Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

*Mrs. Doubtfire voice* Well hellllooooooo there!
My last post was eons ago and I'm here to admit that I've been shit-out-of-excuses lazy lately. School ended. Summer began. You can connect the dots. Anyway, though my blogging efforts have fallen by the wayside, my nerd-a-licious reading efforts have not. I've been reading profusely this summer and, damn it, I plan to blog about it! So if all (two or three) of my readers are ready, I will begin my darling comeback post with a book review for the first novel I read this summer.


Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut


Just thinking about this novel creates a tornado-like super storm in my mind. In Vonnegut's most famous novel, he dishes it all out. And by "it" I mean that eccentric, unique, slightly violating weirdness that makes the man a genius. As is the case with most Vonnegut books, Slaughterhouse attempts to make a very bold point. Rather than woo readers with character studies, love stories, or adventures, Vonnegut captivates his fans with commentaries on the world at large. In particular, this book features a demented main character (Billy Pilgrim): World War II veteran, optometrist, and snowballing psycho.

Like Cat's Cradle, Slaughterhouse Five is not shy of gimmicks. The choppy paragraphs, repetition of phrases, and main plot line (alien abduction meets post war trauma) all come together to form a mishmash of Vonnegut genius. Billy Pilgrim has utterly lost control of his life since he fought in the second World War. As a result, he is placed under strict house arrest and must be looked after constantly by his young daughter. As the craziness begins to unravel, the reader learns that Billy Pilgrim can travel through time. A severe effect of his dementia, Billy Pilgrim imagines himself traveling back to wartime and forward to the future. Eventually, Pilgrim tells his young daughter that he was abducted and sent to the planet Tralfamadore. Well...leave it to Vonnegut to weave a story that twisted. Famously and hilariously anti-war, anti-violence, and anti-sanity, Slaughterhouse Five will not disappoint. To get a subjective view, it is definitely my favorite Kurt Vonnegut selection.

Now that I got that out of my system, I will leave you with some lovely photographs from local artist Andrew Tolentino. Rin Tin Tin is very proud to be a part of a great non-profit organization called ArtLoveMagic. Created solely to support artists, ALM is a big part of my life. I leave you with some of Andrew's mixed media as well as photography. If you have any artwork you would like to be showcased, let me know! I'd be happy to do a post about it.

Andrew Tolentino

Mixed Media




Photography

Recommended Summer Reading!

Ahem..

SCHOOL IS OVER! No more algebra, history, or even school uniforms..until August. While summer is a fantastic time for swimming, tanning (in my case, burning), and catching up with old friends--it is also a great time to catch up on reading!

Looking back, junior year seems like this gargantuan black hole that mercilessly sucked the life out of me, leaving me bereft of energy or passion for the things that I love. In other words, I now have time to catch up on the reading I should have done during the year!

So at two in the morning I shall begin the list to end all lists--my summer reading list.

1. Slaughterhouse 5--Kurt Vonnegut
I like to think of this summer as the Summer of the Classics. Therefore, I have decided to start with everyone's favorite satirist--good ole' Kurt. Complete with the politically challenging subject matter that characterizes Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse 5 has been forever pigeonholed as a classic of American fiction. Although I have made my literary nerd status quite obvious through this blog, I also consider myself somewhat of a history nerd. Chock full of World War II propaganda, this science fiction masterpiece is the first on my list.


2. Invisible Man--Ralph Ellison
Another classic, Invisible Man is the only novel Ralph Ellison released during his lifetime. Ellison addresses many social issues in the early twentieth century including black nationalism, the black identity, Marxism, and the attempted reforms by revolutionaries like Booker T. Washington. The narrator of the story is an unnamed black man looking back on past experiences. In keeping with the theme (and title) of the book, this man doesn't reveal his name because he feels virtually invisible to society. Invisible Man has touched the hearts of readers everywhere with its harsh realism.


3. Catch 22--Joseph Heller
Perhaps the most revered of them all, Catch 22 will be forever referred to as one of the greatest works of fiction to come from the twentieth century. Though the book was published in 1960, it is set in the later stages of World War II. It is because of this novel that the phrase catch 22 (no win situation, caught between a rock and a hard place, etc.) became a norm in American society. Though the idea has roots in the epic pages of the Odyssey, Heller gave the term a more martial twist in this novel. Full of satire relating to the war and the military, Heller applies this "catch 22" scenario to the young men working in the military...that probably won't ever get out of the military. Like Vonnegut? Heller dishes up some similar political satire in this extremely well known work.


