Vonnegut and BBQ

Lolas and Lalos,

A quick reminder that we are meeting this Saturday to discuss, “A Man Without a Country” by Kurt Vonnegut. The book is composed of memoir-like vignettes that narrate the author’s life, thoughts, and commentaries which feels like a long conversation with a fascinating stranger. A bartender and a die-hard Vonnegut fan who noticed I was reading, “A Man Without A Country” struck up a conversation with me about the book and when I admitted that this was my indoctrination to Vonnegut literature he insisted I put the book down and check out some of his earlier work. He was concerned I would not “get him” if I wasn’t familiar with the stuff that made Vonnegut, Vonnegut so here I am cramming, “Welcome To the Monkey House” (or parts of it), a collection of short stories by Vonnegut to help create a frame work of reference. And now, I invite you to join me in reading a few short stories (if you can and it doesn’t matter which ones) to help us get a feel for this guy. Honestly the short stories are short otherwise I wouldn’t be suggesting it 3 days before our scheduled discussion. There are some whimsical elements of science fiction that are just refreshing, hilarious and thought-provoking. Also, we are having a BBQ-esque potluck brunch for our meeting. Vonnegut struck Abraham as a vegan BBQ kinda guy so we are rolling with that as part of our theme. Bring some guac, organic beer, and let’s do this. Happy reading everyone and see you on Saturday!

…and bring a friend!

Book:  A Man Without A Country by Kurt Vonnegut
When: Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 12:00pm
At: Gozamos Studio – 1732 W Hubbard, Chicago, IL 60622
Supplemental Reading: Welcome To The Monkey House (a collection of short stories) by Kurt Vonnegut