john-norelation-wayne:

Let me get something clear. Do not be taunted by the size of this book. Do not be afraid that it is one of the longest novels ever written in the English language. Do you know why? Infinite Jest is seriously one of the best books one could ever read. In fact, I came to the realization that it is going to be difficult for me to ever read another book. Even ones that are only about 200 pages or so. Infinite Jest reels you in and forces you to keep reading. 

Have class soon?
No you don’t, you have to read Infinite Jest.

Oh, my microwave pizza’s ready?
Let me finish this page real fast…wait it’s the end of chapter and the next one’s only like ten pages I can do that before my pizza gets cold. 

David Foster Wallace was a genius. I don’t use the term lightly. DFW knew everything. I mean EVERYTHING, and he passes his knowledge along within these 1,079 pages. About a third of the way through the book one of the characters, during a footnote, literally gives the reader a lesson in calculus—and it’s entertaining. The footnote is literally able to put the reader in stitches from laughter and at the same time teach him/her colloquial mathematics. 

Most disappointed readers’ gripe is that the overall plot never really comes to a close. Fair enough, but the plot doesn’t need to be closed. These are the characters’ lives. Their lives will go on. Whether they become successful or end up caught in the world of narcotics, these characters are going to continue living and breathing. 

Infinite Jest is the Bible for the new millennium. I know I will get shit for saying that, but it is. It is, for lack of a better term, infinitely quotable—google Infinite Jest quotes, and click on the list from goodreads. You will be reading them and flipping through the pages for hours on end. Each passage is biblical, and leaves the reader with an almost Aesopian enlightenment toward the issue the passage addresses. It challenges morality, it makes you think. 

If you manage to finish this book you will be smarter—more mentally equipped than the average reader. You will have thought differently about inane topics, about serious matters. 

And but so, Infinite Jest should like be required reading. 

May you rest in peace, David Foster Wallace. 

(via john-norelation-wayne-deactivat)