The Book Show asked Ronson which book everyone should read before the age of 21. His pick?
Slaughterhouse Five, by Kurt Vonnegut!
An unusual choice, perhaps, but not one I disagree with… although I’d say everyone would have to re-read it before they turn 35, just to makesure they are old enough to comprehend at least more of it than that did at 21. And for learning writing style, sorry but I disagree with Ronson on that one. I think a young writer needs to learn the basic rules before cliff diving into a style like Vonnegut’s, who basically broke most of the rules… He knew what he was doing (more or less).
Which book do YOU think everyone should read before the tender age of 21?
http://thebookshow.skyarts.co.uk/features/787817/books_to_read_before_youre_21.html
I blog about being Vonnegut’s biographer, if you’re interested, at “Writing Kurt Vonnegut” http://www.writingkurtvonnegut.com
Best,
Charles J. Shields
And So It Goes: Kurt Vonnegut, A Life (Holt, November)