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Kyle Pollock

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Oblivion

by David Foster Wallace

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Kyle Pollock said: " David Foster Wallace's "Oblivion" is a tour de force of narrative exploration and intellectual engagement. The collection, an assemblage of eight diverse, thought-provoking short stories, offers profound insights into the human psyche, tackling theme David Foster Wallace's "Oblivion" is a tour de force of narrative exploration and intellectual engagement. The collection, an assemblage of eight diverse, thought-provoking short stories, offers profound insights into the human psyche, tackling themes of reality, consciousness, and the human condition with skill and nuance.

The eponymous ‘Oblivion’ is a genuine triumph of storytelling, seamlessly combining dark humor and tension within its chilling narrative. ‘Good Old Neon’ stands out as an introspective exploration of existential angst that is both haunting and profoundly affecting.

The richness of detail in 'Mister Squishy's' microcosm of focus group marketing exhibits Wallace's keen observations and his knack for breathing life into the ordinary. 'Another Pioneer' is a testament to his unique storytelling, unraveling a sophisticated parable that reflects on human nature and morality.

In 'The Soul is not a Smithy', Wallace skillfully manipulates perspective, delivering a complex narrative through the innocent eyes of a young boy that is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Wallace’s prose is a blend of beautiful complexities and extreme precision. His distinctive narrative voice is filled with honest humor, intellectual depth, and a raw emotional resonance that is utterly captivating.

His incisive examinations, exposing the core of everyday experiences, are a testament to his ability to elevate ordinary circumstances into larger, existential contexts. This ability to connect the mundane and the grand makes "Oblivion" not only intellectually stimulating but also deeply reflective and philosophically engaging.

"Oblivion" is a true testament to why David Foster Wallace is considered one of the most significant writers of his generation. It is a collection that is boundless in its impact, one that continues to resonate and provoke thought long after the last page is turned. Wallace’s "Oblivion" is an absolute must-read for those seeking a cerebral literary experience and a deep, empathetic understanding of the human condition. ...more "

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— 4 hours, 22 min ago

Sep 25, 2023 12:58PM · see review

Kyle Pollock is currently reading

Killer on the Road / The Babysitter Lives

by Stephen Graham Jones (Goodreads Author)

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(page 230 of 460)
— Aug 21, 2025 07:55PM

Aug 19, 2025 05:46AM

Kyle’s Quotes

“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”
― Stephen King

tags: reading, writing

13094 likes

“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”
― Aldous Huxley, Complete Essays, Vol. II: 1926-1929

tags: fact, ignorance, truth

10542 likes

“He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty or failed to express it;
Who has left the world better than he found it,
Whether an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had;
Whose life was an inspiration;
Whose memory a benediction.”
― Bessie Anderson Stanley, More Heart Throbs Volume Two in Prose and Verse Dear to the American People And by them contributed as a Supplement to the original $10,000 Prize Book HEART THROBS

tags: life, misattributed-to-emerson, success, widely-misattributed

18558 likes