University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Recognition

Lyn E. Elliot associate professor of film/video and media studies

Book Title: Infinite Jest

Author: David Foster Wallace

Selection Statement:

This novel contains multitudes—satire, science fiction, realism, comedy, surrealism, tragedy, philosophy, very-realism, and lots of footnotes. When I first read it a few years ago, it hit me where I lived, and totally rearranged my ideas about what fiction could be. After reading Infinite Jest, I understood 1) that an artist must never give in to the ever-present temptation to wimp out, and 2) that I must strive to put more “move” into my movies. This book is pretty heavy; if you read it in bed, I recommend a pillow between it and your stomach.


Year: 2008