I thought was very creative (even though I definitely was not a fan) with moments of brilliance, but now, I can see how much he was inspired by this guy. On another entirely unrelated note, it did become very, very clear to me that David Foster Wallace was heavily influenced by Pynchon. So if you like a book with next to no character development, a lot of punny names (Stanley Koteks give you an idea of how juvenile it gets), a snorefest of a plot, and no resolution, then this book is for you. The good news is that reader couldn't give a darn, because lo and behold, the author leaves the true answer up in the air. Over time, Oedipa isn't sure if she's uncovering some kind of conspiracy or if perhaps the joke is on her, and her ex set her up for sort of crazy-making wild goose chase. As she tries to unravel the 'mystery' of W.A.S.T.E., she visits a number of people who provide clues, many of whom shortly thereafter die and most of whom have some sort of affiliation with her ex. As she goes about her duties, she appears to unearth an alternative postal system called W.A.S.T.E. The plot is ostensibly about a women, Oedipa Maas, who is named as the executor for her ex-boyfriend's will.

I challenge you to read more than 10 pages after 8 pm and stay awake. Did I mention it was breathtakingly boring? It might be great if you have insomnia and need a sleep aid. other than the use of vocabulary, I struggled to find anything redeeming about it. From the non-existent character development (never mind their motivations) to the irritating fake history descriptions to the mere semblance of a plot. I can count on one hand the number of books I've rated one star, but this book was simply awful.

The crying of lot 49 pages