Casual Readers discussion

It has been suggested that we add this genre by a group member. Have fun with it!

First and foremost, I want to thank you once again, Cindy, for starting what I hope to be a very stimulating and active thread.:)


Although I didn't fully realize it at the time, I first really started to get interested in Pomo roughly two years ago, with Infinite Jest. But I've put it off, knowing very little about it and why it's so popular around here. IJ is considered by many to be Wallace's masterpiece, in fact. This past December, I kept encountering many addition rave reviews, which piqued my interest even further. A good GR friend happened to be reading it at the time, and I think that played a part, as well.
Around that same time, I discovered that there's a social group dedicated to the novel, and David Foster Wallace in general. Needless to say, I joined right away, knowing instinctively that the groups' advice, support and encouragement would prove truly invaluable.
Well, I've reached the point where I cannot stop thinking about this book. I simply MUST know what it's like, why everyone seems to rave about it (I haven't seen a negative review yet!) Most importantly, I want to experience his raw talent. Thankfully, I will be reading IJ relatively soon, I'm thinking September/October sometime. The day that I get a copy and crack it open cannot arrive quickly enough!

I've also sent group invites out, and talked with a few interested parties, in the hopes of getting together for what I've come to think of as "The 2013 Infinite Jest Buddy Read!


Elegant Complexity: A Study of David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest



Since then, I've also grown very interested in other Pomo books/authors, such as Thomas Pynchon, Joesph McElroy (Women and Men, anyone?,) James Joyce, Mark Z. Danieleski, amongst others..


Speaking of the latter, I plan on tackling the cult-classic, House of Leaves sometime next month.


Some Pomo influences include Don Delillo, Ken Kessey (his use of stream-of-consciousness, particularly,) Marcel Proust, and many more, I'm sure. This is all kind of new to me, so please feel free to be as insightful as possible, and correct me if I'm mistaken about anything. Thank you.

I thought I should probably definite the term, Post-modernism, in case it's unfamiliar. I certainly didn't know it's meaning until just recently.

Per my good friend and fellow Pomo enthusiast, Aloha:

".."In short, postmodernism deconstructs everything such that you're forced to take a second look at what you normally take for granted. We're on auto-pilot with our preconceived notions. It takes us out of our comfort zone and take a closer look at things..."

Fellow Casual Reader Brenda totally made my day with her inquiry into the House of Leaves buddy read next month!!!:) I cannot wait!

I'm going to have to check into this further later. You've got my interest piqued. HoL will take us a while, I should think. I don't want to race through it. I'd like to examine it, and enjoy it with fellow readers.

Infinite Jest looks quite interesting as well. I just added it to my to-read list.

Head us up, Dustin! Let's see what we can get rolling in this group! Awesome!

I bought IJ a while back and as Dustin knows, I am geared up to dig in. Speaking of Kesey, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest is one of my all time faves.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest was a great book. I read it many, many moons ago. And I saw it a few months ago again (never the same, but still, Jack Nicholson did a great job in that role). I should probably read it again sometime. Thanks, Adam! You just added another to my extremely full to-read list! LOL!

Brenda wrote: "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest was a great book. I read it many, many moons ago. And I saw it a few months ago again (never the same, but still, Jack Nicholson did a great job in that role). I sho..."

I just read that a few months ago. I thought it was really good, too. The ending though, kind of bummed me.

Adam wrote: "I bought IJ a while back and as Dustin knows, I am geared up to dig in. Speaking of Kesey, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest is one of my all time faves."

When are you going to read IJ, Adam?

Brenda wrote: "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest was a great book. I read it many, many moons ago. And I saw it a few months ago again (never the same, but still, Jack Nicholson did a great job in that role). I sho..."

My pleasure, Brenda! Haha. I saw the movie many moons before I read the book. Always loved Nicholson, but when I read the book I couldn't believe how much they changed the point of view. The book was so... Kesey. I don't know what else to say. Just a paranoid psychedelic journey. Yes the ending was depressing, but that didn't bother me.

Chuck wrote: "Adam wrote: "I bought IJ a while back and as Dustin knows, I am geared up to dig in. Speaking of Kesey, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest is one of my all time faves."

When are you going to read IJ,..."