4. The Beautiful and Damned--F. Scott Fitzgerald
Don't we all love the Fitz! I read Gatsby this year and was immediately hooked. Beautiful and Damned is the first of two you will see on this list because I can't seem to get enough of this guy. In keeping with Fitzgerald's famous subject matter, this novel oozes wealth, beauty and JAZZ. Though most believe Fitzgerald writes the same story over and over, this novel is different as it follows a married couple while they attempt to sort out their numerous differences. Less lighthearted and glamorous than Gatsby, The Beautiful and Damned is an all encompassing tragedy about love, money, and alcoholism. Kind of a downer, huh? I would recommend this because, despite the less than sunny plot line, The Beautiful and Damned is a fantastic character study--a love story that only Fitzgerald can weave!


5. God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater--Vonnegut
More Vonnegut, yea! I heard about this book from a friend and I believe everyone could find it intriguing, whether you're a fan of Kurt or not. Though the protagonist of the story is a man named Eliot Rosewater, the plot revolves around money. Eliot is about to come into a fortune from the philanthropic Rosewater Foundation. A bit on the eccentric side, Eliot proves to be an elusive character. Enter Norman Mushari, a conniving lawyer. Mushari works tirelessly to declare Eliot insane so he can intercept the inheritance for his client, Fred Rosewater. Fred is a distant relative, extremely mercenary and sneaky. Though tales of greed and backstabbing don't usually catch my fancy, this one just sounds too unique to pass up.


6. Tender is the Night--Fitzgerald
Back as promised, more Fitzy! Next to Gatsby, Tender is the Night is F. Scott Fitzgerald's most successful work. A plot chock full of twists, this novel expands on the marital problems of The Beautiful and Damned. The main characters are Dick and Nicole Diver, a seemingly happy married couple. But just when we're convinced, POW--Fitz throws us for a loop. Complete with inconspicuous affairs, underlying secrets, backstabbing, and ultimately divorce--Tender is the Night explores the consequences of destroying a person's self esteem and taking away their reason to live.


Well! That is my list thus far, though I expect it will get longer as time goes by. What are YOU reading this summer?
COMMENT!

On Superhuman Fashion Trends and Purely Human Habits

As I revel in my excitement for the upcoming summer season, and effectively procrastinate instead of study for my final exams, I re-download one of my favorite Internet resources--Stumbleupon.

For anyone not familiar, I highly recommend going to stumbleupon.com and learning about the Internet navigation tool that guides you to websites of interest based on a checklist you fill out with your fascinations.

Anyway, it was through Stumble that I found my fashion topic for this post--Fashion turned comic book.


My jaw just about dropped when I scrolled down to see what countless top notch designers are calling a new "Superhero Exhibit". These futuristic, indulgent pieces have been worked into the runway shows of none other than Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, and more. I try to be as objective as possible in these posts because I'm more likely to get readers by selling a majority-friendly product, bias-free and short of one-sided rants. However, I'll just throw it out there and say that these ideas are laughable, if anything, and shouldn't be taken seriously. I scoff at people that mock couture, the stuff of real runway shows, but I have absolutely no problem with anyone that wants to point and laugh at the spectacles these designers are making of themselves.

I invite you to gaze upon the medieval armor, Star Wars C3-P0 reminiscent "fashion pieces" that are included in some of these collections


I will say that my source gives most credit to the Costume Institute (located in New York, I will assume). I will hold my tongue for the moment, as most of these ensembles will likely remain costumes. But if I open my next Vogue to see a spread about Christian Dior's new Superhero Collection..I will keel someone.

On a completely different note, I stumbled upon a provocative picture this afternoon that I decided to include as general food for thought.


A popular publisher, Tank Books began selling esteemed classic works of fiction in a variety of imitation cigarette cartons. Works of Ernest Hemingway, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Rudyard Kipling have been chosen as guinea pigs for this eccentric sales tactic.

