April 12, 2007
So It Goes...
We lost a literary giant on Wednesday, April 11, 2007. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. died at the age of 84.
On his official website today, there appeared only a handdrawn sketch from Vonnegut, apparently created recently according to some of the stories I read today. One site put it perfectly: "His quick sketch amounted to the perfect exit line -- accessible, playful, a hint of giving death the slip."
I must admit that I got into the game late when it came to Vonnegut. I had always MEANT to pick him up in my early days, but strangely enough, neither my High School nor my College used him in their classes, so other things filled my book-reading time.
As I got older, I casually read some things about him, and even checked out a few speeches he gave to graduating classes at colleges. This guy had a great sense of humor, but in a very sincere way. It was a wonderful combo.
It wasn't until a few years ago when my brother-in-law, Kevin Richards, loaned me a few books when I was visiting them during a business trip. I devoured them on the plane ride home and over the next couple of weeks.
Like many of you, my favorite is "Slaughterhouse 5".
And like many of you, I'll be re-reading that book in memorium of his death.
"So it goes."
Kurt, we will miss you, but we will do our best to keep your wonderful spirit alive by reading your wonderful tales.
Rest In Peace,
-m-