Chuck, Dustin and I were discussing maybe a September group read for IJ. With Swan Song and possibly Pillars of The Earth coming up in August, I don't foresee reading it anytime sooner than that. When I read IJ I may want to focus on only that book and not tap three at a time per usual. What are your thoughts?

I am also a big Vonnegut fan. I believe he fits into this category. Not sure. I have Cat's Cradle queued up, as well. Of his books, I have enjoyed all of them very much.

IJ is definitely a serious read. I started it a few month ago, and I've read the first 150 pages half a dozen times since mid April. You're right, though, it's one of those books that ideally you should read by itself. The problem I have is putting all my other books on hold for a month.

Chuck wrote: "IJ is definitely a serious read. I started it a few month ago, and I've read the first 150 pages half a dozen times since mid April. You're right, though, it's one of those books that ideally you s..."

I agree, Chuck. I have so many books lined up that I've been dying to read, but IJ has a magnetic effect on me. It's calling to me right now as a matter of fact. So, I say, if Dustin gets his copy and decides to go for it, we should all agree on a date and stick with it. Meanwhile we can read our hearts out.

Adam wrote: "I am also a big Vonnegut fan. I believe he fits into this category. Not sure. I have Cat's Cradle queued up, as well. Of his books, I have enjoyed all of them very much."

I just finished Mother Night, it was my first Vonnegut book. Really good!

I haven't read that one, Rick. I have read several, though. I really enjoyed Timequake.

Adam wrote: "I bought IJ a while back and as Dustin knows, I am geared up to dig in. Speaking of Kesey, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest is one of my all time faves."

And Sometimes A Great Notion, my introduction to Kessey and stream-of-consciousness, which I now adore!!

Brenda wrote: "I'm going to have to check into this further later. You've got my interest piqued. HoL will take us a while, I should think. I don't want to race through it. I'd like to examine it, and enjoy it wi..."

I'm so thrilled that I could pique your interest, Brenda! The genre is fairly new to me, so please bear with me. I'm with you, House of Leaves definitely seems like the type of book not to be rushed.. and I wouldn't want to rush Mark Z. Danielewski's brilliance.


Please feel free to join us at the official Infinite Jest group. Or we could probably set up a buddy here, as well. What does everyone else think? Either way, I highly recommend the group, I know that Adam's already a member, it's an altogether great place to hang out, discuss Wallace, etc...

Adam wrote: "Brenda wrote: "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest was a great book. I read it many, many moons ago. And I saw it a few months ago again (never the same, but still, Jack Nicholson did a great job in th..."

I've actually never seen the film, despite my love for Jack Nicholson. I'd just rather read the book, I guess. Plus this isn't the 1st I've heard about McMurphy's character being significantly altered. But about the book, you've absolutely spot-on, Adam: no other way of describing it: it just "so...Kessey."

Adam wrote: "I am also a big Vonnegut fan. I believe he fits into this category. Not sure. I have Cat's Cradle queued up, as well. Of his books, I have enjoyed all of them very much."

I have not read a whole lot of Vonnegut, and the one I have read, I can't even remember which one it was. It seems like it could have been Hocus Pocus but that doesn't ring a bell, either.


Regarding IJ, I'm also inclined to read it alone, that way nothing else interferes or takes away from the read. Besides, I want to totally immersemyself in the Wallace's writing! Is this the general consensus?
This is optional, but I've been told that it was greatly influences by Hamlet, and there are a lot of references to Shakespeare's classic play. I plan on reading prior to IJ, just for the fun of finding all the Hamlet references. And I've never read Hamlet, so it's a win-win, really!!

Adam wrote: "Chuck wrote: "IJ is definitely a serious read. I started it a few month ago, and I've read the first 150 pages half a dozen times since mid April. You're right, though, it's one of those books that..."

Adam, it truly warms my heart to know that it's had such a magnetic hold on you, my friend. I'm so glad to hear that!:) I'm hoping to get started sometime in September!

One last thing, I want to thank each and every one of for contributing to this thread! It means a LOT to me!

It is my pleasure, Dustin. I dread Shakespeare. Gulp, maybe I will try Hamlet again before IJ so I can get in the loop. I remember having a horrible time with it in high school.

