If This Isn't Nice, What Is? Audiobook By Kurt Vonnegut cover art

If This Isn't Nice, What Is?

Advice for the Young

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If This Isn't Nice, What Is?

By: Kurt Vonnegut
Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins, Scott Brick
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Master storyteller and satirist Kurt Vonnegut was one of the most in-demand commencement speakers of his time. For each occasion, Vonnegut’s words were unfailingly unique, insightful, and witty, and they stayed with audience members long after graduation.

As edited by Dan Wakefield, this book reads like a narrative in the unique voice that made Vonnegut a hero to readers and listeners of all ages. At times hilarious, razor-sharp, freewheeling, and deeply serious, these reflections are ideal for anyone undergoing what Vonnegut would call their "long-delayed puberty ceremony" - marking the passage from student to full-time adult.

This book makes the perfect gift for high school or college graduates - or for parents and grandparents who remember Vonnegut fondly and want to connect with him in a new context.

©2013 Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Copyright Trust (P)2013 Audible, Inc. Career Success Motivation & Self-Improvement Career Funny Witty Inspiring Thought-Provoking

Editorial reviews

This selection of commencement speeches from legendary author Kurt Vonnegut will prove a thoroughly comforting companion for recent graduates as they move out into the so-called real world and attempt to determine their own place within that often overwhelming realm.

Vonnegut's advice, dispensed at countless graduation ceremonies over the course of his life, is by turns moving and comical, indelibly stamped with his unique outlook on the world, and voice actors Kevin T. Collins and Scott Brick take great pains to capture his distinctive authorial tone in their performance. Vonnegut is sometimes sardonic, sometimes sarcastic, sometimes straightforward, but he is always empathetic, a fact well-reflected in Collins and Brick's thoughtful narration of this inspiring work.

Featured Article: 70+ Unforgettable Kurt Vonnegut Quotes


Kurt Vonnegut had an extremely productive career, penning everything from plays to short stories to full-length nonfiction. Drawing on his experiences of war, life, and love, Vonnegut’s powerful messages were delivered so creatively—and often quite satirically—ensuring that they stood the test of time. This assortment of Kurt Vonnegut quotes is just a glimpse of the gems found throughout the works of this great author.

Featured Article 70+ Unforgettable Kurt Vonnegut Quotes
Brilliant Wisdom • Thought-provoking Ideas • Fantastic Narration • Wry Wit • Inspirational Messages • Timeless Advice
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Great ideas for new grads and also for anyone who is thoughtful about life. I'll listen tho this again and again because of this isn't nice, what is?

Wonderfully. quotable

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This is a very good book, I really enjoyed it, Recommend for the young and old alike, a collection of commencement speeches from Kurt Vonnegut, There are fourteen speeches in all (11 at colleges; the Indiana Civil Liberties Union speech; the speech when he received the Carl Sandburg Award; and the anti-war speech he gave months after the publication of Slaughterhouse-Five. Kevin T. Collins and especially Scott Brick were awesome as narrators.

Very Good, Highly Enjoyable

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ALL young people and those who feel lost should listen to this collection of speeches. Kurt (and his uncle Alex) remind us to treasure life each day for the small things, like lemonade in the shade. He reminds us to appreciate each day as it comes and remember to smile.

ATTN YOUNG PEOPLE

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So simple, but so important. I need to read or listen to this from time to time to remind myself both that things are pretty nice sometimes, and that there’s a lot of work to be done.

Words to live by.

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As always, the words of Kurt Vonnegut provide inspiration, wisdom and humour. I've listened to this audiobook several times over, and I'm sure I'll listen to it several times more.

Inspirational!

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An Indianapolisonian myself, and an avid skeptic and bad person, these kind and cruel words are well regarded.

We love you Kurt!

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Life advice from Kurt Vonnegut narrated by Scott Brick is worthwhile listening even if one disagrees with much of it.

Life advice from the ultimate cynic

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This is a nice little collection of speeches from an excellent writer and thinker. If you're very familiar with the author, you probably won't find much new, but it is an easy and concise read that will stimulate your mind weather you agree with him or not.

Lovely

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I loved it. Kevin is a fantastic reader, and the best choice I can think of.
Kurt Vonnegut is such a powerful inspiration, I envy whoever had been in his presence I wish I'd been opportuned

Pure DELIGHT!

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Fun, interesting, and useful advice, but there's a fair amount of repetition throughout the book.

Great author but repetitive

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