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Kurt Vonnegut takes his readers on a wild, science-fiction-like ride in his novel "Breakfast of Champions": the title a reference to a martini. Sprinkled with a healthy dose Vonnegut's drawings, and his insistence on injecting himself into the narrative to as a guide and to move the story arc along, the tale is a fast and funny read. Vonnegut's alter-ego, Kilgore Trout, the down-on-his-luck science fiction writer, has been invited to give a talk at the grand opening of a center for the arts in Midland City, Ohio by his number one fan, Eliot Rosewater. From that launching point, the book follows its main character- Dwayne Hoover, a business wheeler-dealer in the town of Midland City- down the proverbial rabbit hole into madness, a condition brought on by the work of Kilgore Trout. As Dwayne cracks, then crumbles, "Breakfast of Champions" coolly spotlights the effects his dementia has on the cast of characters surrounding him. Vonnegut gives us a glimpse into Trout's- and, of course, his- psyche with Trout's tombstone inscription: "We are healthy only to the extent that our ideas are humane." "Breakfast of Champions" is a slippery, lucid, darkly humorous romp through the America into which it was written. The book contains less of a plot than a series of events that come crashing together like orchestral cymbals at the climax of the opus, but it is vehicle enough to carry Vonnegut's unique opinions on America, sex, war, love, and all of his other pet topics. At the same time, that, of all things, is what makes this book enjoyable to read.Read full review
This book was in great condition. Love it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Breakfast of Champions was my introduction to Kurt Vonnegut several years ago. I was so amused by his "artwork" in the front of the book, that I had see what was to come. I was taken on a wonderfully witty journey through America's apple pie. This is a satirical look at some of the things we seem to value the most. It is like looking at "a day in the life" through googly-eyed glasses. I laughed so much at times. It was a great read!
Vonnegut, in a seemingly unsophisticated offering, sprinkles jewels of wit, wisdom, and irrevence. Mid-life struggles and musings are threaded into a backdrop for a delightful adventure. Vonnegut jumps in and out of the scenes...sometimes with asides...other times interacting with his characters. The reading is a trip worth taking if you want to have your mind tickled and flexed.
Good stuff
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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