One more incentive to read Infinite Jest, a blurb by Sai King:

"To my mind, there have been two great American novels in the past 50 years. Catch-22 is one; this is the other. For pop culture vultures like me, the central plot is fascinating: The late James O. Incandenza has created an ‘’entertainment’’ — Infinite Jest — so irresistible you can’t stop watching it. Three dozen terrific characters spin out from this, my favorite being Joelle Van Dyne, a.k.a. the P.G.O.A.T.: Prettiest Girl of All Time. But it all comes back to that lethal film — because for guys like me, irresistible entertainment, lethal or not, is the holy grail."


I had never even seen this before, I found it just now!!

Adam wrote: "It is my pleasure, Dustin. I dread Shakespeare. Gulp, maybe I will try Hamlet again before IJ so I can get in the loop. I remember having a horrible time with it in high school."

Of Shakespeare, I've only read The Taming of the Shrew, and I really liked it. Much more than I thought I would. Once you get a feel for the Elizabethan English, it's fairly simple to understand.
I also think books read in school make a difference, as opposed to reading them on your own, for pleasure.

Please be forewarned, the following article is VERY long, but IMO, so very, very worth your time:


http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/20...



It's the best article I've read, EVER!

Dustin wrote: "One more incentive to read Infinite Jest, a blurb by Sai King:

"To my mind, there have been two great American novels in the past 50 years. Catch-22 is one; this is the other. For pop culture vul..."

That's thee quote that started me on IJ.

Dustin wrote: "Please be forewarned, the following article is VERY long, but IMO, so very, very worth your time:


http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/20...



It's the bes..."

I've figured some of that stuff I read in IJ was pretty personal. For instance, there is a part where a doctor is interviewing a girl that attempted suicide that I imagine is pretty close to way DFW felt about that whole thing.

I need to get on with it and finish IJ so I can read Every Love Story Is a Ghost Story: A Life of David Foster Wallace

Something else I've enjoyed reading his articles on the Internet. I also really loved some of the essays I read in Consider the Lobster and Other Essays especially the one about the language wars.

Thanks for the classification of this genre up until today I didn't know that I actually read lots from this genre

My favourites are a new author called Christopher Herz all his books appear to fit into this genre.

The first Last Block in Harlem is one of those books that once you have finished it you want to read it again to see where you should have discovered the twist.
The second Pharmacology which takes a real look at advertising and the pharmaceutical industry. I must admit this is my favourite of his books
The third is Hollywood Forever which turns social media and reality shows on its heads.

The author is a good guy as well and I am sure if there is some interest he would join the group he is on goodreads and very interactive with his readers.

Chuck wrote: "Dustin wrote: "One more incentive to read Infinite Jest, a blurb by Sai King:

"To my mind, there have been two great American novels in the past 50 years. Catch-22 is one; this is the other. For ..."

IMO, it doesn't get much better than rave reviews from Stephen King! I'm glad it piqued your interest.

Chuck wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Please be forewarned, the following article is VERY long, but IMO, so very, very worth your time:


http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/20...

..."

I want to read all of of Wallace's work.:)

Sam wrote: "Thanks for the classification of this genre up until today I didn't know that I actually read lots from this genre

My favourites are a new author called Christopher Herz all his books appear to f..."

I'll be sure to check him out, Sam. Thank you for the insight. And you're so very welcome. Please feel free to contribute to the discussions, join a buddy read or two, etc...:)

Sam wrote: "Thanks for the classification of this genre up until today I didn't know that I actually read lots from this genre

My favourites are a new author called Christopher Herz all his books appear to f..."

I'm not sure if they qualify as being Pomo, but I'm certainly intrigued by this author.

Dustin wrote: "My favourites are a new author called Christopher Herz all his books appear to fit into this genre."

I added it to my TBR. Thanks!

Chuck wrote: "Dustin wrote: "My favourites are a new author called Christopher Herz all his books appear to fit into this genre."

I added it to my TBR. Thanks!"

Have written reviews on all three of his books if that helps. He is also very active as an author on Goodreads

Sam wrote: "Chuck wrote: "Dustin wrote: "My favourites are a new author called Christopher Herz all his books appear to fit into this genre."

I added it to my TBR. Thanks!"

Have written reviews on all three ..."

Sounds great, Sam!

Another title that has recently come to my attention is Take Five, by D. Keith Mano. I am VERY interested in this book and Mano's other work!

