Krementz, in New York City.

Daniel Simon is the founder and publisher of Seven Stories Press and served as editor on two previous books by Kurt Vonnegut, God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian and, with Lee Stringer, Like Shaking Hands God. Simon is also co-author of a biography of Abbie Hoffman, Run, Run, Run: The Lives of Abbie Hoffman.

Vonnegut Never Fails *****
"A Man Without A Country" is a must read for anyone who loves Mr. Vonnegut. It is a collection of short essays and writings published 2 years before his death. Written in true Vonnegut fashion, I believe he is on point with his satire and knowledge of the world more then ever. He is as sharp as knife with his commentary, and convincing as hell, using stories from history to back up his words. It may come off as the rantings of a crotchety old man, but I think that Vonnegut has earned his right and anyone who is not wearing blinders can truly see. This is a man who lived through the great depression, and fought in WWII. It is obvious that any true American can relate. One subject that truly struck me was how he talked about his generation, and how they dreamed of better tomorrow for their children and grandchildren. He then compares our generation to addicts trying to work through AA, just living day to day, with no hope of a better tomorrow. Another aspect of this book I enjoyed was a chapter in which he answered some fans who wrote him letters. It was a very easy read, too, I read it in one sitting. I kept on noticing my mind wondering when I was reading, "Man. I wish I could've had shared a smoke with this guy."

Vonnegut Never Fails *****

"A Man Without A Country" is a must read for anyone who loves Mr. Vonnegut. It is a collection of short essays and writings published 2 years before his death. Written in true Vonnegut fashion, I believe he is on point with his satire and knowledge of the world more then ever. He is as sharp as knife with his commentary, and convincing as hell, using stories from history to back up his words. It may come off as the rantings of a crotchety old man, but I think that Vonnegut has earned his right and anyone who is not wearing blinders can truly see. This is a man who lived through the great depression, and fought in WWII. It is obvious that any true American can relate. One subject that truly struck me was how he talked about his generation, and how they dreamed of better tomorrow for their children and grandchildren. He then compares our generation to addicts trying to work through AA, just living day to day, with no hope of a better tomorrow. Another aspect of this book I enjoyed was a chapter in which he answered some fans who wrote him letters. It was a very easy read, too, I read it in one sitting. I kept on noticing my mind wondering when I was reading, "Man. I wish I could've had shared a smoke with this guy."

Compare to Kurt and Dlyan *****
Imagine yourself trying to become someone important in life or contributing something back to the world that children would read about in their books. Imagine if someone said your name in passing they would say, "Yes, I heard that name before, he/she is a famous writer/actor/business owner. Imagine starting out on the streets with little or nothing to your name. Imagine struggling through confusion and loneliness, through tears and pain and even some times full of ironic laughter. Well big shots like Bob Dylan and Kurt Vonnegut had periods in their lives exactly like what I just described. Many people know Bob Dylan as a famous folk singer. What they may or may not realize is how he became the man he is to us today. He wasn't always a famous singer; he started at the bottom just like millions of other writers, singers or poets. In the dark cafes in New York City, he played his guitar and harmonica and told his story. He has been an influence through his music for more than forty years. He has made many albums, and that's want he wanted to do, to tell his stories through his songs. Kurt Vonnegut is best known for his use of humor and satire in his writing. A Man without a Country is a book of essays he wrote with different opinions on many subjects to different people. Kurt Vonnegut wrote without having to offend people like most comedians do. Blacks, Whites, Jews, Catholics, politicians, all have in someway been mentioned in his stories and opinions. Kurt Vonnegut talked about how things that he has learned over his lifetime. He is not afraid to put those beliefs on paper even if his words could be insulting to his readers. These essays would become his final book that would share his opinions and thoughts of the world he lived in. That book answers the question on what does it mean to be human.

Compare to Kurt and Dlyan *****

Imagine yourself trying to become someone important in life or contributing something back to the world that children would read about in their books. Imagine if someone said your name in passing they would say, "Yes, I heard that name before, he/she is a famous writer/actor/business owner. Imagine starting out on the streets with little or nothing to your name. Imagine struggling through confusion and loneliness, through tears and pain and even some times full of ironic laughter. Well big shots like Bob Dylan and Kurt Vonnegut had periods in their lives exactly like what I just described.
Many people know Bob Dylan as a famous folk singer. What they may or may not realize is how he became the man he is to us today. He wasn't always a famous singer; he started at the bottom just like millions of other writers, singers or poets. In the dark cafes in New York City, he played his guitar and harmonica and told his story. He has been an influence through his music for more than forty years. He has made many albums, and that's want he wanted to do, to tell his stories through his songs.
Kurt Vonnegut is best known for his use of humor and satire in his writing. A Man without a Country is a book of essays he wrote with different opinions on many subjects to different people. Kurt Vonnegut wrote without having to offend people like most comedians do. Blacks, Whites, Jews, Catholics, politicians, all have in someway been mentioned in his stories and opinions. Kurt Vonnegut talked about how things that he has learned over his lifetime. He is not afraid to put those beliefs on paper even if his words could be insulting to his readers. These essays would become his final book that would share his opinions and thoughts of the world he lived in. That book answers the question on what does it mean to be human.

