[IAmNietzche]

Originally Posted by yellowhouse

He's like the modern Faulkner.

I'd say he more of a stylistic predecessor to O'Connor than Faulkner. Yes, both Faulkner and McCarthy use a "stream-of-conscious" type of approach, but McCarthy is much more in love with the language than Faulkner. In that sense Joyce would actually be a good parallel. Let's say he's somewhere between a modern Joyce and an updated O'Connor (since she doesn't predate him by much).

[IAmNietzche]

Originally Posted by incorrigiblean

Infinite Jest- by David Foster Wallace. Has anyone read it? I read it because a past teacher suggested it, but no one else I know has read it, and I really want to know what other people think about it.

I've read it. It's at once brilliant and listless. A flawed masterpiece.

[yellowhouse]

Originally Posted by IAmNietzche

I'd say he more of a stylistic predecessor to O'Connor than Faulkner. Yes, both Faulkner and McCarthy use a "stream-of-conscious" type of approach, but McCarthy is much more in love with the language than Faulkner. In that sense Joyce would actually be a good parallel. Let's say he's somewhere between a modern Joyce and an updated O'Connor (since she doesn't predate him by much).

Haha, truth. That sounds about right.

[ThisIsSuchAPity]

Just started The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Late pass, I know.

[chokemeout]

I'm not entirely sure how anyone can make comparisons between Faulkner and the bollocks that is Cormac McCarthy.

Finished up The Crystal World - J G Ballard - Was descriptive and well written, interesting story line and a quick read.

[IAmNietzche]

Originally Posted by chokemeout

I'm not entirely sure how anyone can make comparisons between Faulkner and the bollocks that is Cormac McCarthy.

Finished up The Crystal World - J G Ballard - Was descriptive and well written, interesting story line and a quick read.

I find it funny when people choose McCarthy to be the author that they're going to diss in order to look literate and discerning. You can dislike his writing, but to call him bollocks is ignorant and tiresome.

Exactly how many McCarthy books have you read in coming to the conclusion you have?

[yellowhouse]

Originally Posted by IAmNietzche

I find it funny when people choose McCarthy to be the author that they're going to diss in order to look literate and discerning. You can dislike his writing, but to call him bollocks is ignorant and tiresome.

I back this one hundred percent.

[stayillogical]

I'm excited for finals to be over and pick up a new book. Spending hours reading instead of a few minutes at a time is much more gratifying.

[chokemeout]

Originally Posted by IAmNietzche

I find it funny when people choose McCarthy to be the author that they're going to diss in order to look literate and discerning. You can dislike his writing, but to call him bollocks is ignorant and tiresome.

Exactly how many McCarthy books have you read in coming to the conclusion you have?

I can dislike his writing but I can't call it bollocks?
and I wouldn't say I chose to "diss" McCarthy to appear to be anything. I was merely saying that I cant understand where the comparison comes in.

[Trent Gill]

Originally Posted by incorrigiblean

Infinite Jest- by David Foster Wallace. Has anyone read it? I read it because a past teacher suggested it, but no one else I know has read it, and I really want to know what other people think about it.

You might not want to hear this kind of hyperbole, but it's the best thing ever written. It's not like it has to be read -- but if you're interested in contemporary literature that makes a stand for the future of fiction in a complex and challenging way, it's a crucial text. If I had the influence to tell everyone one thing to read, that would be it.

Also, this whole opposition to McCarthy thing is kind of funny. There's no fucking way that someone is more literate or a better reader because they don't like McCarthy, because McCarthy's command over the language is something to be admired. Trying to say something of value is not bollocks. It's what writers are supposed to do.

[drudo182]

Originally Posted by yellowhouse

So good. Love McCarthy.

Is it good? I've only read The Road. Thought it was a beautiful read. The fact that I can become attached to people with his minimalist writing speaks volumes about him as an author.

What should I pick up next by him?

[Mitch]

Wait, people consider McCarthy a bad writer? I'm only 75 pages into Blood Meridian, and while the style certainly takes some getting used to I think it's extremely well-written (although I do have to consult a dictionary a few times per chapter, haha).

[IAmNietzche]

Originally Posted by Mitch

Wait, people consider McCarthy a bad writer? I'm only 75 pages into Blood Meridian, and while the style certainly takes some getting used to I think it's extremely well-written (although I do have to consult a dictionary a few times per chapter, haha).

One person considers him a bad writer. He is in fact probably the most talented living writer.

[IAmNietzche]

Originally Posted by drudo182

Is it good? I've only read The Road. Thought it was a beautiful read. The fact that I can become attached to people with his minimalist writing speaks volumes about him as an author.

What should I pick up next by him?

Suttree is his masterpiece but it's difficult. I'd recommend All the Pretty Horses.

[drudo182]

Originally Posted by IAmNietzche

Suttree is his masterpiece but it's difficult. I'd recommend All the Pretty Horses.

K, I'll get that.

I think I'll start The Stand after I'm done with what I'm reading now.

Think I'll order the Complete and Uncut edition.