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If This Isn't Nice, What Is? (Even More) Expanded Third Edition: The Graduation Speeches and Other Words to Live by

by Kurt Vonnegut

Commencement words beyond the ceremony

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Awards & Recognition

  • Author recognition

    Kurt Vonnegut — New York Times-bestselling author

    Described in the supplied metadata as a New York Times-bestselling literary icon.

AlbakiReads Editorial

Commencement words beyond the ceremony

This expanded collection brings together 15 graduation speeches alongside essays and other reflections by Kurt Vonnegut, selected and introduced by novelist Dan Wakefield. Its subjects range from social justice and the American dream to money, love, fraternity life, and the passage into adulthood. The speech format gives the pieces a shared occasion, while their varied topics extend the collection beyond advice aimed only at new graduates. The contents offer a window onto Vonnegut’s thoughts about how people live, what they value, and the responsibilities that come with greater independence.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Graduates and people marking a transition into adulthood
  • Readers interested in Vonnegut’s speeches and nonfiction
  • Those seeking essays on social justice, money, love, and life choices

Themes

Adulthood and independenceSocial justice and the American dreamMoney, love, and personal values

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

A collection of 15 graduation speeches and treasured wisdom from the New York Times-bestselling literary icon and author of Slaughterhouse-Five, Cat's Cradle, and Breakfast of Champions

"Like [that of] his literary ancestor Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut's crankiness is good-humored and sharp-witted."--A.O. Scott, The New York Times Book Review

Master storyteller and satirist Kurt Vonnegut was one of the most in-demand commencement speakers of his time. His words were unfailingly insightful and witty, and they stayed with audience members long after graduation. Chosen and introduced by fellow novelist and friend Dan Wakefield, a selection of speeches and essays in this expanded 3rd edition include:

- "What to Do When You Have the Power; In the Meantime, Remember to Skylark!"
- "Why Social Justice Does More Than Art to Nourish the American Dream"
- "How to Make Money and Find Love!"
- "Somebody Should've Told Me Not to Join a Fraternity"
- "How to Have Something Most Billionaires Don't"

Hilarious, razor-sharp, freewheeling, and at times deeply serious, these reflections are ideal not just for graduates but for anyone undergoing what Vonnegut would call their "long-delayed puberty ceremony"--marking the long and challenging passage to full-time adulthood.
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