worth the read
Not quite my normal taste, but I enjoyed it all the same. Perhaps I will come back and reread again. A second reading might reveal more to me. Nonetheless, I do recommend this book.
Science Vs. Religion: The End of the World
The end of the world has always been a difficult topic for discussion, probably because there is no saying when or how it will take place. In 'Cat's Cradle" by Kurt Vonnegut, it is a topic that keeps coming up. And if you are at all familiar with Vonnegut's dark humor, you would not be surprised. The cause? Religion verses science. It starts when the main character, John Hoosier (who is telling this story in the first person) is researching for a book to be called "The Day the World Ended," about Dr. Felix Hoenikker, the man behind the atomic bomb. This sparks a fascination, and leads him to contact this late scientist's children.
This book is full or random coincidences that seem to make no sense when you are reading it, but they all come together in the end. All the characters, seeming slightly exaggerated, are not at all what you would expect. There is a radical religious figure, Bokonon, and a Minister of science, Frank, who are all thrown together with ICE-NINE, a chemical that freezes everything upon contact. The world ends when they are all on San Lorenzo, a made up island with a murderous dictator. It is very fun and also interesting.
A Masterpiece of Speculative Fiction
Fascinating story that puts forth some very interesting ideas on the purpose of religious belief. Highly Recommended. Quotes from the text: "All of the true things that I am about to tell you are shameless lies." "Anyone who cannot understand how useful a religion based on lies can be will not understand this book either." "Live by the harmless untruths that make you brave and kind and healthy and happy."
Check for more reviews on Amazon.com
Similar Products:
|
