Reading 1001 discussion

How are you experiencing the book? Were you engaged immediately, or did it take you a while to "get into it"? How are you feeling while reading it—amused, sad, disturbed, confused, bored...?

It is confusing, especially those first 200 pages. I was engaged immediately, because of DFW's writing, but I had to make copious notes to help myself remember characters.
There are some points that I burst out laughing, like the feral hamsters. Others, I shook my head at how well he had predicted our now. E.g.: in the beginning, Hal is wondering if Venus Williams will be watching him at his upcoming tournament. In 1996, Venus was 15, and had never won a major.
Never have I thought of giving up, but I can see how it can be overwhelming- it's not an easy read.

I started listening to the Audible version, but quickly realised that although it was interesting and enjoyable, I was missing so much because the footnotes were missing. So I started reading a Kindle version as well. When I caught up I thought I would listen, read and consult wallacewiki simultaneously, but that limited my time with the book, so I have reverted to listening first and then followinhg up with a close reading. Does all this show that InfinitecJest is a demanding read? Yes, but joining Jen's group on Litsy has compounded the enjoyment. There is so much in the his book it is wonderful to have other readers to help with understanding.

It took me a while to get into it, but now I am hooked. As others indicated, it is very taxing to the brain.

I was into the book straight away however I have found that some sections have dragged a bit. That said there are so many things that have made me laugh it has made up for the dragging sections.

I found it very readable and easy to get into, but it took awhile to start to pick up the thread. I started to take some notes, but realized pretty quickly didn't need to - compared to Three Kingdoms, there just aren't that many characters and it follows the basic multiple parallel story lines structure. The use of sponsored time allows him to spin his story out of sequence while making it really had to track. I wonder if that was intentional to create an experience similar to an addict's experience of time - i.e., tough to keep straight.

Some sections are hilarious - I have read the letter from the brick layer to the insurance company several times - it is literally laugh out loud funny. But I can't see where it relates to anything else in he story.

The endnotes are irritating and will be one reason I don't give this 5 stars. And the endnotes to the endnotes? Give me a break.