The First Kurt Vonnegut book that I read was Slaughterhouse-Five, and though the details of it are still a little sketchy in my mind, the book, like the author shaped the way I look at fiction.  When I read that 14 never-published stories of his would be released later this year, I’ll have to admit, my mind took a moment to catch up to my racing heart.

I would be hard-pressed to scramble through my favorite authors and even manage a top five list, but as an angst-ridden teenager, Kurt Vonengut’s dark-satirical humour always brought a smile to my face.  The man taught me that art doesn’t always have to come in prim and proper little packages, and that perhaps, the world isn’t as nicely ordered as some would tell you.

For someone like myself, who has exhausted his works, I’m beaming at the thought of getting to experience a little more of his writing.

To the fellow with the always present cigarette in tow, I miss ya.

Along with the release of  Look at the Birdie in the fall, watch for the republishing of many of Vonnegut’s works.