[Kenny C.]

No, it's not the title of a book. I want to finish of my summer, reading wise, on a strong note and I'm debating which of these two behemoths to tackle: Ulysses or Gravity's Rainbow . I've read works by both authors (Joyce - Dubliners and Portrait of the Artist; Pynchon - V and Lot 49) so I am fairly familiar with both writers. Both books are long and I don't want to commit myself to something that I won't feel satisfied with. I know both are considered pinnacles of 20th century literature, but I don't know which would be best for me to read first. Anyone?

[thelitguy]

Bah.

I greatly enjoy both of these, but I would say that Gravity's Rainbow is a bit more enjoyable. Ulysses is really just a beast and I would say it's never a good idea for a summer read. I like Joyce quite a bit, but Pynchon reads a bit better.

Also, check out the book Beowulf on the Beach. It's a critic writing about how to approach massive novels without the scare. I've enjoyed it.

[meatfinger]

Ulysses! But I haven't read Gravity's Rainbow, so there's that.