I have the book. I stopped at chapter two, I'm ashamed to say. I'm hoping I might have time to pick it up on those cluster feeding days with baby.
I'm wondering how many people here have read it, and if you have:
Did you enjoy it?
Was it often a slog, or was it an interesting read, for the most part?
Does it really have Easter Eggs referencing Hamlet?
by K_Hudson80
9 Comments
Not a crazy question but you’re asking reddit if they’ve read one of the most Reddit books that ever existed lol
Started it twice, got 1/3 of the way in and gave up.
I have rarely read a book that was in more desperate need of an editor.
DFW was a very clever guy who thought of 50 clever ideas – and then shoved *every* *single* *one* into that doorstop of a novel. After a few chapters you get the idea; time to move on to something else.
Just started reading through it for the second time, I adore it. There’s something about IJ that is nostalgic to me and the main theme, addiction, speaks to me volumes. It’s not an easy read and I wouldn’t suggest it to anyone. Guess it falls to the category of either you love it or you hate it.
Stopped after chapter 2 also. I always figure that if I just don’t “get” a book or understand it, then it’s not for me. Sometimes I start to read literature and feel incredibly lost at its meaning. That doesn’t make me dumb, it just means that that particular novel isn’t for me.
I enjoyed it! I think it takes a biiit to pick up, and some parts are weaker than others, but when IJ hits it hits.
I read *Infinite Jest* and enjoyed it very much, though I’m basically dead center in his demographic (grew up in Central Illinois, philosophy major, depressive). The only book I’ve ever bought for my Kindle to avoid repetitive stress injuries. If there are references to Hamlet, they passed me by.
Yep. Took about four tries before I finally got into it. I’d pick it up and put it down and try again later. Then it clicked and I read straight through for like a week. Couldn’t put it down. Barely ate. Barely slept. Worth every moment. One of the best books I’ve ever read.
When i finished, I started again from the beginning and read it a second time.
It’s been sitting on my bookshelf for years unopened. I’m now reading non-fiction science books rather than start it.
I loved it, but it is a very love it or hate it book. It’s huge and messy and has a lot to say. The book is good if you’re receptive to it, but I feel it’s equally as valid if you kinda think the whole thing is pretentious bullshit.
Yes, there are some subtle but purposeful Hamlet references. In a book this size though, don’t read just for that.