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Publisher Description
Kurt Vonnegut is a master of contemporary American Literature. His black humor, satiric voice, and incomparable imagination first captured America's attention in The Siren's of Titan in 1959 and established him as ""a true artist""* with Cat's Cradle in 1963. He is, as Graham Greene has declared, ""one of the best living American writers.""
Welcome to the Monkey House is a collection of Kurt Vonnegut's shorter works. Originally printed in publications as diverse as The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction and The Atlantic Monthly, what these superb stories share is Vonnegut's audacious sense of humor and extraordinary range of creative vision.
*The New York Times
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"I really enjoyed this collection of Vonnegut's short stories, most of them written before and during the writing of his novels. Each story was diverse and had developed characters and situations. Vonnegut is a glorious story teller, whether it be short stories, novels, or autobiographical pieces. "
— Emily (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Vonnegut is George Orwell, Dr. Caligari and Flash Gordon compounded into one writer…a zany but moral mad scientist.”
— Time -
“Listeners are in for a treat as a masterful cast animates many of Vonnegut's finest short pieces. Vonnegut colors his oft-wondrous works with memorable characters, fantastic realities, pitch-perfect dialogue and heapings of satire and humor—a tall order for any audio actor.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“He strips the flesh from bone and makes you laugh while he does it…There are twenty-five stories here, and each hits a nerve ending.”
— Charlotte Observer
Welcome to the Monkey House Listener Reviews
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Patrick Dooley, 2/12/2024
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" Collection of short stories, including two favorites. "
— Jay, 2/14/2014 -
" This book was my introduction to Vonnegut and I went on to read several other of his books. This is a great introduction because its a collection of short stories that prepare you for his novels. He was a brillant writer. "
— Mia, 2/14/2014 -
" great collection of early short stories "
— Sarena, 2/8/2014 -
" excellent short stories. some of vonnegut's best. "
— Tamela, 2/4/2014 -
" I used to like this book a lot more than I do now. "
— Carolyn, 1/23/2014 -
" My introduction to Vonnegut during my wild teenage years - loved it then, ADORE it now. "
— Kate, 1/22/2014 -
" had several stories that epitomized this and that - supports great conversation "
— 'Jj, 1/20/2014 -
" Vonnegut was way ahead of his time. "
— Lori, 1/20/2014 -
" I love Vonnegut, but like him best as a novelist. However, this book contains great stories like Harrison Bergeron and is defiitely good for a quick laugh. "
— Grant, 1/15/2014 -
" I give one of the stories from this book, "Harrison Bergeron", to principals and special educators in every district I've worked in.... Diana Moon Glompers lives! "
— Wayne, 1/9/2014 -
" though i'm not a fan of his novels as much, i do love his stories. there is such irreverence, and he wrote everything with such a slanted view of the world. "
— angrykitty, 1/8/2014 -
" Listening to this book on cd while riding hours on the Los Angeles Metro busses has saved my life. I am finding Vonnegut to be more relevant to the world around me than he seemed when I was 16 years old. "
— Vanessa, 1/2/2014 -
" I learned that he is awesome! "
— Donnie, 1/2/2014 -
" hot dang I loved this one. "
— Matt, 12/13/2013 -
" I haven't read it all. The 5 stars are for "Harrison Bergeron", which I really like, and was originally printed in book form in this book. "
— M., 12/9/2013 -
" Actually, not as good as I remember it being 10 years ago when I first read it. At least when compared to all the other Vonnegut I've read in the last couple of years (which is about 90% of everything he ever published). Still, not a bad collection of short stories. "
— Jerry, 11/21/2013 -
" this one is great because it contains short stories for short rides on our wonderful CTA. "
— Lynn, 10/18/2013 -
" A really good collection of Kurt Vonnegut's short stories. I enjoyed reading them all. "
— Gabriel, 7/9/2013 -
" Hilarious, biting, sweet, and thoughtful. Everything a book of short stories should be. "
— Adi, 5/6/2013 -
" A disparate collection of short stories filled with the traditional wit, humor and effortless writing for which Vonnegut is known. Harrison Bergeron is a must-read from this collection. "
— John, 2/19/2013 -
" Hey I just realized I don't like sci-fi! "
— John, 2/6/2013 -
" Contains some of my favorite Vonnegut work, including the delightfully creepy 'More Stately Mansions,' and the heartbreaking 'The Hyannis Port Story.' "
— SmarterLilac, 9/12/2012 -
" Amazing anthology of classic Vonnegut. Well worth the read. "
— Lauri, 9/5/2012 -
" This book was so good, I almost married the guy who lent it to me. "
— Natasha, 10/8/2011 -
" I think of some of these stories frequently, especially the title story. "
— Grace, 9/18/2011 -
" Wonderful collection of short stories. "The Barnhouse Effect" is my favorite one. "
