Book Club comes to ‘Cat’s Cradle’ conclusion
Book Club read “Cat’s Cradle” by Kurt Vonnegut for the first few months of the year. While perhaps less known than Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse Five,” the novel satirically discussed religion, science, and humanity. There were very mixed feelings within the group about the plot and writing style.
The first chapter of Book Club recently came to end with the completion of the year’s first novel.
Meeting every other Tuesday, the group has discussed its way through Kurt Vonnegut’s “Cat’s Cradle,” a satirical novel about a man seeking out the story of the inventor of the nuclear bomb and his family.
“‘Cat’s Cradle’ was definitely out of my comfort zone. The writer has a distinct writing style and quite frankly I had a hard time adjusting to it,” said Jiin Woo, Book Club co-president, 11.
Since the group aims to avoid resembling an English class environment, members typically just discuss any ideas or characters that particularly stood out to them, occasionally going through questions prepared by club officers.
Part of the club’s purpose is to experiment with new books or genres and stick with a novel even if it is not something that immediately appeals to you.
“Book Club is about expanding your readings and being exposed to different authors’ ideas. In that aspect, I really experienced these benefits while readings the first book,” Woo said.
The group will also decided on its next read after some discussion, settling on “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte. Members were hesitant to go for an older book but Bronte’s novel ultimately came out over others like “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah or “Once an Eagle” by Anton Meyer.
“For ‘Wuthering Heights,’ I’ve read a book by a Bronte before, ‘Jane Eyre,’ and I really enjoyed all the emotion in it…I did want to avoid a classic but I’m just in a ‘Jane Eyre’ mood right now,” Woo said.
Hoping to pick up the pace with this novel, the plan is to finish the book before winter break.
New people can join at any point, particularly with the start of a new read if they are interested. Speak to club presidents juniors Jenna Bao, Woo or Mr. Breen Reardon for more information.
