Have I read this before: Technically yes, but man, I struggled. Pynchon, man.

Review: This may be the most accessible Pynchon work, but I actually don’t know if “accessible” and “Pynchon” belong in the same sentence. His writing style is…not for the faint of heart. I don’t know how to describe said writing style exactly other than to say that if it were a font, it would be Wingdings. There’s meaning in there, but it’s behind a bunch of symbols and will involve some decoding. Anyway, as far as the actual book goes, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a diligent effort (by the author and the main character) to talk about the US mail. The conspiracy within is simultaneously something that sounds like it would be true and would involve a vast government cover-up and something that your wino aunt, who is into astrology, phrenology, and psychics, has come up with on one of her benders.

Favorite Part: How do you pick a favorite part of a Pynchon novel? You don’t. You find yourself saying “I like the part when…” but then immediately you’re lost and confused and drowning in symbolism as you realize your name has suddenly become Daisy Vans Deferens and you’re spending your waking hours following a flea that once bit a scientist who make a living dissecting belly button lint.

Rating: 5/10