Galapagos

Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land

Ghost narrator, fascinating setting and witty dialog...all with that obscure Vonnegut way of making you feel like you're watching the burning of Dresden with the author.

The narrator of the book was great, it is just a pity the book itself lacked a good storyline. I struggled to get through the book as it was extremly wierd and slow.

Kurt Vonnegut was obviously born on another planet, his perspective is so deliciously different. I am very sympathetic to his atheistic world view. He almost heroically presents fiction that tickles my fancy. At the same time, he presents scenarios that are totally grounded in possibility, yanking our minds out of the hum-drum daily grind. If there is a God, Vonnegut must be their favorite creation, he sheds so much light upon the human condition...

In this year of Darwin celebrations, and a severe world economic downturn, this book makes some harrowing echoes. As another commented, you probably need to really like Vonnegut's work or you won't enjoy it. I do, and I did.

He is my all-time favorite modern author, but until now I hadn't read 'Galapagos'. It has been on my shelf for at least 15 years unread. I can't explain why I hadn't gotten around to reading it, but I am certainly glad to have finally caught up.

I must heartily commend the book's reader - his gentle unhurried tone matched Leon's narration flawlessly.

An excellent audio book experience marred only by the absence of a way to present an 'asterisk'. Readers of the dead tree edition will know what I mean...

There is satire and then there is satire. Vonnegut knows how to write it so that it is enjoyable to read. His characters, for the most part, are likeable. His story is almost believable. I'd forgotten how much I liked his writing and he has redeemed satire for me.

You've got to love him or you won't like it.