Infinite Jest

[FourthBase]

Okay, so I really have too much work to do right now to discuss anything on the board, to keep up with the board daily, but...I'm aching to know how many people here have read (thoroughly) Infinite Jest. If you have, and only if you loved it, PM me if you want, or just mention it here. I'll be back to check when I have the time.

[barracuda]

Okay, "thoroughly" sort of implies a study of the book or multiple readings, neither of which have I accomplished. I did read it though, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Beyond that I have read only a few of David Foster Wallace's essays available online which I found to be great, particularly his essay on David Lynch.

[FourthBase]

Do you believe in ghosts?

[barracuda]

Yeah, and other paranormal shit, and I try not to underestimate ordinary objects, either.

[FourthBase]

Yeah, and other paranormal shit, and I try not to underestimate ordinary objects, either.

Well, that's all that needs to be said.

[redsock]

I have read it from start to finish -- and have re-read huge sections of it.

I LOVE it. Hands down, my favorite book.

[FourthBase]

I have read it from start to finish -- and have re-read huge sections of it.

I LOVE it. Hands down, my favorite book.

Fucking awesome. I love you.

Did you know that Lyle is a wraith?

[redsock]

Not sure, though he does float early on in the book, right?

**

Fun fact: I own at least 7 copies:

Hard cover
Hard cover, 1st edition
Hard cover, 1st edition, autographed
Back Bay paperback
Paperback with hard cover cloud art
Review copy (text different in countless spots)
UK paperback

I have so far resisted getting it in languages other than English, none of which I can read!

[FourthBase]

Not sure, though he does float early on in the book, right?

**

Fun fact: I own at least 7 copies:

Hard cover
Hard cover, 1st edition
Hard cover, 1st edition, autographed
Back Bay paperback
Paperback with hard cover cloud art
Review copy (text different in countless spots)
UK paperback

I have so far resisted getting it in languages other than English, none of which I can read!

Don't bother with translations. Just keep thinking about the book.

Be sure: Lyle is a wraith. The role of wraiths in the book cannot be overstated and must not be underestimated. Much of the book is still a mystery to me, but I can safely say I'm in the 99.9th percentile of Infinite Jest readers when it comes to understanding it. You might be, too. Here, see this blog, the proof for Lyle as a wraith is there, in both posts and comments, and there'll be more where that comes from, so feel free to comment there, too:

http://reachandpull.wordpress.com/

[FourthBase]

I would give all the credit in the world to DFW, but I have a feeling he had some help writing it, probably the same help I had reading it. I'm sure there are parts of the book that are still a mystery to even DFW himself. If you're not deeply familiar with Hamlet, re-familiarize yourself with that, too.

Horatio:
O day and night, but this is wondrous strange!

Hamlet:
And therefore as a stranger give it welcome.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

And of course, the Yorick scene.

[FourthBase]

Barracuda, you best recognize. Stop being a dipshit. Please.

[redsock]

http://reachandpull.wordpress.com/

Thanks for that. Never seen it before.

Is the Lyle wraith stuff in either of the IJ reading guide? I have only Burn's book right now.

(I have been part of wallace-l for 6-7 years and was around for their first IJ mass-read, which sadly fell apart halfway through, so I have a ton of shit on the ol' hard drive about the book.)

[FourthBase]

http://reachandpull.wordpress.com/

Thanks for that. Never seen it before.

You're welcome. Awesome, huh?

Is the Lyle wraith stuff in either of the IJ reading guide? I have only Burn's book right now.

I've only read the book, once (with the obligatory re-read of the first chapter) and a smattering of online criticism. I have no idea what else is out there.

(I have been part of wallace-l for 6-7 years and was around for their first IJ mass-read, which sadly fell apart halfway through, so I have a ton of shit on the ol' hard drive about the book.)

Well, for anyone who hasn't read it yet, there's no better time than now.
The book does mostly take place in an alt-world right around...now.

[redsock]

WTF?

http://www.edrants.com/david-foster-wallace-dead/

David Foster Wallace Dead
Written by Edward Champion
Posted on September 13, 2008
Filed Under Wallace, David Foster

I’ve received terrible news from an anonymous source. David Foster Wallace, the talented writer of Infinite Jest, is dead of an apparent suicide. I have confirmed with multiple sources that this is indeed the case. The Claremont Police Department informed me that they answered a call at Mr. Wallace’s residential address, in which someone had discovered a deceased body. The name of the body has been withheld.

I have also contacted the Los Angeles County Coroner and I received partial confirmation from them too. At the time, I called, they were in the process of informing the family.

I have also left a message for Wallace’s agent, Bonnie Nadell, to find out if she knows anything.

But the facts indicate that David Foster Wallace is dead of suicide at the age of 46. This is a terrible blow for American letters. And I hope to have more later.

********



Is this a hoax?

[redsock]

Guy at the blog, who has written for a bunch of high profile media and likely has connections, emailed me:

"Sad to say, it's real."