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monica716's review against another edition
1.0
I’ve never read DFW before and I guess he’s just not my thing? Though the interview portions were interesting in their grotesque-ness, the collection of stories as a whole was just boring.
carly_golightly's review against another edition
3.5
3.5 stars.
I’m pretty conflicted with DFW as a person and I struggle to separate the art versus the artist. At times this felt cathartic, because - well yeah, men are hideous and that’s the commentary. Or is it? His metafiction makes me feel bad for the interviewees while simultaneously cringing in discomfort at their behavior. We know DFW had his own foray into being a chauvinistic toxic man.
His prose - gorgeous. The interviews - incredible range. His creative ability to build layers on characters - an absolute delight. But is it really critiquing masculinity, or is it just another book spotlighting men? Lit bros are not able to spot the difference.
I’m pretty conflicted with DFW as a person and I struggle to separate the art versus the artist. At times this felt cathartic, because - well yeah, men are hideous and that’s the commentary. Or is it? His metafiction makes me feel bad for the interviewees while simultaneously cringing in discomfort at their behavior. We know DFW had his own foray into being a chauvinistic toxic man.
His prose - gorgeous. The interviews - incredible range. His creative ability to build layers on characters - an absolute delight. But is it really critiquing masculinity, or is it just another book spotlighting men? Lit bros are not able to spot the difference.
brianhuynh's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
At times great, at times truly awful. A slog.
thepamz's review against another edition
1.0
Ya se que el punto es que son hombres horribles pero se pasó de lanza el autor. Es difícil de leer de lo estupidas que son casi todos las opiniones. No lo recomiendo para nada.
piyushn's review against another edition
4.0
The book was funny unless it wasn't. Also, I don't think DFW likes babies. I'm kind of down with that.
woogafolgawomp's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
how does he keep getting away with it!!!!! what a master of language and interpretation of the modern world. every short story in this collection is evocative and genius in its own ways. highly recommend to anyone, especially wallace first-timers, as the majority of this collection is very accessible.
favorite stories: octet, adult world, church not built with hands, forever overhead (in contest with "the dead" as my favorite ever short story), and interviews #31, #42, and #20
favorite stories: octet, adult world, church not built with hands, forever overhead (in contest with "the dead" as my favorite ever short story), and interviews #31, #42, and #20
augustwordsworth's review against another edition
Not enough time for reading as a chore in this life
nickel6425's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the interviews, but the stories still make me feel dumb.