Best David Foster Wallace Books of 2023

• Best Overall: Infinite Jest
• Best Budget: This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life
• Best Value: String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis
• Editor's Choise: The Broom of the System: A Novel

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#1: This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life

Specs:

• Title: This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life
• Author: David Foster Wallace
• Publication Date: April 14, 2009
• Format: Hardcover Pages: 144
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316068225
• ISBN-13: 978-0316068222

What we like:

• This is a compilation of David Foster Wallace's 2005 commencement address at Kenyon College. The book is filled with profound insights and sage advice that will cause readers to reflect on their own lives. The book encourages readers to live a more compassionate existence by altering their worldview. It challenges readers to challenge their default modes of thought and choose their own way of thinking and being.
• The book's style of writing is one of our favorite aspects of it. The writing of David Foster Wallace is clear and engaging, and he has a knack for explaining complex concepts in an approachable manner. Additionally, the book is brief, making it a quick and simple read.

What we don't like:

• There are few negative aspects of "This Is Water." Nonetheless, some readers may find the book to be too brief and wish there was more to read. In addition, some readers may not enjoy the book's philosophical nature, which may be too abstract for those who prefer more practical advice.

Our Verdict:

Overall, "This Is Water" is a wonderful book that will motivate readers to live a more compassionate life. The writing of David Foster Wallace is lucid and engaging, and his insights are thought-provoking. Although some readers may find the book too brief, it is a quick and simple read that is well worth the time. We recommend "This Is Water" to anyone seeking inspiration and advice on how to live a more meaningful life.

 #2: "String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis" by David Foster Wallace

Specs:

• Title: String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis
• Author: David Foster Wallace
• Introduction by: John Jeremiah Sullivan
• Publication Date: May 10, 2016
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 176
• Publisher: Library of America
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598534807
• ISBN-13: 978-1598534801

What we like:

• "String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis" is a collection of essays and articles about tennis by David Foster Wallace. The book is a revealing and entertaining investigation of the sport, its players, and its culture. The writing of David Foster Wallace is engaging and witty, and he has a knack for explaining complex ideas in a way that is simple to grasp.
• The introduction by John Jeremiah Sullivan is one of our favorite aspects of the book. The introduction provides context for the essays and helps readers comprehend David Foster Wallace's passion for tennis. In addition, the book contains some of David Foster Wallace's lesser-known tennis essays, making it a great read for tennis fans and David Foster Wallace fans alike.

What we don't like:

• The film "String Theory" has few negative aspects. Those who are not interested in tennis may find the book's tennis-centric focus to be a detriment.

Our Verdict:

Anyone who enjoys tennis or David Foster Wallace's writing must read "String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis." David Foster Wallace's writing is engaging and insightful, and the book is a fascinating exploration of the sport and its culture. John Jeremiah Sullivan's introduction is an excellent addition, providing context and background for the essays. We recommend this book to tennis fans and David Foster Wallace fans alike.

 #3: Oblivion: Stories

Specs:

• Title: Oblivion: Stories
• Author: David Foster Wallace
• Paperback: 329 pages
• Publisher: Back Bay Books; Reprint edition (August 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316010766
• ISBN-13: 978-0316010764

What we like:

• Oblivion is typical of David Foster Wallace's distinctive writing style and thought-provoking stories, for which he is known. This collection of short stories is a wonderful illustration of his talent. The tales are complex, captivating, and thought-provoking. The book also contains a good balance of longer and shorter stories, making it simple to read one or two stories during a break. The writing style of Wallace is sophisticated and intricate, and the stories are full of surprises that will keep you guessing until the very end.

What we don't like:

• While Wallace's tales are captivating, some readers may find his writing style difficult to follow. It can be difficult to fully comprehend the plot and the characters due to the linguistic and structural complexities of the stories. Moreover, some of the stories can be dark and depressing, which may not appeal to all readers.

Our Verdict:

Overall, Oblivion: Stories is an excellent read for those who enjoy literature that provokes thought. David Foster Wallace's writing style is distinctive and captivating, and his stories are full of unexpected twists that will keep you guessing. However, the book may not be appropriate for all readers, particularly those who prefer humorous stories or simple language. If you enjoy literary fiction and are up for a challenge, then you should read Oblivion: Stories.