— Caryn, 5/12/2011 -
" A great mix of absurd, sci-fi, and social commentary. Not as great as some of his novels, but definately thought-provoking with some very dark humor thrown in for good measure. "
— Alan, 5/9/2011 -
" Ridiculously engaging short stories...I never thought I'd like a book comprised of just short stories, but Vonnegut is a genius! "
— Mishti, 5/5/2011 -
" I've not liked any of the Vonnegut novels I've read and I wasn't expecting much out of this, but I ended up really loving it. Especially liked "All the King's Men," about a guy who has to play a real-life chess game with his captors for the lives of his wife, children and colleagues. "
— K.h.tracey, 4/19/2011 -
" Some great shorter Vonnegut pieces. "
— Sam, 4/19/2011 -
" Faaaaaaav!! Collection of hilarious short stories in Kurt Vonnegut's classic satirical style, if you enjoyed 1984, but would have liked to see some comedy mixed in- this is your book! "
— Carrie, 4/12/2011 -
" Early collections of short stories, some of which show Vonnegut's softer side - especially the touching "Long Walk to Forever." "
— Chorpenning, 3/30/2011 -
" Great collection of short stories. I can't pick a favorite - in typical Vonnegut-style, they're all wonderful in their own ways. Every time I read something of his, I feel the weight of the voice the world has lost. I miss you, Kurt. I think we would have had a lot to say to each other <3 "
— Jen, 3/28/2011 -
" This is a book of short stories and the first book by Vonnegut that I read, which may be why it's my favorite by this author. "
— Nancy, 3/15/2011 -
" Just finished the first three short stories and can't believe I did not pick up this book sooner "
— Jonathan, 3/13/2011 -
" I especially love the short stories that deal with something science fiction in nature. All of the stories are thought-provoking. "
— Sarah, 3/11/2011 -
" These were much better than the other stuff I had read of Vonnegut and I look forward to finishing this book someday. "
— Reg, 3/10/2011 -
" I love this collection of short stories from the brilliant mind of Kurt Vonnegut. "
— Michelle, 2/23/2011
About Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut (1922–2007) was a master of contemporary American literature. His black humor, satiric voice, and incomparable imagination first captured America’s attention in The Sirens of Titan in 1959 and established him as “a true artist” with Cat’s Cradle in 1963.
About the Narrators
Maria Tucci is an Italian born actress. She has had roles on Broadway for over twenty years and was nominated for a 1967 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Dramatic) for The Rose Tattoo. In films, she is best known for her role in To Die For. She has appeared in numerous television series, including Law & Order. As a professional audiobook narrator, she has shared with other cast members in the Audie Award nomination in 2010 for Selected Shorts: A Touch of Magic and in 2007 for Selected Shorts: Vol. 19 Timeless Classics. She is married to the eminent American editor Robert Gottlieb.
David Strathairn was nominated for an Oscar for his 2005 performance as famed CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow in Good Night and Good Luck. He is well-known for memorable performances in stage and screen roles.
Bill Irwin is an American-born actor, performance artist, and choreographer. He graduated in theater arts from Oberlin College, Ohio, and from the Ringling Brothers and Barnun & Bailey Clown College. He is widely known for his theatrical clown work. His film career began in 1980, and he earned film credits in more than twenty movies. He is best known for his role in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Across the Universe, The Manchurian Candidate, and Lady in the Water. His numerous roles television credits include the Elmo’s World segment of Sesame Street, Northern Exposure, and, most recently, Monday Mornings, CSI, and Lights Out. His career on the stage has covered twenty-five years and includes numerous appearances and tours, including nine Broadway productions during which he earned a Drama Desk Award, a Tony Award, and an Obie Award. For his audiobook narrations, he earned an AudioFile Earphones Award and an Audie Award in 2003 for Best Audio Drama, as well as garnering finalist status for the 2002 Audie Award for Best Short Stories/Collections for Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Tony Roberts is an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator. He has had roles in numerous films, many by Woody Allen, as well as his starring roles on Broadway in Arsenic and Old Lace; Promises, Promises; and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife.
Dylan Baker is an American stage, screen, and television actor. He attended Georgetown Prep and William and Mary College before earning his BFA at Southern Methodist University, where his passion for acting was ignited with numerous stage roles. Later refining his talents at Yale’s School of Drama, Baker turned professional with big screen roles in movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Delirious, and Love Potion No. 9. His audiobook narration has won him eleven AudioFile Earphones Awards.