“I read it 2 years ago so dont expect me to remember”
“Just started reading this and I gotta say, at 100 pages or so into it I'm really developing a love/hate relationship with all the footnoes.”
“Hadn't been paying attention to the news, but apparently Wallace committed suicide back in September. There was an outstanding article/elegy in the March 9th New Yorker for anyone interested, as well as an excerpt from his unfinished novel. As ever, tragically pithy, but unusually hopeful about finding a zenlike salvation for the human soul through perfect boredom.”
“Just found this link to on online DFW discussion group. Apparently they are reading Infinite Jest now so it may be something to check out...http://waste.org/mail/?list=wallace-lpeace in your crease.”
“This in one of my all time favorite books although I almost hate saying that since people respond like I’m jumping on the smarty-pants post-modern bandwagon. I found the fragmented storytelling to fit the slightly spastic and fragmented way my mind works. I too felt addicted to the book once I got into it. Since the whole narrative is about need, addiction, craving, and loneliness it seemed appropriate that the book caused these same feelings in me. Despite the great length of the book, I felt it ended too soon and left me craving more. I know feelings are mixed about this book and my advice is- if you can’t get into it, put it down and find a book you like! Life is too short to spend large quantities of time reading something you hate.”
“Slow and steady wins the race. I think I read this book at about half the pace of other books, but no matter. I enjoy the 10 pages I get to read every morning and evening during my commute. His descriptive style paints a vivid picture in the readers mind of the circumstances and settings in which the story occurs. I look forward to reading it everyday. I think I may be getting addicted to it and may very well be suffering from withdrawal when finished.”
“About 150 pages in. It is, at times, a difficult read, but so far rewarding. What Ihave realized is that some things don't make sense right away but come into clearer focus as you read on... which I will continue to do. Also, loves the footnotes on the movies that Incandeza (sp?) made. Hilarious.”
“Infinite Book is what it should be called. I've read the other reviews and a number of people call this "genius" but don't say why. Making it long does not make it so. Does writing this in a manner that it takes as long to read it takes for the same time to pass in the book make it Post-Modern? I love detail, but this is way beyond. There are some humorous bits but 300 pages in and it appears that I'm still in the introduction. After reading some of these reviews it looks like there may not be a plot. Just 1000 pages describing various dull people. Their lives are full of events but their minds are dulled by substance abuse. It's pretty depressing and is affecting my mood in a negative way. I don't care about these people - none seem to have emotions beyond self-pity. Which I guess is typical of active substance abusers, but why would you want to spend so much time reading about people like that? If if finish this, I'll append this. I was hoping to find more here.”
“Anyone looking for a particularly challenging read? David Foster Wallace is incredible. For your first experience with him, you might want to consider one of his short story or essay compilations. The length and density of this work do a great deal of justice to the title.”
“Definitely a hefty read....I toted it all over S. America on buses and it kept me entertained, especially some of the footnotes. The detail which with DFW writes is astounding and the voices of the characters so clear. I can't say I would recommend it to everyone, but if you enjoy the first fifty or so pages, it will be worth a read. I'll also add it is probably best to keep it at home....with the weight and the doubling back to the notes, it is not good for taking on the subway.”
