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Dr. Michael Roberts, HGTC Professor of English
Cover of Dr. Michael Roberts' new book, God Bless You, Mr. Vonnegut
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is proud to announce the publication of God Bless You, Mr. Vonnegut: The Sociocultural Criticisms and Prophecies of Kurt Vonnegut by Dr. Michael Roberts, HGTC Professor of English. This compelling work offers a profound analysis of Vonnegut’s literary contributions, examining the sociocultural themes, philosophies, and prescient critiques that continue to resonate in today’s world.
In this non-fiction work, Dr. Roberts meticulously examines Vonnegut’s insights on contemporary issues such as politics, government, environmental challenges, social power dynamics, equality, and the impact of social media. His years of dedicated research and teaching experience at the college level bring depth and clarity to his exploration of Vonnegut’s writings, making the book a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers.
“Dr. Roberts’ dedication to literature and to his students is evident in every page of his work,” said Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, President of HGTC. “This book underscores his commitment to exploring relevant and timely social questions through the lens of literature. We are immensely proud of his achievements and the important contributions he continues to make in academia.”
Dr. Roberts, who has taught at HGTC since 2016 and has over 20 years of experience in higher education, holds degrees from NC State University (Doctoral Degree), UNC Pembroke (Master of Arts), and St. Andrews University (Bachelor of Arts). He is also an accomplished poet, having published three (3) full collections of poetry, including Scribbled Lines: Life in Pieces, The Sounds a Shadow Makes, and Aftermath, as well as chapbooks Random Roadside Cemetery and Daughters, Soulmates, and the Spirit in the Urn.
"In exploring Vonnegut’s work, I discovered how his narratives and social critiques remain powerfully relevant to our world today," said Dr. Michael Roberts, Professor of English at HGTC. "Vonnegut saw with striking clarity the complexities of human behavior and the dangers of unchecked power, environmental neglect, and societal division. I hope this book offers readers new insights into his prophetic vision and inspires reflection on how literature can illuminate our present and guide us toward a more conscious future."
God Bless You, Mr. Vonnegut is available on Amazon and other major retailers. For those interested in exploring the intersections of literature and contemporary societal themes, Dr. Roberts’ book promises to be an enlightening and thought-provoking read.
"I have been intermittently working on this book for over five years," continued Dr. Roberts. "I was always a fan of Vonnegut's novels, and I have read them all—some multiple times. My affinity for his literature led me to present a conference paper on this very subject, initially focusing on just one novel. The response and the rich conversation that followed inspired me to expand the work into a full book. While I’ve written five books of poetry in the same period, this project has been a true labor of passion, engaging my intellectual side more than the creative impulse poetry often requires. Vonnegut’s insights into society remain as thought-provoking as ever, and I hope this book offers readers fresh perspectives on his visionary critiques."