Infinite Jest General Discussion - NO SPOILERS

[Debra]

Thanks for thinking of me Ann. I have my copy, but just haven't been up to the challenge. I think it's going to take more mental effort than I can expend at the moment.

I'm tolerating my chemo treatments very well, but am extremely exhausted. I have one more to go on the 19th and then I will have 10 days of radiation some time in January.

I still haven't given up on reading the book, but may not make the deadline. I'm glad you are reading and commenting, Ann. Hope other can join you.

[Ann]

For those who as I was are daunted by the first section for spoilers being 198 pages long; I peeked in on that thread and we are not alone in being a bit intimidated. ;-) That is evident by the lack of posts on the second spoiler post too I think, it appears we aren't getting past the first segment very quickly.
I am still very glad this book came up as a group read, being introduced to it has been a revelation and it has piqued my interest so I thank each of you for attempting to embark on this journey together. Even if we don't finish it in the prescribed time, I expect to enjoy what it will reveal and how it will affect how I think.
Jim posted a couple of Wikipedia links on that first spoiler section that are added background. Thanks, Jim! I hadn't thought to seek out a study of the setting or the characters.

[Debra]

I feel like I'm letting you guys down because I've not gotten to Infinite Jest, yet. If it is alright with everyone, I'm going to extend the group read through the end of February to give us all a little bit more time. Hopefully, after I get my radiation treatments this month, I will be on the road to recovery and feel more up to a challenging book.

[Ann]

Sounds good Debra! I hope your radiation treatment goes well and your recovery is speedy!
Debra wrote: "I feel like I'm letting you guys down because I've not gotten to Infinite Jest, yet. If it is alright with everyone, I'm going to extend the group read through the end of February to give us all a..."

[Michelle]

Sounds great to me...I am still catching up and am almost finished with The Store. You are not letting any of us down! We all want you to get better! I hope everything goes great and that you will be better soon!

[Jeff]

This is hard reading and I'm starting to wonder if there is any point to it.

[Debra]

Sorry you are having a hard time, Jeff. I've heard it's not an easy read. Perhaps it will get better as you go. If not, no one will blame you if you decide to abandon it.

[April]

Jeff wrote: "This is hard reading and I'm starting to wonder if there is any point to it."

Hi, Jeff! I'm curious...how far are you in the book? What format are you reading (physical book or e-book)? and Is it the vocabulary or something else that is making it a hard read? I haven't really got started yet. I was hoping to accomplish this in February.

[Jeff]

I have the paperback version of the book, and am about 200 pages into it. So far it is going back and forth between several uninteresting, unrelated stories. I assume the stories will start to merge together and something of interest will happen sooner or later so I keep going back to reading it, but I keep having to take breaks to read something that makes sense. I might have messed up on that plan though with the new one I started, The Third Policeman. It's even more out of left field than IJ so far.

[April]

Thanks, Jeff. My husband bought me the book but I am toying with idea of buying the e-book. I thought maybe the e-book would be a bit easier, but from your comments, I guess it wouldn't matter! I will be posting my thoughts on the book soon.

[Jeff]

With the footnotes being at the end of the book, it would be even more difficult to read on my kindle. You really do need to look at the notes pretty often. I have three bookmarks going in my book.

[April]

Good to know, Jeff! Thanks!

[Debra]

Take your time, Amber. This discussions will still be here whenever your ready to comment.