Always wanted to read David Foster Wallace's opus, Infinite Jest, but never had the motivation to get through it? The folks at Infinite Summer say it's time to start.
Freelance writer Matthew Baldwin recently launched the group reading project, which breaks down the 1,000-page-plus novel into somewhat more manageable 75-page chunks. The rules? "Read Infinite Jest, start around June 21st (if you want), finish around September 22nd (if you want), gloat about having completed the novel afterward (required)."
OK, so if you're just picking up the book now, you've got some catching up to do on the first week's section — but taking care of those first 75 pages and moving onto the next section is better than leaving the book untouched on your shelf for another year, right?
Having read Infinite Jest during one not-so-infinite Summer past, I believe it's well worth the time. And I may just pick up the book again to keep up with all the commentary on this site, including awesome weekly summaries of plot points and new characters, reading tips, and guest posts from writers who are also first-time readers of the book.
Are any of you doing this challenge? Any other previous readers of Infinite Jest have words of encouragement for first-timers?
PPQ
I joined up a few weeks ago. I'm a little behind in the reading schedule already because I was out of the country for work all last week and didn't have time to read, but I've only got about 10 more pages to catch up to yesterday's goal, so hopefully I'll get on track for next Monday. So far, I'm a little confused, but I'm mostly intrigued. I can't wait to see where the book takes me...
1Infinite Jest is a book I've always wanted to read, along with Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow, but both just seem so crazy and daunting.
2Maybe I'll give this a go, though, if I know there are other book nerds reading it in solidarity.
To all new readers of Infinite Jest, don't give up! I recently finished the book and it is worth the ride. The best advice I can give you is this: if you don't understand what's going on, just keep going. A lot of the confusion clears up as you get further into the book. Also take a look at the wikipedia page....it has helpful character and story outlines that will help you to fill in some of the missing pieces.
3I've read other DFW stuff, but never Inifine Jest. My boyfriend just finished it, and really wants me to read it now. I may have to start soon
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