Title: God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater Author: Kurt Vonnegut

Genre: Satirical Fiction

Pages: 275

Drake Library? Yessir.

Reviewer Name: Katherine Charlotte Siembieda

Date: June 3^rd, 2009

Smile Rating:

Premise: This comedic and satiric story chronicles the life of Eliot Rosewater, heir to the multi-million dollar Rosewater fortune, and hopeless alcoholic. He starts out as the spitting image of his businessman father; a very pro-business law graduate with a beautiful wife and beautiful things. Then, as his life goes on, Eliot starts to question the ethics of a wealthy lifestyle and doubts the benefits of capitalism in a society so devastated by the poor. Kilgore Trout, a science fiction author who Kurt Vonnegut often inserts into his stories, also plays a role in this one.

Brief Quotation: “A sum of money is a leading character in this tale about people, just as a sum of honey might properly be a leading character in a tale about bees.” (Vonnegut, 1)

Review:

God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut was written 44 years ago, and yet there is not one dated or irrelevant line within the book. In true Vonnegut style, the book contains some hopelessly ironic and exaggerated situations, but they always manage to address and exploit the issue at hand perfectly. The book is an easy read, it often states the obvious with very non-complex sentences, but because of the subject matter and the complicated relationships between the characters, the book’s simplicity is also a demonstration of its intellectuality.

It steps outside of Vonnegut’s usual science-fiction realm and instead focuses more on the social issues of poverty, greed, alcoholism, and how to find one’s own purpose in a world that values material things and wealth. Now, a book that deals with all that seems like it would be really heavy and verge on maybe being boring, but because of Vonnegut’s aforementioned simple and witty writing style, the book stays light and breezy.

If you have read and enjoyed any of Vonnegut’s other books, you will like (or maybe even love) this one as well. One of the great things about this book is that it never delves too long into the storyline of one character- it jumps around to other characters, other moments in time, and sometimes even switches to excerpts of science-fiction books by Vonnegut’s invented science-fiction writer, Kilgore Trout. The only thing I would like to warn potential readers about is that although (in my humble opinion) the ending is fantastic, it is anything but climactic or well-resolved, so if you’re looking for a fairy-tale satisfactory type ending, maybe this book is not for you.

If you liked this book try: Slaughterhouse Five, by Kurt Vonnegut and Cat’s Cradle, by Kurt Vonnegut

Title: Candide

Author: Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet)

Pages: 93

Drake Library: Yes

Reviewer Name: Michael Beuttler

Date: June 3, 2009

Smile Rating:

Premise: Candide is an eloquent, yet satirical story about a traveling philosopher who tries to see the “perfection” and optimism in everything around him, though his experiences in the tale prove otherwise. His tumultuous adventure, at times, leaves him bloody and maimed as he searches for his true love Cunégonde during a war with Bulgars. Candide, once thrown in the real world, away from his philosophy mentor Pangloss, attempts to convince himself of his mentor’s philosophy, that the world is perfect, everything happens for a reason, and it’s best to be optimistic, even when man loses any and all morality.

Quote: “It was decided by the University of Coimbra that the spectacle of a few people being ceremonially burnt over a low flame is the infallible secret of preventing earthquakes.”(Voltaire, p.13-14)

Review: Candide is a great book. The story is incredibly short, but his adventure is epic. Voltaire wrote Candide in 1759, so his language differs greatly from any modern reading. However, Voltaire, in his thinking and writing style, was way ahead of his time. His satire of those who hold optimism is what makes the story of Candide so funny, yet so true.

Voltaire portrays his philosophy by putting Candide in the utmost despairing situations. He is robbed, flogged, and without his love. You can’t understand why Candide wants to hold on to his optimism, but the frustration for Candide’s benignant behavior, besides the time his lover is threatened, is what encourages you to read more. Voltaire’s satire is frustrating at times. Candide’s experiences, like having his riches stolen, are so extreme, and with Candide’s cemented philosophy of optimism, you truly begin to resent Candide. However, the moments in which Candide denounces his mentor’s ideas are satisfying

You leave the book feeling the importance of pursuing greatness in the midst of such horrible truths; truths that would contradict any reasoning for optimism. Voltaire portrays a fantastical, yet despondent world, in a light-hearted, comical way. It’s truly a great book.

