Re: the Tralfamadorians: "The author has chosen the messages carefully, so that, when seen all at once, they produce an image of life that is so beautiful and surprising and deep. There is no beginning, no middle, no end, no suspense, no moral, no causes, no effects. What we love in our books are the depths of many marvelous moments seen all at one time."

This book had such vivid and beautiful descriptions! The characters were interesting, and I loved how their stories intertwined. I can see why it won the Pulitzer Prize.

"Then her soul sat on her lips, and language flowed, from what source I cannot tell."

"Why should the fruit be held inferior to the flower?"

"It was us that had been making him go on for weeks, keeping him standing long after his feet and legs had given out, weeks of making him wink and grin and laugh and go on with his act long after his humor had been parched dry between two electrodes."

"But I don't want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin."

This book started out pretty slow, but about halfway through, I couldn't put it down! Hawkins gives you a tiny piece of the puzzle bit by bit so you come to the startling conclusion at the same moment as the characters. I gasped out loud multiple times :)

Be with me always - take any form - drive me mad! Only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! Oh God! It is unutterable! I cannot live without my life! I cannot live without my soul!