darrenbuford wrote:
Here's my two cents:
Many, many people have quit reading IJ during the allotted time frame—and likely won't return. In my group, there are only two of us still reading (both of us have MAs in English lit).
That said, be wary about the books picked. If IJ turned people off because it's difficult, it's almost laughable that others will finish Gravity's Rainbow or Ulysses. I can already see people slamming the latter shut as they read "Ineluctable modalities of the visible."
I guess what I'm saying is: who is IS for? For the layman? For the ubereducated? That should help with your book choice(s).
Rather than supply a list of books to read here, I vote for a nice balance in size. Perhaps follow IJ with something under 300 pages. Perhaps only do one large book (1,000+ pages or there roundabout) a year.
Anyway, the process through IJ has been terrific. You've done an amazing job of organizing this adventure. Much luck in the future.
I think this group is for those who want to read or to
choose reading, as Remy may say. I am sure we all know people with and without degrees who choose to read good books. More likely, we know many with degrees who choose not to read or to read easy books that can be finished on a plane. Too many book groups cater to the readers that prefer short, quick, hits because the group is afraid to lose audience. To me this is catering to the Lowest Common Denominator and it's something this group should not do.
Those remaining in InfiniteSummer are willing to put in the work good art requires. From what I have read about DFW, this was his intention. He purposely made the book difficult because good art sometimes requires work. When I finished IJ for the first time, I understood what DFW meant by this and was thankful that he made the book as he did (endnotes and all).
In the spirit of DFW and IJ, I vote that we keep it as a group of readers willing to work for the rewards. You don't need a degree or ubereducation certification to participate. Just show up, read, discuss. If you can't hang on, take some time off and come back next season or join one of the many quick hit reading groups.