Pity the Reader
Ratings4
Average rating3.3
15
Ratings4
Average rating3.3
“A rich, generous book about writing and reading and Kurt Vonnegut as writer, teacher, and friend . . . Every page brings pleasure and insight.”—Gail Godwin, New York Times bestselling author Here is an entirely new side of Kurt Vonnegut, Vonnegut as a teacher of writing. Of course he’s given us glimpses before, with aphorisms and short essays and articles and in his speeches. But never before has an entire book been devoted to Kurt Vonnegut the teacher. Here is pretty much everything Vonnegut ever said or wrote having to do with the writing art and craft, altogether a healing, a nourishing expedition. His former student, Suzanne McConnell, has outfitted us for the journey, and in these 37 chapters covers the waterfront of how one American writer brought himself to the pinnacle of the writing art, and we can all benefit as a result. Kurt Vonnegut was one of the few grandmasters of American literature, whose novels continue to influence new generations about the ways in which our imaginations can help us to live. Few aspects of his contribution have not been plumbed—fourteen novels, collections of his speeches, his essays, his letters, his plays—so this fresh view of him is a bonanza for writers and readers and Vonnegut fans everywhere. “Part homage, part memoir, and a 100% guide to making art with words, Pity the Reader: On Writing with Style is a simply mesmerizing book, and I cannot recommend it highly enough!”—Andre Dubus III, #1 New York Times bestselling author “The blend of memory, fact, keen observation, spellbinding descriptiveness and zany characters that populated Vonnegut’s work is on full display here.”—James McBride, National Book Award-winning author
Reviews with the most likes.
One sentence synopsis... Part memoir, part guidebook this is a page-turning compilation of stories and tips from the mind of one of the most humorous, intelligent writers in American history. .
Read it if you like... learning about the lives of great artists. Looking behind the curtain to get an idea of how much hard work actually went into producing such classics as ‘Slaughterhouse Five' and ‘Breakfast of Champions'. .
Further reading... this book is full of great behind the scene stories about the writing process behind all of Kurt's novels and short stories. The next dozen book reviews will probably be all Vonnegut.
I got very excited by the idea of a writer's guide written by dear Mr. Vonnegut. But he died in 2007 and this is no such thing; it is written by someone who lacks the late Kurt's credibilty but who apparently felt attending his workshops entitled her to claim this book as part of his canon, putting his name as lead author. If you want an actual writing guide from the master, google, “vonnegut how to write with style” for his two page essay which was used as the underpinning structure for this 400 pages of unnecessary rambling.
Pity the reader who wastes money on this book.
I've never considered myself a huge Vonnegut fan, but I have often enjoyed reading him and about him. What I like about this book “co-written” and curated by Suzanne McConnell is that it is both a glimpse into Vonnegut's life and work and, at the same time, a comprehensive book about the craft of writing. I wish I could assemble a group of writing friends to meet once a week to discuss a chapter because I think by discussing we could absorb it better. Mostly for writers, but potentially entertaining for non-writers also.