While I laughed when I first saw the picture, assuming that a literary dork just got creative one day, I then turned my attention to the source--The New Yorker.
This "cute idea" is really meant for a bigger purpose. Apparently the idea stemmed from the widespread belief that far too many Americans smoke--shocker! However, this clever idea is meant to deter smokers from puffing and encourage a more fruitful hobby, reading!
The author muses that she has many friends that are smokers, all of them writers. She doesn't generalize, but merely offers the idea that, given a good enough book, maybe people would put down their cigarettes. Those must be pretty good books!

What is your opinion? Is quitting smoking a more internal struggle, therefore more difficult than this article assumes? Could Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde scare someone silly enough to throw away their Marborro's?

GIVE ME YOUR OPINION, NOW!

:D

THE BEST BARGAIN OF MY LIFE!

Hello overactive users of the internet!
Due to school-related stress, I've abstained from my regular post for the past two weeks. But ALAS, I am back on one of the highest notes of my short lived fashion mega consumer life.
So all weekend I've been on a quest to find the perfect dress for Junior Ring Ceremony, a little commencement service at the end of the year to commemorate the transition from junior to senior year. Oh, and you get to walk the seemingly endless length of half the gym while your peers, parents, and teachers all gawk at you.
Needless to say, I made it my mission to find something special to wear for this occasion. I drove myself to one of my favorite stores, Buffalo Exchange, on Saturday to assess the selection.
To my great dissatisfaction..I STRUCK OUT with dresses. Nothing was in my size, nothing was in this DECADE. But let me just say, I walked out of that store with one of the luckiest purchases of my life.
I've blogged before about the colossal comeback of clogs. As seen in Vogue, countless designers have modernized the most popular shoe of the 1970s. Michael Kors in particular came up with a design that caught my attention.

On the average, these brand-spankin'-new Michael Kors clogs would cost $120.00


In the wonderful world of Buffalo Exchange, these adorable shoes cost me a cool $24!
(I hope you enjoy my low budget photography)


I just about keeled over with shock when I saw these shoes chilling on the size 7 rack (my exact size, my feet were pleased). Any who, I hope people read this post and go to Buffalo Exchange.
I also have a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs flats, $30 from Buffalo.


While I exhausted myself walking around malls and stores all weekend, I also finished the critically acclaimed best seller--When Bad Things Happen to Good People.
Harold S. Kushner pens this fantastic mash up of philosophy/theology/poignant anecdotes/and humanizing truths that make a stubborn, organized-religion-hater (me), begin to reevaluate my position on spirituality.
I couldn't possibly showcase all of the brilliant philosophy Kushner uses in this book, but I'll start with one of my favorite quotes.

"Surgeons stick knives into people to help them, but not everyone that sticks a knife into another person is a surgeon."



In his book, Kushner attempts to philosophize the real role of God in our lives. In the fifteen seconds I took to read a blurb on this book, of course I wondered how effective it would be since I do not consider myself a religious person.
However, I believe Kushner wrote this book precisely for people that are on the fence about God. In countless passages, the devout rabbi questions God in ways that I didn't believe religiously ordained men could.
He divides the book into eight sections such as "Why Do the Righteous Suffer?" and "God Leaves Us Room to be Human".

An impressive point Kushner makes deals with the creation story of Adam and Eve.

"God confronted them (Adam and Eve) with their disobedience and punished them in the following ways:
-They must leave the garden and no longer eat the fruit of the Tree of Life. (They do not die that day, but are told that they will now bear children and die, instead of living forever.)
-Eve will find the process of bearing and raising children painful. ('I will greatly multiply your pain and anguish; in pain you will bring forth children.')
-Adam will have to work to grow food instead of merely finding it on trees. ('By the sweat of your brow will you earn your bread')
-There will be sexual tension between men and women. ('Your desire will be for your husband, but he will rule over you') "

In this passage, and in subsequent passages, Kushner attempts to explain his view on the creation story. It was with Adam and Eve that God gave man more responsibility than he did animals. The word "sin" is not used in the Bible until the story of Cain and Abel. Kushner uses this focal point to twist the creation story into a landmark of growth rather than man's shameful first sin.

I could go on for ages, because Kushner also makes enlightened points about what humans expect from a God that may not be able to do the things expected of him, while speculating that God suffers and grieves with his people--and is always there to help afterward.

