Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
Maybe a 2.5.
DFW's style is undeniably playful, witty, and, in this undergrad thesis incarnation, extremely Pynchon/Delillo/Gaddis-lite in nature, and that's to its benefit and detriment, because this debut is such a mess, which, at times, leads to chaotic idiosyncrasies and a clear instinct to throw everything possible at the wall/page while also frequently being absurdly trite and overly intellectualized to no end. I do not care for most of these characters. I find much of the dialogue entertaining though, which is an interesting dichotomy considering the characters are the key to dialogue.
The ending resolves naught in a way far less meaningful than something like The Crying of Lot 49, and I didn't even like it then, so a flop was had, especially given how genuinely awful the evangelical ending is here.
I say all this, but this kind of just made me more intrigued by the notion of Infinite Jest, because, although this is meh to bad in manner, there is a clear voice and probing acerbicity that I imagine develops into something grand as everyone says. Maybe.
DFW's style is undeniably playful, witty, and, in this undergrad thesis incarnation, extremely Pynchon/Delillo/Gaddis-lite in nature, and that's to its benefit and detriment, because this debut is such a mess, which, at times, leads to chaotic idiosyncrasies and a clear instinct to throw everything possible at the wall/page while also frequently being absurdly trite and overly intellectualized to no end. I do not care for most of these characters. I find much of the dialogue entertaining though, which is an interesting dichotomy considering the characters are the key to dialogue.
The ending resolves naught in a way far less meaningful than something like The Crying of Lot 49, and I didn't even like it then, so a flop was had, especially given how genuinely awful the evangelical ending is here.
I say all this, but this kind of just made me more intrigued by the notion of Infinite Jest, because, although this is meh to bad in manner, there is a clear voice and probing acerbicity that I imagine develops into something grand as everyone says. Maybe.
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not sure I have the right words for this one. This book is totally nonsensical, non linear and sooo odd. It felt like a chore to read at times, and other times I was gripped by how weird things were getting. This feels like the type of book I could read many times over and not pick up on everything David Foster Wallace is trying to explore.
I got halfway through and could not finish. Too much time was spent describing elements not pertinent to the plot making this a very slow read.
https://universoletterario.it/la-scopa-del-sistema-di-david-foster-wallace/
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Definitely an interesting read. No small feat either, considering the language, hefty ideas, narrative style, & overall craziness of the story. This is a book I might come back to at some point to really pick up on all of its subtleties.
funny
reflective