Listen free for 30 days
Listen with offer
-
If This Isn't Nice, What Is?
- Advice for the Young
- Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins, Scott Brick
- Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
99p for the first 3 months
Buy Now for £2.79
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Editor 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.
Summary
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.
More from the same
What listeners say about If This Isn't Nice, What Is?
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Caroline S.
- 12-04-22
Confusing!
Although I did enjoy KV's commentary, I found it hard to follow (not from a logic standpoint, but that it seemed to be snippets of speeches that followed no logical flow). I think overall, this would have been better presented by themes rather than talks.
The narrator was good.
I've read KV's works before. Although I don't agree 100% with his POV, all the time, he is a legend of our time
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Steve R
- 07-09-21
absolute pap and general know it all meanderings
claptrap, bilge and an unlistenable dirge from somebody who loved to prattle on. If it wasn't free then I'd be angry, as it is I'm just mildly vexed
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- A Friend
- 13-03-16
a delight to the ears
It goes without saying that Vonneguts words are all absolutely masterful. An amazing guy. I only got this as I saw it was £2 and didn't expect much but I'm so glad I did. I'm sure I'll be listening to this many more times yet
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Saima Baig
- 25-01-24
Gems from Kurt Vonnegut
Really amazing thoughts from one of the best writers. Everyone should read / listen to this.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Norma Miles
- 16-03-23
"
)
"Life is no way to treat an animal."
Taken from lectures given by Kurt Vonnegut, mostly to graduating students, this is a gentle look at his own sometimes eccentric but always very reasonable outlook on life as well as a brief biography of the man himself.
Beautifully narrated by Scott Brick, Vonnegut seems to come alive, talking to us, his audio audience. Would have been five stars but for the repetition towards the end of the book. Definitely recommended - and free to download with Audible plus.
'Goddam it, you've got to be kind'
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Suzanne Lindberg
- 16-12-22
Absolutely loved it!
This is the first Kurt Vonnegut book I’ve read and it was so enjoyable. So frank and honest. Bleak honesty but also inspirational.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dave Woodall
- 24-07-22
Excellent life advice with entertaining delivery.
Excellent life advice with entertaining delivery. The content was well shared between the two narrators.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Normas Yakin
- 27-04-22
i wish I had the same
Same wit and same way of talking. I imagine he was quite an inspiration.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mr Chris Green
- 11-04-22
Great but lots repeated
I wish they had edited it so we didn’t get the slightly different retelling of the same story or advice. Otherwise great
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- sochel rogers
- 22-11-21
Well read recount of Vonnegut's wisdom to youth
Obviously, it's wisdom for everyone. Profound and very human view of the world and the rules for making life worth living.
Excellently narrated
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!