I have so got to at least finish one of the pomo novels I have started(IJ, ULYSSES, GRAVITY'S RAINBOW). What pomo have you read, Dustin?

Well technically, I haven't read any of them yet... but I will. I have, however, read some of the genres strong influences, such as Ken Kessey, Don DeLillo, and Thomas Pynchon's Vineland. I'm not sure if that would be considered Post-modernism or not.. I'll be sure to look into it. Thank you for asking.

I've recently learned that Virginia Woolf is considered as one of the original Post-modernist writers. I've never read her work, but I always thought of her work as being "a Classic." I now know different!

So, the time has finally arrived! I'll be embarking on House of Leaves later today, as part of the group read. Better late than never, right?:)

Dustin wrote: "So, the time has finally arrived! I'll be embarking on House of Leaves later today, as part of the group read. Better late than never, right?:)"

Don't even want to talk about LATE Dustin! Just hoping I can get to John Dies at the End before the group read is actually over. *sigh*

Cindy wrote: "Dustin wrote: "So, the time has finally arrived! I'll be embarking on House of Leaves later today, as part of the group read. Better late than never, right?:)"

Don't even want to talk about LATE D..."

So, I'm just picturing a day in the near future where, all of a sudden, you realize you just finished 8 books and have nothing with a bookmark in it to reach for...Yikes.

Great thread!
Earlier this summer I tried to read Infinite Jest and just couldn't do it. I decided that I wasn't ready so I have been on a mission to read more post-modernism in the hopes that I can attempt IJ again hopefully with a group. Right now I'm reading and loving House of Leaves. I have read some Virginia Woolf and Kurt Vonnegut. Before I try IJ again I plan to read other things by DFW and some Pynchon. I think V may be my next big read after HoL - anybody else interested in that? I also want to read some Gaddis and Gass and a few others. Looking forward to getting to know you guys. I guess I should actually post in the introduction thread :)

Cindy wrote: "Dustin wrote: "So, the time has finally arrived! I'll be embarking on House of Leaves later today, as part of the group read. Better late than never, right?:)"

Don't even want to talk about LATE D..."

Not to worry, Cindy.:) We'll all get there sooner or later. As long as you're enjoying it, there's no sense in trying to rush it, IMO.

Rick wrote: "Cindy wrote: "Dustin wrote: "So, the time has finally arrived! I'll be embarking on House of Leaves later today, as part of the group read. Better late than never, right?:)"

Don't even want to tal..."

All 8 books, Rick? I'm not sure I follow..

Amanda wrote: "Great thread!
Earlier this summer I tried to read Infinite Jest and just couldn't do it. I decided that I wasn't ready so I have been on a mission to read more post-modernism in the hopes that I ca..."

Thank you, Amanda!

I think it would be a good idea for you to read some Vonnegut and Woolf before attempting IJ a 2nd time. Some of Pynchon's less difficult works, like V. or The Crying of Lot 49 sounds wonderful. I am interested in those, as well. If you ever want to buddy up, just let me know and I'll see if our schedules correlate.

And of course Gaddis and Gass are Pomo classics! I really want to read them as well!!


Happy reading!

Dustin wrote: "Rick wrote: "Cindy wrote: "Dustin wrote: "So, the time has finally arrived! I'll be embarking on House of Leaves later today, as part of the group read. Better late than never, right?:)"

Don't eve..."

I was just making a joke about Cindy having so many books going at the same time, and what would happen if she found herself suddenly finished. It was funny in my head, but that doesn't always transfer to the fingers typing:)

Amanda wrote: "Great thread!
Earlier this summer I tried to read Infinite Jest and just couldn't do it. I decided that I wasn't ready so I have been on a mission to read more post-modernism in the hopes that I ca..."

I've been picking at IJ, GRAVITY'S RAINBOW, and ULYSSES for a while now. I would have probably read them all by now, but I just have so many other books I want to read. Those are the type of books where everything else needs to go on hold for a while, IMO, and I just haven't been able to do that.

Pynchon has a new novel coming out pretty soon. I am probably going to read that.

I just a read an excellent novel that I think could be considered postmodernism:

Chuck, did you say you have an audio of Ulysses? I'm in the process of trying to find one that's good and unabridged, but won't break the bank.