#4: The David Foster Wallace Reader Kindle Edition by David Foster Wallace

Specs:

• Title: The David Foster Wallace Reader
• Author: David Foster Wallace
• Format: Kindle Edition
• Print Length: 977 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; Reprint edition (November 4, 2014)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00IJIJKE6

What we like:

• The David Foster Wallace Reader is an exhaustive compilation of the author's finest works, including essays, short stories, and novel excerpts. The book contains both well-known and lesser-known works by Wallace, including "Consider the Lobster" and "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again." The Kindle edition is well-formatted and straightforward to navigate, and the table of contents is exhaustive, making it simple to locate a particular section. The collection gives readers the opportunity to delve into Wallace's mind and comprehend his unique worldview.

What we don't like:

• Due to its length and complexity, the collection may be overwhelming for some readers. Some of Wallace's essays and short stories are difficult to read, and his writing style can be verbose and rambling at times. In addition, some of the content may not be appropriate for all readers, as Wallace frequently explores sensitive subjects such as addiction and mental illness.

Our Verdict:

The David Foster Wallace Reader is a must-read for admirers of literary fiction and fans of the author. The collection provides a glimpse into Wallace's brilliant mind and reveals his distinctive worldview. However, the book's length and complexity may be too much for some readers, and its subject matter may not be appropriate for everyone. If you're up for a challenge and want to delve into some of the greatest works of one of our greatest writers, then The David Foster Wallace Reader is a must-read.

 #5: A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again: Essays and Arguments Paperback by David Foster Wallace

Specs:

• Title: A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again: Essays and Arguments
• Author: David Foster Wallace
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Back Bay Books; Reprint edition (February 2, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316925284
• ISBN-13: 978-0316925280

What we like:

• A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again is a collection of essays showcasing the witty, insightful, and often humorous writing style of David Foster Wallace. The book contains some of his most well-known essays, including the essay with the same name about his experience on a luxury cruise ship. From literature and philosophy to tennis and television, the essays cover a vast array of subjects. The intelligent and approachable writing style of Wallace makes his complex ideas easy to comprehend. Each essay is both thought-provoking and entertaining, and the book is well-written and thoroughly researched.

What we don't like:

• Although the essays are entertaining and insightful, they may be difficult to read for some readers due to Wallace's verbose writing style. In addition, some of the essays may not be of interest to all readers because they cover a wide variety of topics that may not appeal to all.

Our Verdict:

Overall, A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again is a fantastic read for fans of David Foster Wallace's writing and those who enjoy thoughtful, well-written essays. Wallace's writing style is both intelligent and approachable, and the collection is entertaining, informative, and frequently hilarious. Some of the essays are difficult to read and may not be of interest to all readers. A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again is a well-written, entertaining, and thought-provoking book that you should definitely check out.

• Subject matter: David Foster's books cover a wide range of topics, including music, creativity, and personal growth. Choose a book that interests you and aligns with your personal goals.

• Format: Consider whether you prefer a physical book or an e-book. E-books are convenient for traveling and reading on-the-go, while physical books provide a tactile experience.

• Price: David Foster's books range in price, so consider your budget when making a purchase.

• Reviews: Read reviews from other readers to get an idea of the book's quality and whether it meets your expectations.

What is the most read book by David Foster?

The most popular book by David Foster is "The Courage to Create." It examines the creative process and encourages readers to embrace their individual skills and talents.

What is David Foster's style of writing?

The writing style of David Foster is conversational and thought-provoking. He illustrates his ideas with anecdotes and insights from his own life.

How long is the typical one of David Foster's books?

David Foster's books vary in length, but the majority contain between 200 and 300 pages.

Are David Foster's books suitable for beginners?

Yes, David Foster's works are accessible to all levels of readers. They are written in a clear and engaging manner that simplifies complex concepts.

Does David Foster have audiobooks available for purchase?

Yes, some of David Foster's books are available in audio format, which is ideal for those who prefer to listen to books rather than read them.

The books of David Foster provide valuable insights on creativity, personal development, and music. When purchasing his books, consider the subject matter, format, price, and reviews. His most popular book is "The Courage to Create," and his writing style is conversational and thought-provoking. His books are suitable for readers of all levels, and some are available in audio format. David Foster's books are a great addition to any library, whether you are a musician, a writer, or simply seeking inspiration.