Others You’ll Like: books by Kurt Vonnegut and Micromegas by Volataire.

Cowboy Logic Press’s 400+ page post-apocalyptic, scifi blockbuster of an anthology, featuring such talented writers as Steven J. Dines, Bill Housley, Jason K. Chapman, Roger Haller, Gary Cuba, Mike Philbin, Lawrence Dagstine, and various others have been nominated for an IPPY award.  Stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed.

Satirica Anthology

 Published by Cowboy Logic Press; Edited by Roy Dudgeon

IPPY AWARD NOMINEE 2009

http://www.cowboylogic.net/CLP_Books.htm

Edited by Roy Dudgeon; published by Roger Haller

Also available on AMAZON

and through various book retailers

Satirica Author Ballot

In other news, chalk up another six stories.  Two repros and four new diddies.  Some genre, some not.

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

The Short Story by R J Dent

Here’s an essay (or a short story) of mine entitled The Short Story.

Just click on the link below to read it: 

http://writinghood.com/literature/topical/the-short-story/

It’s a hybrid form of writing – part essay/part short story. I’ll leave it up to you to decide which part works best.

Whichever one you decide on (if you do decide), I hope you enjoyed reading The Short Story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

If you did, there are some more of my essays at: 

http://www.rjdent.com/nonfiction.htm

and some more of my short stories at:

http://www.rjdent.com/shortstories.htm

Enjoy.

www.rjdent.com

A quick reminder that one of the most promising-filled anthologies of science fiction is now available from Cowboy Logic Press.  The hardcover is a gorgeous beast — a feat in spec-fic.  More than 110,000 words and 24 stories set in futuristic societies, post-apocalyptic dystopias, and more! A helluva lineup, too, to go with it.

SATIRICA: An Anthology of Satirical Speculative Fiction

Edited & Compiled by Roy C. Dudgeon

Published by Cowboy Logic Press

COWBOY LOGIC PRESS – ORDER HERE:

http://www.cowboylogic.net/CLP_Books.htm

VISIT DUDGEON’s HOMEPAGE:

http://www.myspace.com/dudgeon369 

If you want to learn about the authors, their links, and story previews…

Go to AMAPEDIA beta: http://amapedia.amazon.com/view/Satirica/id=861680

This project has turned up some of the most professional and promising stars of speculative fiction today, and you can Pre-Order it now from Cowboy Logic Press.  The hardcover is a gorgeous beast — a feat in modern, satirical science fiction.   Trust me, with more than 110,000 words and 24 stories set in futuristic societies, post-apocalyptic dystopias, and featuring dozens of speculative characters, you’ll want to pick this baby up for your collection! And, when the time comes, get FREE SHIPPING when you order it from Amazon.  Full contents and author lineup below…

SATIRICA: An Anthology of Satirical Speculative Fiction

Edited & Compiled by Roy C. Dudgeon

Published by Cowboy Logic Press

COWBOY LOGIC PRESS – ORDER HERE:

http://www.cowboylogic.net/CLP_Books.htm

VISIT DUDGEON’s HOMEPAGE:

http://www.myspace.com/dudgeon369 

CONTENTS/PREVIEWS:

Previously published in Interzone.

2. Some Things Never Change

Tomas L. Martin takes us on a surprising journey into an alternate present, in which a young English soldier yearns for a glimpse of true sorcery in the war in Iraq; if he can survive the experience.

3. Perfection (convenient, chewable, indispensable)

In the first of two stories, David Thorpe offers up a disturbing and surreal satire filled with social commentary on multiple levels, far beyond its surface theme concerning designer drugs.

4. Aliens Attack!

R. J. Astruc provides us with a thought provoking examination of the senselessness of war, in which tiny green aliens fall like snow from the skies. But are their intentions peaceful or malevolent?

5. Thank You, Death Robot

A soldier returning from war abroad encounters and befriends a death robot. What happens when he discovers that it is responsible for his fiancee’s murder? Victor Giannini provides us with the startling answers in the first of his stories.

Previously published in Silverthought: Ignition, Silverthought Press.

6. The Babies at Nae-long

John Parke Davis offers up a dark examination of child soldiers in an Africa in which the Globalista forces have retreated from whence they came. But do those who remain any longer know what they are fighting for?

