Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. was a highly acclaimed American author, known for his works in science fiction and satire. Born in Indianapolis in 1922, Vonnegut attended Cornell University and later served in World War II as a soldier, where he was held as a prisoner of war and witnessed the bombing of Dresden, Germany, an experience that would later inspire one of his most famous works, Slaughterhouse-Five.

Vonnegut's writing often reflected his political beliefs and experiences. As a critical leftist intellectual, he wrote about the pains and sacrifices of war, which resonated with many readers. He gave all of his works letter grades, with Cat's Cradle and Slaughterhouse-Five receiving an A+, and novels such as The Sirens of Titan, Mother Night, God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, and Jailbird receiving an A.

In addition to his writing, Vonnegut was also a lecturer and painter. He was recognized as New York State Author for 2001-2003 and was known for his unique writing style, which he attributed to his reporting work. Vonnegut was also a self-proclaimed humanist and socialist, and a lifelong supporter of the American Civil Liberties Union. He passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of critically acclaimed novels that continue to captivate readers to this day.