We Never Danced Cheek to Cheek: The Young Kurt Vonnegut in Indianapolis and Beyond

by Majie Alford Failey

This personal, detailed look at Kurt Vonnegut as a child and teenager in Indianapolis, by his long-time closest friend, shows him as a sensitive, very talented but not always appreciated. He's shown by those who knew him editing his school newspaper, wisecracking and devising shenanigans, and growing to love the out-of-doors as he trekked with friends through the south and west. Kurt's love-hate relationship with his home town and state are explored through description of personal experiences. Many letters from Kurt, 60 family and little-known photos, twelve pages in color.

175 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2011

Reviews

[Michael Decamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very personal glimpse into the life of one of America’s celebrated authors of the second half of the 20th century as told by one of his lifelong friends. If you’d like a peek behind the curtain at the real life of a famous man, read this book. It reads like a memoir and the author’s affection for her friend is palpable.

[Thomas Schulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a small, fascinating insight into the life of Kurt Vonnegut Jr. by a life-long friend that I picked up at the Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Memorial Library in Indianapolis. With plenty of pictures and recollections, Majie recalls Kurt from his family's failing fortunes to his own rise and setbacks in a personal, zig-zag fashion only possible from such a friend that only gets to check in from time to time as a successful, adult life sets in.

[Tina Stillabower · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as a proofreader for the Indiana Talking Book and Braille Library. While this was an interesting story, I didn't get the feeling this author was a "seasoned" author as there were parts that didn't read well and the timeline skipped around a lot. Nevertheless, it was an interesting story of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. with insights that most of the public woudn't know.

[Jay C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short & poignant biograhpical work about one of Indiana's greatest authors, as told by a lifelong friend. If you are a Vonnegut fan, you'll enjoy all the "inside info" in this book.

Very sad to read near the end when you know his time on earth is drawing to a close...