I'd like to thank MASON WALKER for turning me on to this wonderful book. It's perfect for anyone dealing with loss, grief, or anyone hungry for intense thought.

I'll say toodles now and leave you all with a closing thought from Kushner himself:
"I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense.”

Night :D

It's Finally Time For the Kurt-Meister

So my typically regular post is coming a day late this week mainly for one reason--I got into Dallas last night at about midnight from an exhausting, wonderful, and at times TOO informational trip to New York for collegiate reasons. Suffice it to say that I was exhausted before, during, and now after said trip. Alas, I trudge on with what I know is vital information to you all! (I love sweet sarcasm late at night when no one has the energy for real jokes)

I plowed through another book last week, one that had been on my list for a very long time. I finally read Cat's Cradle from cover to cover and, upon my first Vonnegut experience, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Cat's Cradle was my literary pick of the week last week as an extension of my anticipation to finally read such a classic. Cat's Cradle is Vonnegut's satirical take on the current state of man in all of his blunders, the "powers that be" in all parts of the world, and the religious world at large.
In the first pages of the book, Vonnegut comes clean with his famous disclaimer stating that if the reader does not believe that a religion can be founded on a basis of lies, this book is not for them.
With one of the most eccentric minds in literature, Vonnegut details the quest of a young writer trying to compile information to write a novel titled The End of the World.
A Cornell graduate, the narrator goes to great lengths to interview relatives and colleagues of the late Dr. Felix Hoenikker, the creator of the infamous atom bomb.
The story gathers momentum as Vonnegut takes readers to the tropical land of San Lorenzo Island as the young writer continues his trek to finish his story.
My thought process went something like this with every passing chapter (chapters occur at every 1/3 of a page)--"How much imagination can one satirical writer fit into a story?"
Cat's Cradle isn't fantasy or science fiction, though it hoards all the imagination of a three year old pretending to be Superman.
And thus, Cat's Cradle grabbed me from the start with its quick pace and surprising outcome. It doesn't hurt that Kurt Vonnegut is one of the most interesting black humorists of all time.

Need I say more?


While I was in New York City specifically, I made sure to take notes on the street fashion every second I was outside. I must say, New Yorkers certainly have their trademarks down to a system with lots of darker tones, tailored overcoats, and lots and lots of boots.
However, I'll leave you tonight with some pictures I stole from a blog I follow StyleSightings. Though the theme is circular sunglasses, I think the majority of the pieces featured in the post are characteristic of New York street fashion.




Good night!

Jazzy Cloggin'

I hope my droning lack of energy doesn't make itself too apparent in this post-prom mash up of literature and fashion. That's probably my fault for staying up until 3 after the dance last night..

ANYWAY
My favorite day of the now distant week was Thursday. I had the monumental treat of having little homework, and a great book waiting to be finished. Though maybe a bit overdue, I spent my entire Thursday night finishing the iconic novel The Great Gatsby.

F. Scott Fitzgerald was a legendary 20th century writer, born in Minnesota 1896. Fitzgerald attended Princeton University in 1913 and soon acquainted himself with the fast-paced, luxurious living of the "Jazz Age". The 1920's have earned this oftentimes infamous nickname as writers in the Lost Generation recalled the ridiculous lifestyle of upscale New Yorkers, wealthy pageant girls, and the birth of jazz music.
The Great Gatsby, above all, serves up a heaping pile of the 1920's complete with lavish house parties (courtesy of Jay Gatsby), self absorbed ingenues (i.e. Daisy Buchanan), and that-douche-bag-rich-guy-that-makes-an-appearance-in-every-story (Tom Buchanan).

The Great Gatsby is narrated by the most famous third party observer in literature, Nick Carraway. The story recounts the life and demise of one wealthy businessman, Jay Gatsby. Nick Carraway moves to Long Island, New York in hopes of becoming a successful bondsman. He moves into the up and coming neighborhood of West Egg on the island and is noticeably startled when he encounters the gargantuan mansion next door. The wealthiest man in West Egg lives a few feet from Nick, and is the host of countless parties every weekend. Gatsby doesn't usually invite people to his home for parties, they just arrive. The neighborhood of West Egg is divided by water from the corresponding East Egg. Nick introduces the character Daisy Buchanan as his cousin, living in East Egg with her wealthy husband Tom. Through the folds of the story, the reader finds that Gatsby and Daisy were once romantically involved and Gatsby has only grown rich in hopes of wooing Daisy back to him.

