If This Isn't Nice, What Is? cover art

If This Isn't Nice, What Is?

Advice for the Young

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About this listen

Master storyteller and satirist Kurt Vonnegut was one of the most in-demand commencement speakers of his time. For each occasion, Vonnegut’s words were unfailingly unique, insightful, and witty, and they stayed with audience members long after graduation.

As edited by Dan Wakefield, this book reads like a narrative in the unique voice that made Vonnegut a hero to readers and listeners of all ages. At times hilarious, razor-sharp, freewheeling, and deeply serious, these reflections are ideal for anyone undergoing what Vonnegut would call their "long-delayed puberty ceremony" - marking the passage from student to full-time adult.

This book makes the perfect gift for high school or college graduates - or for parents and grandparents who remember Vonnegut fondly and want to connect with him in a new context.

©2013 Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Copyright Trust (P)2013 Audible, Inc. Career Success Motivation & Self-Improvement Funny Witty Thought-Provoking

Editor reviews

This selection of commencement speeches from legendary author Kurt Vonnegut will prove a thoroughly comforting companion for recent graduates as they move out into the so-called real world and attempt to determine their own place within that often overwhelming realm.

Vonnegut's advice, dispensed at countless graduation ceremonies over the course of his life, is by turns moving and comical, indelibly stamped with his unique outlook on the world, and voice actors Kevin T. Collins and Scott Brick take great pains to capture his distinctive authorial tone in their performance. Vonnegut is sometimes sardonic, sometimes sarcastic, sometimes straightforward, but he is always empathetic, a fact well-reflected in Collins and Brick's thoughtful narration of this inspiring work.
All stars
Most relevant
Obviously, it's wisdom for everyone. Profound and very human view of the world and the rules for making life worth living.
Excellently narrated

Well read recount of Vonnegut's wisdom to youth

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It's Kurt Vonnegut giving life advice. What's not to like? As his Uncle used to say, if this isn't nice, what is?

The narration is clear and makes for an easy listen. A lovely way to spend a few hours even if a few moments in the book are repetitive.

Just wonderful

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I love being reminded of the brilliance and insight of Vonnegut... This did that perfectly!
Just wish it was longer...
May have to re-listen to Cats Cradle now...

That was lovely!

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Although I did enjoy KV's commentary, I found it hard to follow (not from a logic standpoint, but that it seemed to be snippets of speeches that followed no logical flow). I think overall, this would have been better presented by themes rather than talks.

The narrator was good.

I've read KV's works before. Although I don't agree 100% with his POV, all the time, he is a legend of our time

Confusing!

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This is the first Kurt Vonnegut book I’ve read and it was so enjoyable. So frank and honest. Bleak honesty but also inspirational.

Absolutely loved it!

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