Breakfast of Champions; or, Goodbye, Blue Monday

Everything Ever, and Nothing All At Once.

Breakfast of Champions was a book by Kurt Vonnegut.

That's really all I have to say about the book to make it what it is. It's impolite, but acceptable. It was meant to be both at the same time, and that's what it was. It was everywhere but on the page. There wasn't for one second when I was reading that book that I thought of it as a book. I thought of it as an idea, or a million different ideas, which I believe is the way that the book was meant to be taken. A different view for every subject that has a view.

What lots of people seem to say about this book is that it is a symbol for something. A story about the tragedies of war, of mental illness, about how life can change you, about coincidence. People try and find meaning in this book. They call it literature, and give it importance, and give it fancy titles and symbolism that is everything they think it is, that they want it to be, much like the lives of people in Midland City.

I believe this book was intended for everyone to read, if not for everyone to understand. It gives perspectives that only someone like Kurt Vonnegut would think of. That being, no one else.

The titles 'Breakfast of Champions' and 'Goodbye, Blue Monday' both fit the story if you read it. Seemingly interesting as well, to those who don't know the story behind it. Part of which is what made me pick it up.

The way that Kurt puts himself in his books to further the story is what gives them his personal style, and which is particularly evident in this novel of his. He isn't afraid to stray from the conventions of rules of grammar, or typical book structure. A drawing here and there to further illustrate the point gives it not meaning but voice.

Conventions aside; This story, this book, this philosophy gives thought, gives a closer look to aspects of daily life which most don't think about. And for those who aren't trying to look to deep into the pages, but just looking for something to pass the time, it's still a good read.

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A Vonnegut lover's book

Breakfast of Champions is a great book for Vonnegut lovers. It differentiates itself from his other books, and because of this it may be difficult to get into for those who don't admire Mr. Vonnegut. The reader can sense the care and emotion Vonnegut put into this novel as opposed to his others, such as Cat's Cradle. He clearly states his views and thoughts on society, art, and more specifically on literature. His life experiences have a healthy influence on this novel, but to make things more personal he gives his opinions on those experiences. You don't have to agree with them to appreciate this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Vonnegut.

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Prime Vonnegut

Anyone familiar with any of Kurt Vonnegut's works will not be disappointed by this classic satire. It features characters recurring in his novels - Kilgore Trout, Eliot Rosewater, and Rabo Karebakian - as well as fresh inventions, whose stories collude to turn any reader into a social cynic. The novel is narrated by Vonnegut, who directs his monologue at a reader unfamiliar with Earth and its customs. Because of that, he is compelled to frequently illustrate his point - whether it be with a sketch of a vagina or an electric chair - to great comic effect. Early in the book he states that he needs to empty his mind of useless clutter, which he would seem to do quite effectively, though what may seem to be a random outburst will be, without fail, a cleverly constructed social criticism. Readers familiar with works such as Slaughterhouse V will be pleasantly surprised to find that they already have a fair bit of background on Kilgore Trout, the protagonist, as well as Eliot Rosewater, whom one may remember shares a hospital room with Billy Pilgrim in Slaughterhouse. Kilgore becomes quite lovable in this installment. One of the more profound scenes occurs at the very end and features Vonnegut as character as well as narrator. He and Trout have an excellent dialog that I shall not spoil here. It is sufficient to say that it caps a very good point Vonnegut makes throughout the book regarding the control people have over their own actions. In summary, an excellent read.

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My 1st Vonnegut Read - "Breakfast of Champions"

Before reading this I had polished off a very heavy read on the genocide in Rwanda. (I don't know if I can ever take tgat friend's book suggestions again) It was heavy and disturbing and I came away needing something lighter and fun.

Vonnegut delivered. It was incredible how he wove culture, humor, characters, places, and even himself into a very entertaining novel.

Get this book. Read it. Do yourself the favor. Just don't wade through Sugar Creek.

Book

Bad book

? Highly recommend. -

Yes.

god of books.

I have come to realize that a comededic book about nothing but two men and their rollercoaster of a life can be the literary masterpiece of my life. Furthermore, if you do not read this you will be missing out not only on a literary masterpiece, but an amazing gallery of art. (see drawimg of butt hole) haha.

