Interview: Reader Who Recently Finished Infinite Jest
1. So how long did it take you to read the book?
I set a starting date at May 1 and then actually began a week before so I would have a buffer. I finished around August 1. So a little over 3 months.
2. Did you ever read the book in public places or leave the book out purposefully when visitors were over?
Ha Ha. I certainly read it in public places but I wouldn’t say I purposefully left it out. It was out tho and people would see it. I also mentioned it a lot in conversation. I did this less to brag about the endeavor and more to make sure I backed up my talk about reading it. I had tried reading 2666 by Bolano and never could get past book 5, I think book 5…Whichever one deals with all the deaths in Mexico. I hate that, not finishing a book. And I tend to have ADD and while reading a book will sometimes pick up other easier reading books, articles, chick mags, periodicals…For whatever reason I stayed focused on this book. I didn’t so much as pick up another book while reading it.
3. How did you deal with the footnotes, I mean logistically? I know some people like to use two bookmarks.
Oh yea, two book marks. I almost never use book marks and actually, it was more one book mark: just for the end notes. I did the dog ear for most of the main section.
4. Have you read other DFW? How did this book compare?
I have read a bunch of his nonfiction, which I love. I had tried reading his short stories about 5 years ago and could not make it through them. I am currently on a DFW binge though so I plan on picking all that stuff up and rereading it. I love his nonfiction a lot, but this book…it had such a depth to it that you obviously are not going to get reading his nonfiction. You can feel the work put into it, and the way it all adds up. I remember reading somewhere to “trust” DFW while reading this book. Just know at some point it’s going to click; and it did.
5. Did you ever read the book while on drugs or alcohol?
I hope you don’t quote my name so my mom sees that I do drugs and alcohol…but yes.