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

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

Aloha wrote: "I'm interested in the Proust and DFW bio. Geesh, we don't even need to use the adjective "huge." Let's just assume that we've entered the world of the giant books."

It's a lovely world.....

:)

Oh yes, Aloha - http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...

Marieke wrote: "okay, goody!

speaking of bios, my giant Proust bio just arrived at my library branch for pickup...but i need to finish my giant Patricia Highsmith bio before i start it."

We can set up a thread here to discuss the DFW bio if folks are interested.

I want to read that Patricia Highsmith bio....

And I just got my copy of the giant Proust bio - huge used paperback, staring at me from amidst my piles (yes, plural) of Proust.

Marieke wrote: "is anyone planning to read the new biography that is about to come out?"

Yes! Definitely.

Danielle wrote: "Perhaps there can be two schedules: the one starting in December (especially for those also participating in 2013: The Year of Proust) can be 3 months long (less pages per week), and the one starti..."

That's a really interesting idea, Danielle! I'm going to try to draw up those schedules in the next few days, and I'll get some feedback on how manageable they seem. Thanks so much!

Moira wrote: "Oh yeah, Kris did you see THIS? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4QXgd... Phenomenal.

I am trying to remember if there are songs about tennis. Or Federer. All my mind yields up is..."

Oh yes :) <3 PJH. I got to see this tour.

Well, there's the group Tennis....

Moira wrote: "Anybody else have a hopeless crush on like Mark Lanegan? Lots of stuff about addiction and misery. But catchy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lthYaP...

I think two of the top gro..."

Love, love, love ML.

Yay Jim - so glad you're here. :)

Jason wrote: "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 (?!) o..."

That's a great quote, Jason! And I love the coincidence of the comparison with Proust. Could be an interesting point of comparison to consider as we move into the Proust read in January and after.

Proustitute wrote: "@Kris

I'll glad welcome amendments to the schedule once I post it, so I'll look forward to your thoughts.

I also think easing into Swann's Way is a good idea. With that said, and a recent Brookly..."

I have a feeling we can keep up with the pace for Swann's Way with a good start in early December. No hurry re. schedule - members have an idea of the time frame now, so they can plan, but we can easily wait for more detail.

Ali wrote: "Two months sounds good. The other group I'm reading IJ for soon is giving us exactly that long. The moderator(s?) also keep all threads for any books they read open indefinitely, and the official r..."

I think this approach is perfect. I like the idea of members posting when they want - and that the schedule is more a suggested approach and a way to organize the threads than something set in stone. With this many group members, it would be impossible to come up with a lockstep schedule that suits everyone - and I think insights and ideas never keep to a schedule, or to a linear framework for that matter.

Marieke wrote: "Fwiw to both groups' moderators...I will in all likelihood "fall behind." but I'm not concerned about that. I like having the structure/schedule to refer to to find the apprropriate discussion thre..."

This should work well. I have a feeling we'll all be moving back and forth from section to section as other members post, so no one will be left hanging without a discussion. I want everyone to participate in he way that is the most comfortable for them.

Even through I haven't read IJ yet, I love the music you are posting so far. Portishead, Bowie, The Decemberists, Arcade Fire are all great choices. Can't wait to see where this goes.

Thanks so much, Nathan, Brian and Moira - your comments are very helpful. We may end up developing a schedule around 2 months, with the understanding that people can always read more quickly - if so, nothing will stop them from posting on the relevant thread.

Proustitute wrote: "Sounds good. I have several editions of Proust in storage, so I'm waiting on the Modern Library box set to arrive before I do the schedule with page spans, etc. I had hoped it would have arrived by now.

Is there anything I should do on my end when compiling the Proust schedule to keep the IJ schedule and members in mind? "

Thanks so much for asking! We've been going back and forth in the resources thread about timing, and it looks like estimates range from 6 weeks to 2 months to 3 months on the outside to read Infinite Jest. Since the most challenging parts of Infinite Jest particularly come in the first 200-250 pages, I think if members of both groups try to start IJ in December, chances are they will all be well past the more challenging sections before Proust starts in January. There could be a tough overlap period in the first part of January - possibly a slightly slower start re. page ranges in Swann's Way during that period could be helpful. However, I know how ambitious the reading schedule for Proust 2013 will be, so please don't make any adjustments that will cause problems on your end.

We can keep talking about this as we go on!

Jason wrote: "Okay, so apparently I am being overambitious to think I could read this in a month? I read about a book a week, so isn't this like a quadroupley sized book? No? I am underestimating? Is anyone goin..."

From what I have seen, a lot depends on how many other books you may be reading at the same time, as well as your reading speed. I think that 3 months was a ballpark estimate - some could finish more quickly, and some will need more time. From what I understand, some of the most difficult parts of the book come in the first 200 pages re. juggling a lot of different names, plot lines, etc. I think if we can get nicely past that point by the start of January, it will be easier to manage the rest of the book even when starting Proust.

Of course, I haven't read it yet, so I'm probably the last person to be saying anything about this. IJ veterans, please correct me!!

Steve wrote: "I'm late chiming in here, but I want to emphasize how good a few of the sites Moira mentioned are.

http://infinitejest.wallacewiki.com/d...

has a very co..."

Thanks Steve (and Moira)! And given the fact that we are months away from the start date, I actually think you're early! :)

Moira wrote: "Jason wrote: "Or I could create it and just provide the link to it if people want me to."

OMG do it! Yes! (Heh, I mean, uh, if Kris approves....)"

If I ever get that autocratic, please call me on it! Stage a coup.

Ali wrote: "I wish. Even though it doesn't matter to me, it would be hilarious to read all the reviews saying when the book was delivered to them they weren't expecting to receive a magnifying glass with it, a..."

Laughing here - new book designation - BYOMG :)