Five stars.

This book was AH-mazing! Vonnegut is a literary genius, and his works are genuine, funny, and witty. Be sure to read Slaughterhouse 5, as well!

Great, stimulating, satirical read!

This book is a definite classic that touches on many aspects and issues that were and still remain sensitive in American culture. With a witty and truthful voice, Vonngeut touches on key concepts in an original, satirical manner. He incorporates unusual, memorable characters from previous works and intertwines many lives to illustrate the issues of the generation.

Kurt Vonnegut's Breakfast of Champions made me rethink my hatred of book's

Breakfast of Champions is basically Kurt Vonnegut explaining our planet to alien's through his two main characters Kilgore Trout and Dwayne Hoover. Kilgore Trout is a writer who goes to an art's festival in Midland city because of an invitation with 500 dollars. Dwayne Hoover is a schizophrenic poniac dealer. The story builds to a meeting of the two which turns out very interestingly.

Vonnegut used satirical comments throught his book to explain many things, which is why this book is the best book I have ever read. His comments were hilarious and made me not want to put the book down. Vonnegut also kept me intertained with his drawings which were histerical. He oftens uses minor characters such as Dwayne Hoover's wife and son to further develop character. This gives you a better understanding of who they are and often makes you laugh uncontrolably.

I never really liked books before this one. Kurt Vonnegut brought comedy to books that can actually make you laugh. His writing style was astonishing to me. Every book I have ever read has had a standard look and standard read to it, but his dared to be different. I hope there are more books out there that can hold a readers interest instead of boring them to death, like so many others.

A definite read for Vonnegut fans

Vonnegut first starts this amusing novel by mentioning that the title has no association to registered trademark of Generals Mills, INC. which is "Breakfast of Champions". The story starts off with the introduction of the story's main plot, the meeting of Kilgore Trout, a science fiction writer, and Dwayne Hoover, a Pontiac dealer. Kilgore Trout receives five hundred dollars from a Midland city art enthusiast and invitation to come to the Midland city arts festival for writers and artists. Dwayne is then introduced as one of Midland city's most wealthy men; however Dwayne has mental problems due to bad chemicals in his head. The story goes on as Kilgore trout makes his way to Midland city by hitch hiking and as Dwayne goes on with his lonesome life wondering about the Universe and its creator. While the destined meeting of the men is getting closer, Vonnegut uses black humor to describe many of the things the men encounter. Dwayne Hoover's life is explained in detail with the addition of the satirical comments about aspects of life during the time period of America¿s 1990s. Throughout the entire story the men are both searching for more answers about the Universe. The novel also contains stories of minor characters like Dwayne¿s wife, son, and mistress, but they are mainly there for the satirical aspect of the novel. Before the meeting of men occurs, Vonnegut places himself at their place of meeting, the Midland city arts festival, to witness the event. The events of follow the meeting are important piece of the novel. This is because Dwayne has been searching for someone like Trout to give him fresh ideas
In my opinion this is a great book for fans of Vonnegut or anybody who likes comedy in a novel. The humor in this novel is worthy of a trophy. Vonnegut is satirical genius when it comes to making fun of anything from cows to diapers. This book is great for people who want a new view of the world from someone truly creative. It is a masterpiece for those who mind reading small parts to a gain a greater whole understanding of a novel.

Amazing, Hilarious Book!

This was the first Vonnegut novel I ever read. Breakfast of Champions was a really funny, satirical book. It really makes you think, while giving you a good laugh at the same time, something that I can't say of many books. Vonnegut's putting himself in the story was a really funny, well done plot twist. It can be a bit vulgar, but I found myself able to ignore it. I really can say that I have never read a book like this.

Brilliant!

