A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again
Back of the Book
In this exuberantly praised book—a collection of seven pieces on subjects ranging from television to tennis, from the Illinois State Fair to the films of David Lynch, from postmodern literary theory to the supposed fun of traveling aboard a Caribbean luxury cruiseliner—David Foster Wallace brings to nonfiction the same curiosity, hilarity, and exhilarating verbal facility that has delighted readers of his fiction, including the bestselling Infinite Jest.
Why You Should Read It
A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again is a collection of essays that showcases Wallace's distinctive voice and incisive observations. The essays span a wide range of topics, from the Illinois State Fair to a luxury cruise, and each piece reveals Wallace's keen intellect and unique perspective. What makes the book compelling is Wallace's ability to blend humor, insight, and a deep curiosity about the human condition. His writing captures the absurdities of contemporary life with precision, making the reader both laugh and reflect. Wallace's essays are a testament to his mastery of language and his gift for making the ordinary extraordinary. For those seeking a literary journey that combines wit, intellectual engagement, and an exploration of the everyday, this collection provides an insightful and entertaining reading experience.
Memorable Passage
How can even the idea of rebellion against corporate culture stay meaningful when Chrysler Inc. advertises trucks by invoking “The Dodge Rebellion”? How is one to be bona fide iconoclast when Burger King sells onion rings with “Sometimes You Gotta Break the Rules”? How can an Image-Fiction writer hope to make people more critical of televisual culture by parodying television as a self-serving commercial enterprise when Pepsi and Subaru and FedEx parodies of self-serving commercials are already doing big business? It’s almost a history lesson: I’m starting to see just why turn-of-the-century Americans’ biggest fear was of anarchist and anarchy. For if anarchy actually wins, if rulelessness become the rule, then protest and change become not just impossible but incoherent. It’d be like casting a ballot for Stalin: you are voting for an end to all voting.
About the Author
David Foster Wallace (1962–2008) was an American writer and essayist known for his distinctive literary voice and thought-provoking insights into contemporary culture. Born in Ithaca, New York, Wallace's work navigates the complexities of human experience with a unique blend of humor, intellect, and empathy. His acclaimed novel Infinite Jest and essays like those in A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again showcase his ability to capture the absurdities of modern life and delve into the intricacies of the human psyche. Wallace's writing is characterized by its linguistic virtuosity and a genuine curiosity about the world. What makes him worth knowing is his knack for combining literary innovation with an accessible exploration of the human condition, creating a connection with readers that transcends traditional literary boundaries.
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Lisa Borst