Jason’s Comments (group member since Aug 06, 2012)

Jason’s comments from the Infinite Jest – David Foster Wallace group.

Considering the title is loosely based on Hamlet and I might be able to squeeze in one more book before starting Infinite Jest, has anyone entertained the idea of reading Hamlet before IJ? Or should I just start IJ a bit early?

Hahah...next time I see Scarface, I'm going to think of Madeleine's little joke. :)

Jacob wrote: "What are some other influential forces at work in DFW's fiction?"

Hamlet.

Don't kid yourself, Brig. I started a whole new thread because I am self-centered.

Mike, are you doing Proust, too?

I just noticed my real-life friend Brigid just joined the group. Part of this is excitement at her joining us ('cause she's awesome!), but also this thread can be used by others to introduce themselves if they are new to the crew or are just dropping in for the group read or what not.

Brigid, feel free to say hello. Most of these people are cool. Sometimes.

Kris, have there been those who have voiced their support for a January start specifically? It is my impression that most everyone falls into the earlier start pattern. Maybe you wouldn't have to have two official starts?

#3 makes me have the fewest number of panic attacks.

That Proustitute guy is one of the nicest people on GR.

Nice job with the Infinite Jest playlist, Moira! I can't wait to listen to it later today.

Spotify definitely has its weaknesses.

Moira wrote: "I vote you recreate the picture where DFW is simultaneously shielding the young woman's modesty and protecting her from sunburned tits."

I just saw that!

JSA, the link to the Spotify list is in message 1. It is in "collaborative" mode so feel free to subscribe to it and add whatever you think fits the IJ theme—lily white or not.

Try to connect & see if you can add that Modest Mouse track.

Stephen, do you have Spotify?

Nice, Moira! I see you on my spotify. Coo`.

S. Penkevich?

I normally find forewords to be rather dull and pointless. My copy of IJ has one by Dave Eggers, though, who not only stirs excitement for this novel with his words, but also mentions Proust (?!) of all people. He writes:

“But Wallace is a different sort of madman, one in full control of his tools, one who instead of teetering on the edge of this precipice or that, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, seems to be heading ever-inward, into the depths of memory and the relentless conjuring of a certain time and place in a way that evokes—it seems so wrong to type this name but then again, so right!—Marcel Proust. There is the same sort of obsessiveness, the same incredible precision and focus, and the same sense that the writer wanted (and arguably succeeds at) nailing the consciousness of an age.”

So I thought that was interesting. It has made me even more excited for the IJ read this winter.

I see Kris and Marieke have joined the playlist. It is working!