Review: The Sirens of Titan

 ★★★★★

The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut was published in 1959 but still feels timely. This book tackles daunting themes such as religious indoctrination, free will, and even the meaning of life. The writing style is very simple and to the point, but that doesn't mean there aren't great descriptions. There are also some stellar quotes, which I'll pepper in.

"I was a victim of a series of accidents, as are we all."

I haven't read almost any science fiction before, and this book made me more curious about the genre. The book falls into the category of comedic science fiction, which makes all of the existential questioning easier to swallow. The plot is very complicated, so I won't try to summarize, but it's a captivating read, full of characters that are both bizarre and sympathetic.

"I found me a place where I can do good without doing any harm."

What surprised me most while reading this was the emotional connection I felt to the story. I would never associate science fiction with romance or emotions, but somehow Vonnegut made me care about life on Mars and aliens waiting thousands of years to receive a message from their home planets. Overall this was one of the strangest books I've ever read yet also one of the most meaningful.

"A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved."

-Gretchen*

*Gretchen did not say the quote although it appears that way due to formatting