book_dragon001's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
It’s important to go into this book knowing that it’s a challenging read. In all the mess though you can come away with 3 different plot stems all pointing toward the argument I think Wallace was making. The futuristic American society muddled in addiction, need for entertainment, and unhealthy race for success all explore how we can find a virtuous life if we choose the right thing to consume our lives. Some waste away from a search for entertainment and others wither at the stress inducing need for success. I think this novel has a beautiful argument going for it and if you’re strong willed enough, tough it out to the end and you will not be disappointed!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Addiction
Moderate: Sexual assault and Suicide
Minor: Sexism and Racial slurs
lilit358's review against another edition
3.0
It has now been a little while since I've read this book, but I do remember this much:
It definitely looks a little frightening as it's huge and weighs a ton (even in paperback). It takes some time to get into it, and for those having a hard time, keep pushing through because it actually is a very good book.
So, all in all, I liked it even though it was a little slow going at first and got a little too in-depth about tennis.
Also, I realize this isn't the best review in the world but it's all I can manage at 1am when all I want the neighbors to do is shut up so I can go to sleep. Assholes.
It definitely looks a little frightening as it's huge and weighs a ton (even in paperback). It takes some time to get into it, and for those having a hard time, keep pushing through because it actually is a very good book.
So, all in all, I liked it even though it was a little slow going at first and got a little too in-depth about tennis.
Also, I realize this isn't the best review in the world but it's all I can manage at 1am when all I want the neighbors to do is shut up so I can go to sleep. Assholes.
joejohnson's review against another edition
3.0
I never finished: gave up around page 400 when I still couldn't answer the question "What's the plot?" Maybe I'm a coward, but I'm actually proud of not indulging an overly indulgent book. Flashes of utter genius, but geniuses need editing and discipline, too. My official review at the end of my patience: "Wallace is indulgent and excessive and his prose is an endless stream of clever and remarkably crafted sentences, some lasting a whole, unindented page. The effect is something like an eighty-hour train ride between Boston and Tucson eating expensive cheeses and listening to a loop of Frank Zappa music while watching The Royal Tenenbaums and season four of Arrested Development. The first three or four hours are great…."
joerourke's review against another edition
it's a looooong book. it's interesting but it rambles. I'd definitely revisit it as it is a profound piece of commentary but it likely didn't need to be that long
laviskrg's review against another edition
5.0
Review to come. But well... This was an unbelievable journey, the book that took me through the beginning of my love's battle with leukemia. The only book that could have done this.
go_devils's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
oskhen's review against another edition
5.0
Infinite Jest is long enough to make up for a short review, and there's no way I could do it justice anyway by summarizing or something. Surprisingly funny while still being profound, it seems to me to be more world-building than plot. Definitely a unique read, and the prose which at first is infinitely complex really does grow on you. Can't in my opinion be regarded as less than a masterpiece.
miles_'s review against another edition
challenging
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug use, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Drug abuse
joshuabushen's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. It's difficult to say much of anything about this book without writing an essay. I never thought I'd be able to read a book of such length and difficulty, and I never thought I could enjoy a book of such length and difficulty as much as I did. This book made me laugh out loud, recoil in horror, want to cry, feel bored, feel happy. I can't wait to read some online theories about the book, and I can't wait to read it again in a few years. 10/10