(sorry - had to clip your quote to make room here.) Yeaah, I read Infinite Jest when it came out but I forgot what it's about. I recall noting that DFW was a completely brilliant writer, but I couldn't find my groove. The multiple subplots somewhat irritated me, as they required flipping back for refreshers, further interrupting the flow. I have no regrets and am an outlier, but this was a hard wade that left me disappointed and feeling v. unhip. I just never got it. If you like NYC writers, I recommend Freedom, Jonathan Franzen's latest novel. (btw, he and Wallace and David Sedaris all used to hang tg in the local bar) Early reviews called Freedom the new Great American Novel and I was doubtful, but it was just that. The chapters tell each character's take on shared events. Don't groan at the length. The flow is tight, well-paced and consistently enjoyable I started over at the end to fix the plot in my head and reread the first third. Maybe someone will find it as engaging?