The Sirens of Titan
Kurt Vonnegut
23 people recommended it in 18 threads, 2009–2024.
What people on Hacker News said
The first novel I really loved, that somehow spoke to me, that I could totally relate to. Very funny too.
Coming of age is a perfect time to learn that the fact that life is absurd doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't laugh, just the opposite.
A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.
They all connect tangentially to the same universe, so reading more Vonnegut also has cool pay-offs and tie-ins.
That's some of the stuff that comes to mind as having shifted my perception on things in some fundamental ways.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: What's the "best" book you've ever read? 2024 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: Which book/essay changed your life? 2021 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: Great fiction books that have had a positive impact on your life? 2020 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What's one book that changed your life? 2018 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What are your favorite sci-fi books? 2023 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What book changed your life? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What's the best book you read in 2021? 2021 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What was a book that changed your life? 2020 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Best books you read in the past decade? 2019 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost everything? 2019 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What are the best Sci-Fi books you've ever read? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which books have made you introspect? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which non-technology book has influenced you the most and why? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2016? 2016 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which book are you reading? 2013 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Best book you read in 2011 2011 · 1 recommendation
- The Best Science Fiction Books (According to Reddit) 2011 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Please name two of your most favorite books. 2009 · 1 recommendation