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Infinite Jest
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Infinite Jest - Chunky- Discussion thread
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Meg
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Nov 12, 2012 02:03PM
I promised this would be our next chunky book. It is shorter than A Suitable Boy, so easier to hold. Who is in? We probably will start the end of December.
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But I guess it can't be any worse than Ulysses. :o)
Some say a lot is about suicide is that correct?
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Here is what Wikipedia says about the book:
Infinite Jest is a 1996 novel by David Foster Wallace. The lengthy and complex work takes place in a semi-parodic future version of North America, and touches on tennis, substance addiction recovery programs, depression, child abuse, family relationships, advertising, popular entertainment, film theory, and Quebec separatism, among other topics. Wallace was 33 when the novel was published.
The novel includes 388 numbered endnotes (some of which have footnotes of their own) that explain or expound on points in the story. In an interview with Charlie Rose, Wallace characterized their use as a method of disrupting the linearity of the text while maintaining some sense of narrative cohesion. In 2005, Time magazine included the novel in its list of the 100 best English-language novels from 1923 to the present.
I'm in. I had planned on re-starting over Christmas. I had started it earlier this year but it slipped to the side. Not because it's not interesting; just life got in the way. There is a suicide in the part that I had read. Can't speak of the rest of the book. It does seem to be about obsession (but I could be wrong as I haven't finished it).
We have a great group forming, I am excited.
I got my book. 2lbs.8.3 oz. Dare I take it on the plane with me.LOL. My carry on is all books forget about my wallet.
That is so funny Rebecca!
Rebecca wrote: "I got my book. 2lbs.8.3 oz. Dare I take it on the plane with me.LOL. My carry on is all books forget about my wallet."Time for a Kindle. I prefer a book in my hand but a Kindle is great for traveling. I take mine to work too.
This will be my first book to read with this group. I'm in.
I'll try to read along with you guys
There's a really interesting article about (and a touching picture of) Wallace in the current edition of the New York Times Review of Books. It's the first thing I've read about him that made me want to read his novel.Shelley, Rain: A Dust Bowl Story
http://dustbowlpoetry.wordpress.com
Is there anyone that wants to lead this book?
What does that involve, Meg? I may be up to it but don't want to disappoint either.
We set up a reading schedule and then discuss the reading. It can be done as a reflection and/or questions. It is very laid back and we all participate. I will be part of the group and can help as much as you need. It is always great to have a different perspective.
When are you ladies reading? I'm thinking about participating.
The end of December Viola. I hope you join us.i have read the prologe so far, it is very interesting so far.
That sounds like something I could do. If you like, I'll try to lead the discussion........not promising where I'll lead it to :-) Are we starting around Christmas or in the New Year?
Well I usually set up a reading schedule of approximately 100 pages per week So that would be step one. I think the last week in December is good, is that ok with everyone?
Sounds good. My copy is on its way and I should have it by next week. I'll work on the schedule then and post it on the first weekend of December. We can aim for starting in the last week of December.
I'm in!!! I've had the crazy digital copy for a while now, it links back and forth to the end notes! Can't wait to read it with a group.
Great Petra, really looking forward to it.
I am going to try. This will be the 2nd or 3rd chunky I have started but failed to even come close to finishing!
we are still happy to have you :)
I'll give this one a whirl. It initially didn't appeal to me, and I'd decided I wasn't going to attempt it... but then once I did I kept seeing mention of it seemingly everywhere! So, I will take that as a sign that I am meant to read it.
We've got enough people to make this an interesting discussion. From the couple hundred pages I read before, my suggestion would be to ask and discuss any point that may seem unusual in any way. It's a book full of ....um.....idiosyncracies and any discussion can ony help us along.
Go with the flow. It's supposed to all come together at some point.
I found it a really interesting book but Life got in the way and I had to put it aside. I'm looking forward to restarting it.
The first chapter (and many of the others) is a hoot.
Well, unfortunately, I've decided not to commit to this book now. I've decided to read Les Misérables instead in anticipating of the movie coming out.
I am sad as well I was looking forward to reading with you again since it has been a while.
May I join in? Petra asked me and this is a book that I've tried once to read, but alone I couldn't make it. Hope that with you ...
We would love to have you Laura
Thanks then. I'll be one of yours!
Yay, Laura!! I'm glad you can join us. .
All for you, Petra!!!
Haha! You'll thank me later when we're done. This will be an interesting read.
This sounds good, I would like to be involved in this Chunky Read. I haven't been very active on this site but it seems things have moved along!So please may I join in in the chunky read, Infinite Jest...and then whatever comes next . From Helen
We would love to have you, welcome!
I'm getting quite excited about starting. With so many people reading along, we'll have some great discussions and laughs.
I've started reading it for another group so I'll be happy to join in here.
That is awesome Cynthia!
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Everything will be compared to Ulysses............sigh!
Ok, I've been waiting on someone to help me through this one! Although i normally like books in print, i think i will use my ipad for this one, to facilitate dictionary look-up for new vocab words. The iTunes Store has it for $3.99, quite a deal!I'm in!
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