That makes me sad MikeStrange. Part of the reason I didn't delve more into the comparison between the two is because I found IJ to be one of the most profound books about the human condition that I've ever read. The current book: not so much, though, as I said it touched on some similar themes. I clearly liked Scanner…

That hadn't occurred to me but it rings true.

Fictional brushes with drugs
I found myself unable to stop thinking about 'Infinite Jest' as I read 'Scanner'. I have to think that the polymath Wallace read Dick, and, like him, had enough personal drug experience to write about the problems and the recovery process. I'm not foolish enough to compare the two books,…

MikeStrange, I'll just say that there is, in my estimation, a solid distinction between 'enjoyment' and 'entertainment'. I don't need a novel to entertain me (I have MST3k and 30Rock for that) but I do want to enjoy the experience. To learn something about the world, or about myself. Case in point - the new Ferris…

Nice analysis FJ. One can be devoted to the book club, if not the book, and your reaction was one I specifically tuned in to hear about.

Not hard. Not fun.
I'll keep it short and sweet. This wasn't a difficult read; the language wasn't frustratingly dense nor was it deliciously enigmatic. It just wasn't fun. I didn't get any sense of who the characters were, what their motivations might be, and by the end I just didn't care. And perhaps worst of all…

Uh huh. Yup. You bet. Yes, please.

Me too. He said, ten days later…

As always, you guys rock
Another great discussion all week and a lively chat. I was, unfortunately, too busy to participate but I love, love, loved the book and, as usual, the commentary here brought my experience to a whole new level. Thanks!

Heh, you guys all like Dick…

Fifth Head Third Vote. I've wanted to read more Wolfe ever since the day I finished 'Book of the New Sun'…

I've been pretty quiet in this week's discussion but, as usual, the comments (from both staff and rabble) have been superb. This wasn't my favorite WUiB selection but, after having you all point out so many things that I just plain missed, I hope to return to it sometime with a different mindset.

The style was so self-consciously cinematic it was hard not to picture it on the screen. I like the idea of the story in the hands of the Coens (or maybe Tim Burton?)

I completely agree Farmer John.

TNF,TS is the shit.

Next book
I'll add my thanks for yet another fascinating book and illuminating discussion. I always enjoy the multi-day commentary culminating in the live chat.

Better heard than read
I'm not in the habit of listening to books; in fact this was the first time I'd ever tried it for fiction. But in this case, anyway, it was fantastic. The narrator (Patrick Tull - no flute jokes needed, thank you) not only handled the various accents beautifully, he also made the jargon much…

Agreed. And the wonderful dialog was that much better when listening to it as narrated by Patrick Tull. This was a fabulous book to listen to and Tull, naturally, was perfect in dealing with the various Irish, Scottish, and English dialects.

Period Piece
I was struck by the 180-degree turnaround in the Aubry/Maturin relationship too, Tasha, but to me it quickly emphasized that this is a novel brilliantly set in another time. You mentioned the 'gentlemanly society' that they inhabit and I think that completely explains the events. The strictures of early…

I think you're onto something there Laika.