i already lauded this book in my rec of my top five favorite books but let me go more in depth here. it is an absolute treat.
vonnegut bounces all over the place, but the main theme of this book is questioning determinism, and the idea of free will. the metafictional bits really make you question how much of your life you really have control over, and the nature of existence and agency. throw in a little bit of satirization of american culture and finding humor in chaos, and you have sort of the best book ever. encourage your critical thinking, humor, and the kindness you extend to your fellow man.
Jan 30, 2025
Comments (2)
Make an account to reply.
oh this sounds absolutely like the read i’m currently seeking- will be sure to check it out<3
you should check out the song breakfast of champions by rainer maria, i haven’t read the book but i bet they put a bunch of references in the track, their name alone is a literary ref
Related Recs
📚
It’s a non-linear narrative of the life of Rabo Karabekian, an artist and veteran writing his life story, talking about events in his life between the telling of real-time events. It's about self-destruction as much as it is creation, and it's humorous as much as it is bitterly ironic.
There are thoughts from Rabo periodically that really make you think about America and its people and about the role of others in our lives.
I’ll recommend this one til the day I day, if you’ve read it or are going to read it tell me what you think of it!!!
3d ago
🌍
i genuinely struggle to verbalise just how good this book is. after the semester ended for me in mid-december, i was grappling with some major reading burnout and legitimately felt like i could not read more than three pages of any one book at a time. a few days into the break, my sister sat me down to straighten my 3c hair just for some shits and gigs (it took three hours), told myself just to sit with a book and turn my phone off, and i damn near finished it, cover to cover. i wanna avoid spoilers but. oh my god it is So Good. two days later i was driving to the nearest barnes and noble to pick up another copy to gift my friend. i actually cannot sing its praises enough, though i would recommend reading the sympathiser by the same author first. it's one hell of an inspired historical fiction novel and has got to be among my top.. singular book of all time. like my fave book ever. a man of two faces is the author's memoir, and if you're into politics, history, human rights, or just being educated and also down for a laugh with some dark humour and some really emotional prose, i can't recommend this book or author enough. 100% adore
Jan 6, 2025
📔
stories over time of a cast of characters loosely linked through the music industry
In a post-modern style like not too dissimilar to vonnegut
each chapter can be seen almost as a stand alone vignette
edit: after re-reading your ask, I’ll admit not the weirdest book, but it’s also definitely not run of the mill narrative fiction.
If you want weird, read Naked Lunch by William Burroughs. One of the most banned books of all time for a reason, grotesque, obscene, challenging, but imo definitely worth the read and I’ll be rereading it sometime. Helps to read along with a study guide to make sure you’re following what’s going on.
Mar 6, 2025
Top Recs from @nxtsw
⭐
not in a scientific sense. how does time perception change cultures, how do we pass down knowledge via generations, why does making someone wait signal power and why do we get pissed off when someone waits six days to respond to our text messages? eventually i'm going to write a paper on this but way too busy as of right now. highly recommend
Jan 30, 2025
🔊
i get it, sometimes a bitch gotta wallow. but i believe that the music you listen to shapes your outlook. like yeah if all you listen to is midwest emo My Mom Hates Me And I Hate Her Too, sad indie “i miss my ex and he’s the only one that could understand me“ tunes, then maybe you won’t be the most optimistic person alive.
pop some techno, eurodance, or really anything with strong beat and slightly positive lyrics (or no lyrics at all) into your headphones.
Jan 30, 2025
♟️
society places too much pressure on everyone having their own style (but only in approved marketable categories), being hot and funny and interesting all the time. kind of a lot of pressure if you ask me.
be yourself! even if you are lame as hell.
Feb 10, 2025