Final thoughts *****
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.

Final thoughts *****

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.

A Great Man's Final Rant ***
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.

A Great Man's Final Rant ***

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.

I wish I could have met him *****
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.

I wish I could have met him *****

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.

Too old to care how controversial he is. *****
I love this book, and I have immense respect for Mr.V. I've read most of his books. He has turned me on to lots of ideas, Humanism being the main one. In this round up of thoughts, he points out some very uncomfortable truths about the world we live in and our ignorance and he does this with frank bare-faced honesty, a man not long for this world he has so much to say to us, he has seen and been through so many things. He was in Dresden when the British bombed it, and the horror of it practically drove him mad, I believe his wife/mother drank Draino and killed herself, most of his friends are dead, he invented a religon and created Kigore Trout. When you read him, each sentence is loaded with thought and wit, he's like a full bodied wine. I look forward to his next book.

Too old to care how controversial he is. *****

I love this book, and I have immense respect for Mr.V. I've read most of his books. He has turned me on to lots of ideas, Humanism being the main one.

In this round up of thoughts, he points out some very uncomfortable truths about the world we live in and our ignorance and he does this with frank bare-faced honesty, a man not long for this world he has so much to say to us, he has seen and been through so many things. He was in Dresden when the British bombed it, and the horror of it practically drove him mad, I believe his wife/mother drank Draino and killed herself, most of his friends are dead, he invented a religon and created Kigore Trout. When you read him, each sentence is loaded with thought and wit, he's like a full bodied wine.

I look forward to his next book.

Money for old rope... ***
Vonnegut fans will find nothing new in this. Having said that, it's a funny, bright and quick read. If you're fan you will have bought it already, if not buy one of his novels first.

Money for old rope... ***

Vonnegut fans will find nothing new in this. Having said that, it's a funny, bright and quick read. If you're fan you will have bought it already, if not buy one of his novels first.

Still as sharp as ever ****
Great to see that Vonnegut is still as wise and as cutting as ever in this latest (hopefully not last...at 83 we still don't to lose him!) outing. Although some of the ground (and a few of the anecdotes) may be familiar to diehard fans, his razor wit and observation couple with this outrage at the evils of the world and you can't help but be uplifted. What a spirit, what a guy!

Still as sharp as ever ****

Great to see that Vonnegut is still as wise and as cutting as ever in this latest (hopefully not last...at 83 we still don't to lose him!) outing. Although some of the ground (and a few of the anecdotes) may be familiar to diehard fans, his razor wit and observation couple with this outrage at the evils of the world and you can't help but be uplifted. What a spirit, what a guy!

Vonnegut is a legend *****
if you haven't read vonnegut's novels then read them. all of them. now. (my personal fave is Breakfast of Champions). the man is a subversive genius with an astonishing imagination and a unique way with words. if you have read his novels, then you will no doubt be in love with this guy. if so, then this book is a must-read. simple as that. (p.s - anyone that doesn't like him must be either illiterate or a republican. so you might as well just ignore the bad reviews.)

Vonnegut is a legend *****

if you haven't read vonnegut's novels then read them. all of them. now. (my personal fave is Breakfast of Champions). the man is a subversive genius with an astonishing imagination and a unique way with words.

if you have read his novels, then you will no doubt be in love with this guy. if so, then this book is a must-read. simple as that.

(p.s - anyone that doesn't like him must be either illiterate or a republican. so you might as well just ignore the bad reviews.)

An interesting read... ****
I bought this from amazon's American site last year. It really is good, although as commented elsewhere, parts of it have appeared elsewhere, notably the In these Times website. It seems to me to be aimed at finding Vonnegut a new audience however, and for those who haven't read him before it's excellent stuff. Those who follow his works closely might want to hope that he finished the novel he says "won't be finished".

An interesting read... ****

I bought this from amazon's American site last year. It really is good, although as commented elsewhere, parts of it have appeared elsewhere, notably the In these Times website. It seems to me to be aimed at finding Vonnegut a new audience however, and for those who haven't read him before it's excellent stuff. Those who follow his works closely might want to hope that he finished the novel he says "won't be finished".

The guy can't write a bad book *****
Having read everything that Mr. V has ever written, I was salivating, waiting for this next foray into weird-land. I was not disappointed. Everything this man touches turns to gold, and his latest literary effort is no exception. If you want to ponder humanity, the human condition, and all that goes with it, then this will be your cup of tea. I bought this along with Jackson McCrae’s “Katzenjammer” and loved both books. You will too.

The guy can't write a bad book *****

Having read everything that Mr. V has ever written, I was salivating, waiting for this next foray into weird-land. I was not disappointed. Everything this man touches turns to gold, and his latest literary effort is no exception. If you want to ponder humanity, the human condition, and all that goes with it, then this will be your cup of tea. I bought this along with Jackson McCrae’s “Katzenjammer” and loved both books. You will too.