Book · 1997 · Fiction
A supposedly fun thing I'll never do again
Why people recommend it
A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again by David Foster Wallace is a brilliant collection of sharp, deeply observant essays exploring contemporary American culture, media, and leisure through the author's trademark hyper-detailed lens. On the How I Write podcast in 2023, Mark Manson recommended the book, recalling how purchasing and reading the title piece served as a major turning point that inspired him to pursue writing seriously. On The Book Review podcast in 2024, Pamela Paul discussed the non-fiction collection with a guest, noting that many readers view Wallace's essays as an ideal narrative gateway into his larger fiction projects, specifically drawing a direct relationship between the title essay and his massive novel Infinite Jest. Both speakers emphasized the distinct voice, intellectual intensity, and unique structural qualities that make Wallace's essays so enduringly influential for aspiring writers and critics alike. These podcast conversations illustrate the collection's enduring reputation as a masterclass in immersive journalism and cultural critique, cementing David Foster Wallace's legacy as one of the most singular and perceptive essayists of his generation.
Who recommended it
- Pamela Paul Discussed
- Mark Manson Recommended
Pamela Paul — 1 mention
“we were talking earlier before this podcast about his non-fiction which some people consider to be a kind of a gateway to his fiction specifically we're talking about about uh a supposedly fun thing I'll never do again and you were saying that there's a real relationship between that essay in particular and this novel”
Mark Manson — 1 mention
“and I bought a supposedly fun thing I'll never do again the title piece of that book is the story behind it is actually pretty funny”