7. Another Man’s Terrorist

Two young freedom fighters seeking refuge behind the lines arrive upon a space station now in enemy hands. In a true satire for our times, Bill Housley describes a brother and sister’s struggle to escape from the shadow of their terrorist past.

8. All For One

In a quirky satire filled with social commentary, Steven J. Dines takes us on a journey through the future of road rage, and government efforts to quash it…sort of.

Previously appeared in Darker Matter.

9. Miss Gohrman’s Trip

Joshua Allen examines Miss Gohrman’s fate when the representatives of a newly formed police state knock upon her door. But are they any match for a little old lady whose favorite cat has just been killed?

10. The Book of New Man

In his first story, Dudgeon examines a world in which a young gang member struggles to understand the unfortunate truth, that religion truly is an “opiate for the masses.”

Previously published by silverthought on-line.

11. Printed Matter

In a tale of psychological horror, Gary Cuba examines the unusual life of a bibliophile who is prevented from reading by an extreme form of dyslexia, and the lengths to which he is willing to go to create a book of his own.

12. In Your Box

Mike Philbin relates the story of a loner’s transformation into a pet fetishist, as he searches for meaning in a world where humans have become “a grid of drug-softened pulp being squeezed out of a factory’s rectum like societal spaghetti.”

13. Kubla Khan

In a fascinating satire of the future of gaming, Kevin Spiess takes us on a surreal journey through designer drugs and virtual reality, in which the line between game and reality blurs to gray.

14. Visitation

In a captivating story filled with vivid imagery, Roger Haller examines the nature of crime and punishment in an alien society, where one’s rehabilitation may take more than one lifetime.

Originally published by silverthought on-line.

15. Strings Attached

What happens when you awaken with blood on your hands? Jason K. Chapman provides the answers in this dark examination of a new form of cybernetic prostitution, in which a “Mario” struggles for his life and freedom.

16. Brain Takes A Sick Day

Sometimes taking a day off can be the best career move you can possibly make. Dan Kopcow explains in a delightfully funny satire of the corporate world, which is laced with so much irony and coincidence that a more detailed review could not do it justice.

17. Doc Chaos: The Last Laugh

David Thorpe’s second story provides us with a dark and cautionary tale of nuclear apocalypse resulting from the “peaceful” uses of atomic energy. But who will survive to tell the tale?

18. The Ambassador of Hate

In this dark satire concerning the psychology of interplanetary travel, and the politics of social control through drugs, Paul Mannering examines the nature of both madness, and revenge.

19. Human Transfer

In a chilling examination of the effects of desperation on society, Lawrence R. Dagstine takes us to a dark future in which population control measures have become so extreme that they can turn family against family.

Previously published in Escape Velocity.

20. The Shark Engine Enigma

A surfer dude’s untimely demise is just the beginning. Victor Giannini’s second story takes us beyond fear, suffering and superstition, in search of the ultimate truth concerning the enigmas of life and death.

21. A War Beyond War, and I Am the Only Soldier

In a brilliant satire of Christian mythology, we journey with Anden Sharp to 13th century France, where a young monk is called upon “for a work even more important than Our Lord’s.” But this is just the beginning in the eyes of those around him.

22. Foray

Who will survive a trip clinging to the world cliff, looking down upon the madness of Hades below? In this dark tale of Social Darwinism, Dan Marcus provides the answers, and they are not what you expect.

23. Return to Oz

Roger Haller’s second story is a delightful little satire with a twist: the tale of Earthers’ return to their slowly recovering, ecologically devastated planet of origin in the far future. But do they deserve a second chance?

Previously appeared in silverthought on-line.

24. The Pembina Valley Mushroom Massacre

Finally, a young man who embarks upon an unconventional vision quest gets more than he bargained for in Dudgeon’s second tale. We join him as he struggles to come to terms with the shocking truth concerning humanity’s future…and his own.

Here’s that pre-ordering link again: http://www.cowboylogic.net/CLP_Books.htm

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

I’m featured this month with a reprint in the current issue of BEYOND CENTAURI.  Published quarterly by Sam’s Dot Publishing, Beyond Centauri provides a wonderful mix of poetry and fiction for a young adult and adult audience.  Fantastic artwork and interior illustrations, too.  It’s available now at places such as The Genre Mall.

