I read Cat's Cradle when I was about 15, and I just reread it recently as a 39 year old. While the book remains an important work, I think a bit of the urgency and vitality wore off. I remembered that it had some cool ice-stuff and a frozen dog from being a teen. Upon this reading, I was amazed how spiritual the essence of the story seemed under the layers of obvious satire. Jonah, the reporter, is attracted to the exotic Mona, not because of her beauty (but being the typical male, that's what he thinks) but because, ultimately through the simple act of touching his feet to hers, he finds God. Vonnegut seems a very anti-religious man.....hating the organized religions of the world, but still facing up to the fact that God can be found anywhere and everywhere, even if one dosen't know what one seeks. The book, due to it's anti nuclear theme, was perhaps more urgent in the 1970's, but it is still a laugh-out-loud enjoyable read. I also admire the layers of storytelling. It is one of my favorite Vonnegut offerings.