Cat's Cradle - Chapters 1-14 Discussion

[knightss]

So my book finally arrived today, about time! If you don't have the book yet don't fret. I'm going to post discussion questions in a few days. If you can read up to chapter 14 (page 30) by Sunday or Monday, this should give everyone enough time to pick up the book and read a little. Tomorrow is my birthday (21st) so i probably wont get to posting the discussion questions until friday or saturday.

Happy reading fellow book lovers

[knightss]

Questions that will hopefully spark some discussion:

How do you feel about the theories of Bokononism? The karass? Many religions share the idea that everyone is interconnected, is the karass any different?

At the end of chapter 13, Johan talks for a while with a local bartender. They talk about a man who was sentenced to death for killing 26 people and he didn't even feel guilty. How does this relate to what Mr. Hoenikker? Should this man, who we can already tell is indifferent to just about everything (family, work, etc.) feel guilty?

Have you read any other works by Vonnegut? If so, what book? Do you see any "classic" Vonnegut styles? (for instance: "Listen:" on page 1)

If this is your first time reading Vonnegut, do you enjoy the style? How do you feel about the black humor/satire?

Feel free to answer any or all of these questions

Enjoy!

[notrorygilmore]

I had expressed interest in taking part in the book of the month for April. I was able to get a copy of Cat's Cradle. For some reason I can't figure out I hadn't been able to sign in at this site for a while so I never got back with you guys to say if I would be reading along or not. Sorry! Anyway, I have the book and it appears I am able to login again so I'll be posting. I have been reading, but I'm not quite caught up yet. I'll probably post answers to your questions tomorrow.

[knightss]

guess i'm reading this one alone =(

[awelker]

i just haven't had time to read it. i plan on starting it this weekend.

[TrishF]

I just joined today so I'm wondering, is it too late to join in on this discussion or should I start with the next book?

[knightss]

no no, this discussion hasn't even really started, please join =)

[Linda]

yea i feel bad ur reading all alone so i might have to drop the book im reading and catch up on this one.

[Linda]

alright so the questions...

I think the theories of Bokononism are pretty simple. From the beginning the books of bokonon honestly state the religion was formed on "bittersweet lies." Johan points out though that has no impact on the effectiveness of a religion.
Johan doesn't necessarily care about the origin of religion. instead he focuses on the principles of the religion. I think this is necessary in all religions. people can't necessarily understand what God is doing. I think this religion is smart in that it doesn't tell people that they shouldn't be lost, it assures them that instead they aren't meant to understand the ways of a higher power, and you are a fool if you think you have everything figured out.

I think Bokononism reminds me more of religions based around nature then more structured religions many people follow today. It's more based on the interaction of people, the karass seems limitless. every single person you happen to meet by chance is a member? "it is as freeform as an amoeba," this makes it even more difficult to define the religion.

They call Mr. Hoenikker the father of the atomic bomb, never does he ever show any guilt for killing all those people when we were at war with their country. He was able to go to work everyday, knowing that it was his mission to create something that would inevitably destroy.

I've never read any Vonnegut before but im liking his style already. He isn't very descriptive, say like a John Steinbeck, but I still can form very real visuals while reading.

I just wanted to mention Johans relationship with his father. He says that he's never played with his father and the first time his father tried, when playing with the Cat's Cradle, Johan was so disgusted by his fathers appearance he ran away. I think Mr. Hoenikker was too busy fathering an atomic bomb to interact with his own son.

Mr. Hoenikker seems almost childlike. He allows his daughter, who had to assume the role of mother to her two brothers, to mother him also. I thought it was strange turtles had to be removed from his workplace so he wouldn't play with them and instead concentrate on working...at first I thought he had no guilt toward his work, but maybe all these distractions help him pretend this guilt doesn't exist.

idk...

[Linda]

this book of the month has so major issues...why did people vote if they werent going to read the book they voted for?

[knightss]

Well.. i asked a similar question when George Bush was elected... twice.

[Linda]

Well.. i asked a similar question when George Bush was elected... twice.

haha George Bush being elected ever, is something i'll never understand.

[Scott]

Well.. i asked a similar question when George Bush was elected... twice.

haha George Bush being elected ever, is something i'll never understand.

I understand Bush getting elected, even though I would have never voted for him. He ran on voter issues. Most voters don't pay attention to politics and many people don't vote, so the way a politician wins is with single-issue campaigns that appeal to a big voter base. Bush ran on "moral values." In addition to the common abortion and religious points, he namely opposed gay marriage. That caused a large amount of people vote for him, over those few issues. He was able to rile up enough social conservatives with those few issues to win the election.

Sorry, I'm off-topic.

I'll post a quote from Cat's Cradle:

As Bokonon says: "Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God."

[Anna]

Scott wrote:

Most voters don't pay attention to politics and many people don't vote

That's really sad.
________
Shemale Fat

[Mikail Light]

When I discovered that you guys are reading this book, I was overjoyed. It's incredibly intriguing, and I've only just begun. If you read the acknowledgement at the beginning of the book, I think the memoir is accurate.