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Rebecca Holden's avatar

I've learned so much about this extraordinary man and writer from this article, Bryan - very many thanks!

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Bryan Padrick's avatar

I've always found him fascinating. While I like his fiction, his essays are outstanding - definitely give them a read if you're so inclined!

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Terry Freedman's avatar

I've not yet managed infinite jest. I love his essays, especially a supposedly fun thing. His review of American usage is also one of my favourites. Thanks for such a well-researched article

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Bryan Padrick's avatar

His essays are brilliant. My favourite one is 'Big Red Son', about his visit as a correspondent to the Adult Video Awards in Vegas. Just hilarious. Infinite Jest is certainly a worthwhile read, but it's an investment in time and energy. I read it when it was published and have a copy for a second read ... but that time hasn't arrived yet.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

PS I'm compiling a reading list for my writinmg course. I intend to put your essay on it as we'll be covering DFW

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Bryan Padrick's avatar

Thanks for letting me know! That’s great!

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Terry Freedman's avatar

I read that a few years ago: brilliant! Yes, i shall have girded my loins and read IJ. What I've read so far made me chortle

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Tom Pendergast's avatar

I’m a guy who likes to read the hard stuff—I’ve read Gravity’s Rainbow and Ulysses twice each!—but never tried Infinite Jest. I think it may be time.

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Bryan Padrick's avatar

I like the hard stuff, too! I’m particularly fond of Pynchon. I read Infinite Jest when it was first published but haven’t returned to it since, despite picking up another copy a few years ago. I’ve been thinking about starting it again over the Christmas holidays. Seems a good time to get stuck into something dense!

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