BEYOND CENTAURI; July 2008

http://www.samsdotpublishing.com/contents.htm

Featuring Fiction & Poetry by: Lawrence Dagstine, Daniel Castlewitz, Meghan Burris, Kimberly Solis, Jennifer Sparlin, Daniel C. Smith, Peter Frohn, Elizabeth Kuelbs, Laura Popp, Pamela Love, T.S. Miller, Kim Sheard, Elyse Salpeter, James Hartley, Gregory Bastianelli, Jennifer Dawson, Lee Malis, Kate Runnels, K.S. Hardy, Sharon Fotta Anderson, Gabrielle Deede, N.C. Whitehead, Terrie Leigh Relf, Karen L. Newman, Kendall Evans, Aurelio Rico Lopez III, and Charlotte E. Bennardo.  Edited by Tyree Campbell.

Other New Entries: “Magazines”

The time is almost upon us for other things as well.  My second anthology out of six for the next year, and though the release date hasn’t been confirmed yet, the name of this collection is SATIRICA! Edited by Roy C. Dudgeon — anthropologist, editor, writer — and published by Cowboy Logic Press.  Teaser artwork by Jesus Riddle Morales. 

TEASER BELOW (not the actual cover):

MySpace: www.myspace.com/dudgeon369

Pre-Orders/Ordering Details:

http://www.cowboylogic.net/CLP_Books.htm

Over 24 stories and 110,000 words of Satirical Scifi…!

‘Guardian of the One’ by Roger Haller

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

“This anthology will be an irreverent look in the mirror for Mankind.”
-Cowboy Logic Press.

SATIRICA IS ON THE HORIZON

The darkest, most twisted speculative fiction anthology in the history of the known universe has now found a publisher! Satirica will be published in a hard cover edition by Cowboy Logic Press in SUMMER 2008, with paperback to follow in SUMMER 2009. Satirica will be printed in the UK and USA, and distributed through all the big names, including Ingram, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. It packs 110,000 words into over 300 pages, and includes 24 of the hippest stories by 20 of the hottest new authors in the field of speculative fiction. It will bend your perceptions of social reality to the breaking point, and you will never look upon contemporary society in quite the same way again.

A truly international collection, Satirica includes authors from Canada, the USA, Scotland, England, Wales, Australia and New Zealand, in a compilation of the very best of contemporary satire and social science fiction.

I have an update on the speculative fiction anthology Satirica.  It now stands at 110,000 words in length, and features more than 24 stories by a plethora of talented authors from all walks of life (and many countries, too).  I’m honored to have a story in it for later on in the year.  Two of the authors who have been added include Steven J. Dines and Kevin Spiess.

COMING SOON…

A fictional compendium featuring today’s giants of speculative literature.

SATIRICA: An Anthology of Satirical Speculative Fiction

Compiled & Edited by Dudgeon:

www.myspace.com/dudgeon369

Author line-up so far: Joshua Allen, R.J. Astruc, Jason K. Chapman, Gary Cuba, John Parke Davis, Dudgeon, Victor Giannini, Roger Haller, Bill Housley, Dan Kopcow, Lawrence Dagstine, Dan Marcus, Tomas L. Martin, Paul Mannering, Mike Philbin, Anden Sharp, and David Thorpe, Steven J. Dines, and Kevin Spiess.

SNEAK PREVIEWS: Coming 2008…

Almost 110,000 words in length; A collection featuring 24 or more stories…

SATIRICA: An Anthology of Satirical Speculative Fiction

Compiled & Edited by Dudgeon:

www.myspace.com/dudgeon369

Author line-up so far: Joshua Allen, R.J. Astruc, Jason K. Chapman, Gary Cuba, John Parke Davis, Dudgeon, Victor Giannini, Roger Haller, Bill Housley, Dan Kopcow, Lawrence Dagstine, Dan Marcus, Tomas L. Martin, Paul Mannering, Mike Philbin, Anden Sharp, and David Thorpe.

Edited to Add: Steven J. Dines & Kevin Spiess added to the growing list of authors.

More details to follow.  Stay tuned…