I wrote this ‘book report’ in the 12th grade in High School. My American Literature teacher, Mr. David Fisher, was quite the Vonnegut fan. I have learned to appreciate Vonnegut over the years and was surprised at my response here in, all these years later. Mr. Fisher was a fantastic teacher and instilled in me a lot of my better traits.

Kurt Vonnegut, in his book Cat’s Cradle, tries to prove his belief that life is absurd. Especially on page 67 during the Granfalloon, the Bokononist's last rites on page 149, and Angel’s comment to Newt on page 116. In these passages, he tries to prove his belief, but all he really does is go overboard in describing a few people from the mass of men.

The Granfalloon happens on the plane, and Vonnegut is trying to say, “see how dumb you really are. Making a big fuss out of nothing.” Sure, most of us, if we met someone from Michigan in South Africa, would say, “Wow, that’s neat!” But to go as far as celebrating and acting that way, not many people would. Maybe a small handful of the millions or a truckload of drunks. But that would have to be it.

During the last rites of the Bokononist, Vonnegut again pushes his point. He is trying to say, “See how dumb you are over someone that is dead.” Having last rites, prayers for the family is absurd. The only reason, of course, is for our satisfaction. But to be as idiotic as the Bokononist last rites is crazy. The only thing absurd is Vonnegut's Bokononist last rites. 

When little Newet’s painting gets thrown off, and his sister just says, “Go wash your face.” That is absurd. But everyone isn’t like that. Only a small percentage.

Sure, we at times do things like this. But not everyone goes to this extent. Maybe a small handful of the world does, but not all of it. Sure, we all do funny things. But oh, Vonnegut, stop and look around. Because I’m me and I’m different than you and the next guy. To read this in a book for enjoyment is ok. But to know his beliefs and that he is trying to fun at us by his own short mildness ruined the book. And any fun in it:

God made mud
God got lonesome
So God said to some of the mud, “Sit up!”
“See all I’ve made,: said Gid. “The hills, the sea, the sky, the stars.”
And I was some mud that got to sit up and look around.
Lucky me, lucky mud
I, Mud, sat up and saw what a nice job God had done.
Nice going, God!
Nobody but you could have done it. I certainly couldn’t have.
I feel very unimportant next to you.
The only way I can feel the least bit important is to think of all the mud that didn’t get to sit up and look around.
I get so much, and most mud got so little.
Thank you for the honor.
Now mud lies down and goes to sleep.
What memories for mud to have.
What interesting other kinds of sitting up mud I’ve met.
I loved everything I saw.
Good night,
I will go to heaven now.
I can hardly wait.
To find out for certain what my wampeter was.
And who was in my korors.
And the good things our koros did for you.
Amen.

Vonnegut wrote a book.
Vonnegut needed money.
So Vonnegut said to some of the people, “Read book.”
“See how good it is,” said Vonnegut. “The responsibility, the loneliness, and the absurdity.”
And I was one of the unlucky people who read that book.
Unlucky me
I, people sat down and read what a rotten job Vonnegut had done.
Ha Ha Vonnegut.
Nobody but you could have done it. Vonnegut! I certainly couldn’t have.
I feel very unimportant next to what you have put down.
The only way I can feel the least bit important is to write about you.
I know so little, and you know so much less.
Thanks, but no thanks.
Now Vonnegut should lie down and go to sleep.
What unbelievable beliefs for Vonnegut to have.
What interesting things he has wrote.
I dislike all I read.
Now Vonnegut should go to _____. (It is not my place to decide. After all, isn’t he responsible?)
Find out what your wampeter was!
And who was in your kaross!
And the unbelievable things your kaross did!
Who cares! 

The book was ok. But Vonnegut and his beliefs, I just couldn’t agree with; Responsibility – you're not the one totally responsible for all you do. Lonely – if we were to be alone, why is everyone but me getting the chance to read this paper? Absurd – the only real thing absurd in this world is man’s beliefs and the way he lets his emotions run off with him. So here's my karass, may we find our wampeter and have a grandfallon over it.

(But not all of man, just the way he gets carried away with himself. It isn’t absurd, life complete; just small parts of it.)

From Mr. Fisher:
Not only do you demonstrate an understanding, but an honest, intelligent reaction to Vonnegut. A fine paper, Roy. Congratulations. Good luck in your future.