The plight of Mr. Gatsby rings with all the bells of the haughty 1920's. A war hero, Gatsby returns to America to find his previous girlfriend, Daisy, has married a wealthy businessman. Because money was of unimaginable importance, Gatsby believes the only was to gain Daisy's love once again is to gain the riches that she so admires.

The Great Gatsby was revolutionary for its time, exposing the superficial nature of too many people in the Jazz Age. It has transcended generations and maintained relevance for even the most ignorant of superficiality. A true classic, F. Scott Fitzgerald moves mountains with this poignant tale.


And now, boys and girls, I move on to the crucial and hard-hitting subject matter. Although I could blog about stimulus packages, gay rights, or even that war going on in the Middle East, I recognize the need to document one of the really important issues in the world today--THE COLOSSAL COMEBACK OF CLOGS!

I kid you not, it has been documented in the past two or three issues of Vogue--clogs are making a huge comeback in 2010! At first I had no idea how to feel about this rebirth, we make fun of the 70's for a reason right?
But, alas, the experts in fashion have tailored a way to make clogs modern and sophisticated, rather than tacky and loud when you walk.

Michael Kors was among the first to come out with a large selection of clogs in his new collection.


In an assortment of colors, Michael Kors offers you these adorable clogs.

The reason I make a huge deal about this is that I was positive I would hate most designers' takes on the "modern clog". I find myself strangely provoked by these cute little shoes, though! And to justify my interest, I will share a picture of a mildly famous celebrity--Alexa Chung--sporting clogs!


In conclusion, we shouldn't knock anything til we see thorough documentation (by way of Vogue) and usually they know what they're talking about!

Well I guess I'll wrap this up and return to my hazy, exhausted Sunday. Someday I will get sleep

Don't forget to comment and tell me what you are currently reading or what you would recommend!

Hot Off the Silk-Screener

Good evening and happy Sunday! Over the week, when I wasn't at my wit's end with service hours, endless amounts of school work, and preparing for an academic meet, I stumbled across an interesting website for the independent designer Out of Print.

The designers at Out of Print do more than put iconic television characters on thin t-shirts (Inspector Gadget, anyone?). These designers, instead, display iconic book covers that have been out of print for years. With new selections often adding to the mix, Out of Print has recovered famous book covers that haven't been seen since the book's first distribution.


An even more compelling aspect of Out of Print is their noble mission. One might ask, "Hey, why would anyone make such a big deal about literature mixing with fashion?". Much like the popular footwear company, Tom's, Out of Print is on a mission to bring something back to children who are less fortunate. With the money that the designers make from these shirts, they go out and buy vast amounts of books to ship to Africa for underprivileged children. Their mission is one of preserving education and the value of learning. I encourage all to browse the website and pick out a shirt displaying a memorable read of yours.


Next, I would like to highlight one every one's absolute favorite poets, Maya Angelou. Angelou is a loved American poet and author because of her heartfelt story and history. An active member of the Harlem Writers Guild in the late 1950's, Angelou was very passionate about Civil Rights. Her highly venerated biographical fiction classic, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, details Angelou's role in the struggle for equality back when the world was still ruled by white supremacy.


Of course, most people know Angelou as the extremely popular poet that she is. Angelou has countless collections of poems, and essays attributed to her. Most English nerds have gotten to a point where they will basically read anything Angelou publishes, be it passionate poems like "Phenomenal Woman" or, hell, I would read her commentary on a table tennis match. Her voice has inspired millions, and continues to bring out the poet in all of us.


So with that, I will leave you with one of my favorite poems

My Guilt
By Maya Angelou

My guilt is "slavery's chains," too long
the clang of iron falls down the years.
This brother's sold, this sister's gone,
is bitter wax, lining my ears.
My guilt made music with the tears.


My crime is "heroes, dead and gone,"
dead Vesey, Turner, Gabriel,
dead Malcolm, Marcus, Martin King.
They fought too hard, they loved too well.
My crime is I'm alive to tell.


My sin is "hanging from a tree,"
I do not scream, it makes me proud.
I take to dying like a man.
I do it to impress the crowd.
My sin lies in not screaming loud.