So it goes.

I got to meet Kurt Vonnegut once, at a reading for Grace Paley in the Irish House at NYU where he introduced her. I happened to be writing a paper about a book of essays she had written, and it was the best kind of trivial surprise to learn that Vonnegut was a friend of hers. He was quietly hilarious. I had finished reading Slaughterhouse Five just weeks before, and I told him so at the reading's reception. He shook my hand and said thank you. Then I got my intimidated freshman ass the hell out of there. I made a mental note to read more of his books.

Vonnegut died yesterday at 84. It's a sad  reminder, but I now know what's next on my reading list.

Comments

[Mom]

I remember your call about that encounter. I was envious. I'm such a fan of his writing, need to revisit.