Having finished the book a couple of days ago, I'm coming to terms with the fact that loose ends seem to be part of the point of IJ. I agree that JvD remains "on the path" at book's end, and that her presence at Mikey's meeting is a sign that she hasn't strayed from the sober course. I'd like to believe also that Hal's mention of Don Gately in the first section of the book is a subtle suggestion that yes, Joelle continues on the healthy path, too. The more the experience of the book sits with me, the more brilliant Wallace seems to have been in his presentation of the never-ending cycle of existence, way beyond the textbook-ready nature/human nature stuff. The number of ways in which he applies the annular model is staggering. I guess we all have to practice or deal with our own rituals/cycles/obsessions, one day/ minute/second at a time just to continue giving life meaning. I'm very eager now to read Wallace's "Westward the Course of Empire Takes its Way" and "E Unibus Pluram" for added commentary on this wild culture we're a part of.
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