A naïve and spiritual yet satirist and explicit masterpiece, Kurt Vonnegut¿s Breakfast of Champions exploits the pitfalls and shortcomings of American society through the offbeat observations, colorful journeys, and rhetorical questions of ill-minded ¿machines¿, and of Vonnegut himself. Issues ranging from racism, sexism, intolerance, and profanity to pollution, ignorance, capitalism, imperialism, and jingoism all come to the surface as Vonnegut teaches us how to see the truth. Breakfast of Champions follows the unconventional lives of two men, a mentally-deteriorating ¿well-to-do¿ car salesman from an unknown Midwest town and an old, unorthodox writer who lives alone and ¿unknown,¿ as well as familiar characters parodied. Mysterious consequences (and an art fair) bring these two men to cross paths, as their journeys, and the people along the way, are deeply examined. Vonnegut beautifully constructs this impeccable tragedy of consequence and ¿adapting to chaos.¿

Hilarious and smart

Vonnegut certainly outdid himself. This book is clever and witty. He mocks society and its beliefs in a laughable fashion. This is the perfect summer pleasure book because it's enjoyable and it's an 'easy-read'.

Stellar!

Of all the Kurt Vonnegut books i have read, such as Cat's Cradle, Galapagos, Slaughterhouse-Five, Mother Night, etc. this novel goes off the deep end and comes up with an acurate description of american suburbanite existence just as applicable now as at the time it was published. It tells the story of Kilgore Trout, your normal prolific writer without a reputation as he travels cross-country to reach a cultural festival of the uninitiated. As he goes about he is exposed to all the levels of depravity and social corruption in modern American society, how its bulk is constantly being readjusted in little bites, and the total irony of American luxury.

hilarious

This book isn't the best Vonnegut novel I've read, but it could be the funniest. I don't think he had quite as much to say in this one, though he does take his jabs at society and its hypocrisy. It is a silly book. I laughed out loud constantly as I read it.

Still my favorite!

Sometimes nearly outlandish, but grounded by seemingly simple prose, this book has remained not only my favorite Vonnegut, but is cemented as my favorite book of all time! It can be funny, dark, smart, silly, whatever you want!

Hamburger for Breakfast

Read it, loved it, saw the movie, hated the movie, loved the book. Kurt Vonnegut takes the idea of a failing life and has these two wasted men, wasted on life, to meet. When these two concepts meet, the book establishes a sense of calamity. All in all, the book is great, a very fun read and it gives a very interesting avenue into the mind of the characters

as always the movie sucks

this is one of the best books in the world. if you enjoy entertainment... definately read this book, but NEVER watch the movie. it's pure poison. I freaking love vonnegut.

Breakfast of champions

Kurt Vonnegut, Breakfast of champions. Great Britain, Jonathan Cape, 1973. Kurt Vonnegut¿s novel is a really entertaining story about two characters called Kilgore Trout and Dwayne Hoover who are well on the way to become insane. Hoover, the Pontiac dealer, personalises the perfect image of a successful American citizen with his good-running business and his family that outwardly appears to be fine. But in reality Hoover¿s life is just a mess. He doesn¿t come along with only being seen as the star in his excessive commercials and his role in society in general. And on top of that his wife is already mentally ill and his son George, looking like a tasteless Elvis double, is a crazy gay solo entertainer. Hoover¿s antagonist is the old unsuccessful writer Kilgore Trout, whose crazy alien science-fiction stories have just been published in porn magazines. After receiving an invitation by his greatest fan, wealthy Elliot Rosewater, he leaves for the Midland Festival of Arts where the two mad characters, Trout and Hoover finally meet. The novel is not only a criticism of the two main characters, it¿s meant as a criticism of the American society itself. With lots of irony, sarcasm and also imagination Vonnegut trips through all kinds of modern and historical parts of American life, and he really doesn¿t mince his words at all when he talks about taboo topics such as porn or racism. All this is underlined by his really descriptive childlike drawings. Although the novel is really interesting and funny at the beginning, the reader becomes more and more bored in the second part. Vonnegut¿s sense of humour may seem outstanding at the beginning, but it turns out some kind of silly and tasteless after some pages and it just gets on the reader¿s nerves. He sometimes succeeds in convincing but at other times his messages are kind of far-fetched. There is one more aspect to mention about his style of writing. Even if it¿s good that he describes things really detailed, his numerous use of slang words makes it difficult for a native speaker to understand some of his ideas. All in all Vonnegut¿s novel is (at least for some time) an amusing work for experts and critics of the American society who are really interested in dealing with this subject.