If This Isn't Nice, What Is?: The Graduation Speeches and Other Words to Live By Kindle Edition

If you love Vonnegut, of course you’ll love this. A lot of it will seem familiar, but who cares. A lot of it is repeated. Again, who cares? He is smart, witty, cynical, genius. If you don’t have everything by Vonnegut yet, this should not be at the top of your list, but once you've read everything by him and you want more, get it. It’s not Vonnegut at his best, but even when he’s mediocre, he’s better than most.

If you've read Vonnegut's fiction you won't find a lot new here but his graduation speeches do a good job of distilling his overall worldview. The speeches do repeat themselves a bit. Not to the point where you would say read one, read them all but enough that they echo each other. If you haven't read any Vonnegut and want a concise view into his opinions this is a great place to look. If you love his message as I do and want a book you can read to remind yourself of why you love his message this is a good book to have. My only caveat is that if you are well versed in Vonnegut you won't find much new here.

Kurt Vonnegut was a wise and hilarious man, as well as a creative genius, so I was glad to read his graduation speeches. Still, having several of his speeches in one book reminded me that even geniuses have formulas, and Vonnegut certainly had his own version of a speech. I found the formula a bit tiring after the first few speeches, but I did appreciate the chance to read some of Vonnegut's words of wisdom, and I have found myself saying, "If this isn't nice, what is?" all the time now!

Great collection. Wry, wise, and funny. Love his line that those who want to post the Ten Commandments in public places never suggest that we post the Beatitudes.He quotes Twain that the object of life is for otherss to hold us in high regard. Lots of gems sprinkled througout. Good introuction by Dan Wakefiled. Oh the book's titile? When he and his uncle would hang put on a nice day, the uncle would look around and say, "if this isn't nice, what is?" A good mindset to live by.

I personally love Kurt Vonnegut. This particular volume is a collection of speeches given mostly at graduation ceremonies. While not as exciting as some of the recent releases since his death, this one is worth the cost if you are truly a Vonnegut nut. It does tend to repeat and there is really nothing totally exciting, but hey, this is Vonnegut and a must for a complete collection.

My only wish is that I will receive Vonnegut’s advice when I graduate from college... Six more words are required.

I had seen Vonnegut speak live many times. His timing, delivery, timbre of his voice, and sparkle in his eye was as much a part of the wisdom and humor as the words he spoke. Although I love hearing his speeches, hearing them in another's voice lessens their impact. They remind me of how much we need his gravelly, courageous voice. That said, the words still ring true and always worth hearing again.

Whenever I read anything written or said by Kurt Vonnegut one of two things happen. I smile or I ponder a deep thought. Come to think of it, both normally happen at the same time.