So after see Kottke raving about Infinite Jest borrowed out a copy from the uni library. After about 30 pages, I’m doubting whether it is worth my time through this 1000 page tome of random conversations between unidentified characters, jumping through the chronology like a cheap bucking cow at a mid-western bar. Impossible to follow, mostly boring, sometimes tremendously insightful (the pot addict description was amazing). It’s a shame because I can see some strings of stories that I would really like to get to the bottom of but Wallace’s insistence on being so ‘different’ and writing a ‘fractal’ story means he jumps around, doesn’t note who is speaking a lot of the time and generally leaves you to put the story together like some literary pick up sticks. Not an enjoyable way to read.

Maybe I’m just off fiction, I haven’t had a good read for a while. I think I’ll borrow out Utopia again - there’s nothing like a classic. Or thumb through Arturo Ui again - always a brilliant read.

In terms of non-fiction, I’ve just been given For the Glory of God by Rodney Stark and this is an interesting read. He is going to demonstrate exactly what monotheism is responsible for - ending slavery, burning witches, science. I’m really looking forward to digging in to this.

Other news? Our Moot is drawing to end, I’m gonna miss these crazy cats. I’m hoping we can really blow them away in Adelaide. 12 weeks, what a rush.

Jess is getting me hooked on climate change, further fracturing my law interests. Trade, humanitarian, human rights, climate change! Me thinks my first year out of uni may be a bit disappointing. Academia here I come!

posted by Devon Whittle at 8:24 pm & filed under Books, Personal |