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Both Flesh and Not
336 pages, 2013
Never has Wallace's seemingly endless curiosity been more evident than in this compilation of work spanning nearly 20 years of writing.
Here, Wallace turns his critical eye with equal enthusiasm toward Roger Federer and Jorge Luis Borges; Terminator 2 and The Best of the Prose Poem; the nature of being a fiction writer and the difficulty of defining the essay; the best-underappreciated novels and the English language's most irksome misused words; and much more.
Both Flesh and Not restores Wallace's essays as originally written, including a selection from his vocabulary list, an assembly of unusual words and definitions.
In Both Flesh and Not, David Foster Wallace shows us the power of language. He uses words in a way that makes us see things from a different perspective. It's like he's painting a picture with words. So, if you're interested in exploring the power of language, you should definitely check out this book.
One of the key takeaways from Both Flesh and Not is the importance of critical thinking. Wallace encourages us to question everything and not just accept things at face value. He shows us that it's okay to challenge the status quo and think for ourselves. So, if you're looking to improve your critical thinking skills, this book is a must-read.
Wallace's book also teaches us to appreciate complexity. He doesn't shy away from complex topics and ideas, instead, he embraces them. He shows us that there's beauty in complexity and that it's something to be celebrated, not feared. So, if you're someone who enjoys digging into complex ideas, you'll find a lot to love in this book.
In Both Flesh and Not, Wallace also talks about the value of persistence. He shows us that success doesn't come easy and that it requires hard work and determination. He encourages us to keep going, even when things get tough. So, if you're feeling stuck or discouraged, this book might just give you the motivation you need to keep going.
Finally, Wallace's book teaches us about the joy of learning. He shows us that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about exploring new ideas and perspectives. He encourages us to be curious and to never stop learning. So, if you're someone who loves to learn, you'll definitely enjoy reading Both Flesh and Not.
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Both Flesh and Not is a treasure chest of Wallace's virtuosic talents. It's a must-read for any Wallace fan.
Zadie Smith - Novelist, EssayistWallace's Both Flesh and Not is a testament to his genius. It's a book that will challenge and change you.
Jonathan Franzen - Novelist, EssayistBoth Flesh and Not is a brilliant showcase of Wallace's ability to intertwine the abstract and the human.
Michiko Kakutani - Literary CriticWallace's Both Flesh and Not is a masterclass in writing. It's a book that will leave you awestruck.
George Saunders - Writer, ProfessorBoth Flesh and Not is a testament to Wallace's profound understanding of the human condition. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished it.
Maria Popova - Blogger, Critic