Infinite Summer

Is that going to be done as a yearly read?

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Heh, I considered this same sort of question after I finished reading today.

One thing I'd wonder about is how to keep this drive going if the same book is done every year. Those of us who have finished the book won't necessarily want to read it again, as it is quite a time-sucker... especially while other books pile up around, begging to be read. So if "Infinite Summer 2" the organizers would basically recruiting a new batch o' potential readers.

I'd be an advocate of continuing this, instead, by introducing a new book every summer. Here's where my ideas on this fizzle out: which books would they be? Infinite Jest is unique in its structure, its reputation, and its timeliness.

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I thought when I finished it that I'd be glad to have got it out of the way, like an achievement to savour but set aside and move on. However, I already want to re-read it and know for a fact that I'll get more out of it the second time through so yeah, I'm up for Infinite Summer 2010.

perhaps instead of IJ it could be a group-read of The Pale King. it will be out by next summer I believe

I like the Pale King idea -- it may be intimidating even for those of us long ago sold on IJ because of the baggage it carries as the followup novel, not to mention the baggage it (and, to be honest, we) carry about the fact that it is posthumous. Or to say it another way, we might be overly fearful that the book might suffer by comparison to IJ or that we might suffer by the weight of circumstance. A group read might give a different filter through which to read it and innoculate us against undue weight of expecation and circumtance.

or, if people not into the "Pale King" idea, maybe someone might have an idea for a focused group of 2-3 books that step off from IJ or are otherwise interrelated...especially books that, to step off from Amanda French's post on the IS site today, are not otherwise "comfortable" reading club choices but nonetheless might benefit from whatever weird community/cult/thingamabob this whole IS thing is (as Bill Clinton would say, "it depends on what the meaning of IS is...").

I've been thinking the same thing. While I feel certain I'll be re-reading IJ (actually feel like I'll just immediately start again when I finish!) I'm also weighing in on the side of picking another book. I like The Pale King idea too - it would be fascinating to see the comments swirling around. But I also like the idea of picking some other "uncomfortable" book - perhaps ones that are mentioned so frequently in these discussions. My personal choice in that regard would be Ulysses - never read it, been intimidated, etc. so would love to dive in with a group like this.
Joan

I'm surprised the question is even the least bit contentious.

The new and ostensibly last novel by DFW? Of course it should be next.

What would be a good name for TPK Summer 2010?

"DFW Summer II: The Tan King"

Ha--or maybe the Sunburned King?

How about DFW: The Once and Future King? with apologies to T.H. White.