Infinite Summer

Again, I have to apologize for not updating my blog like I said I would. Apparently, when I said that I would keep you updated on how I was doing with my reading of Infinite Jest, I was lying. Of couse I didn't do it on purpose, but I'm a liar just the same. Since I'm here now, I might as well tell you that I'm finding this book to be a huge challenge. It is difficult and tedious and I am pretty sure that most of the information is going right over my head.



In my last blog I explained to you all the ways in which I had prepared myself to read Infinite Jest. Now, I would like to take a moment and show you how those preparations have affected my reading this book.



1. Brushed up on Hamlet - As far as I can tell this hasn't really helped me at all. I'm not that far into the book yet, so maybe it will come in handy later, but I'm pretty sure my understanding of the story would have been the same had I not done this.

2. Notebook - I did keep a notebook with me at first, so I could write down anything I thought might be important. Recently I have stopped doing this, but will probably start up again. I think it will be interesting to go back and read through all my thoughts after I have finished the book.

3. Finished all other books - This was true up till today, when I started reading another book. I'm sure it's not the smartest thing to do. I mean, who starts another book when they are having trouble finishing the one they are already reading. I couldn't help myself. I am hoping the be able to read both simultaneously. We'll see how it goes.

I think I should say before I leave, that I have enjoyed this book. There are some parts that are very, very good. There are also some parts that are hard to get through, I'm sure that I'll understand those parts when I get further into the story. That's all for now, back to the book!

Preparing for Infinite Summer

I have only 2 more days until I start my summer long journey known as Infinite Summer. I have read this article and I believe that I have done everything possible to be prepared.

1. I have brushed up on Hamlet and made of list of characters and the roles they played in the story. (I’m not completely sure why this was necessary, but I have heard that it is.)

2. I have a brand new notebook that will be dedicated to Infinite Jest notes and any thoughts I have while reading the book.

3. I’ve finished all books that I was reading and haven’t bought any new books that might distract me from my mission.

I AM READY!!

Summer Reading

If you know me at all, you know that I like to read. A lot. I am always looking for suggestions on good books to read. So, it is no surprise that I was intrigued when I heard about http://infinitesummer.org/

If you have not heard about this, it is basically a group of people who are spending their summer re-reading (or in my case, reading for the first time) Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. We will be able to discuss the book in the forums as we go along, which I think will be great.

Now, I should probably mention that I had never heard of this book before this, nor had I read anything else by David Foster Wallace. I am actually I little nervous. What if I do not like it or understand it? I mean, when I went to Borders to buy the book my first reaction when I saw it was, “This thing is HUGE!” It is a little intimidating, but I am strangely excited about at the same time.

I was thinking I might post a blog once a week, just to talk about how I am doing with the book and what I think of it. If you are interested in this project you can visit http://infinitesummer.org/ and check it out.

We officially begin reading on this Sunday, June 21. (I am desperately trying to hold out until then to start.)

Well, that is all I have for now, but I will keep you posted.

Jenn