Coming back from the beach, we had a brief conversation re: Infinite Jest:
The G: You should really read this, it's pretty funny.
The N (glancing at my book): I've already gotten to that part.
The G: Oh. Huh. Well, let's talk about it. Tell me about the characters.
The N: Well, there's a son. And he has problems with his parents.
The G: How many sons?
The N: Well, two maybe. Two sons. Right! And, uh, a daughter!
The G: Two sons and a daughter, okay. What are their names?
The N: Junior. And they have a dead dad.
The G: Right. Where do they live? What country do they live in?
The N: All over the place! They live internationally! And one of them lives with their mom on a tennis..... ranch. They ranch. And play tennis!
The G: Right. Ranching. And what else happens? What's the major underlying, recurring plot point?
The N: Um, that parents and children don't get along.
The G: Right, right. Let's pick a random character, shall we. Who's Poor Tony Krause?
The N: He's a dog.
. . .
Next week, we ask the N to elaborate on Sophie's Choice.
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