The Beginner's Guide to David Foster Wallace... for Kids!
Here’s another rewrite of one of my What Would Bale Do articles. This is a rewrite of a David Foster Wallace guide I wrote.
Hey kids, are you looking for some fun books to read? Look no further than David Foster Wallace! He's a writer who's known for his clever writing, hilarious footnotes, and unique ideas.
Here are ten things by David Foster Wallace that are easy to read and totally kid-friendly:
Consider the Lobster: This essay is all about lobsters and why we eat them. It's funny, it's weird, and it'll make you think twice about eating seafood. Did you know that lobsters can live up to 100 years old?
The Depressed Person: Now, I know what you're thinking - a story about a sad person doesn't sound very fun. But trust me, this story is really cool! It's about a person who's trying to find happiness, and it's full of funny jokes and clever writing. Plus, it'll make you feel grateful for all the good things in your life.
Brief Interviews with Hideous Men: This is a collection of short stories where each story is an interview with a really weird guy. It's silly and a little bit scary, but it's also really fun to read. You'll meet all kinds of strange characters, from a guy who thinks he's a werewolf to a guy who loves to watch TV.
9/11: The View from the Midwest: This essay is about the September 11th attacks. It's got some serious parts, but it's also got some funny parts that'll make you laugh out loud. Did you know that David Foster Wallace was actually in the Midwest when the attacks happened?
Shipping Out: On the (nearly lethal) comforts of a luxury cruise: This essay is about a guy who goes on a fancy cruise ship. It's hilarious and a little bit gross, but it'll also make you really grateful for your own vacation experiences. Did you know that some cruise ships have rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks?
This is Water: This is a speech David Foster Wallace gave at a college graduation. It's about the importance of being mindful and paying attention to the world around us. It's not as boring as it sounds, I promise! Did you know that David Foster Wallace was actually a professor before he became a writer?
A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again: This is a collection of essays about things that David Foster Wallace found funny or interesting. There's one about going to the state fair, and another one about playing tennis. It's basically like reading a bunch of funny stories. Did you know that David Foster Wallace was actually a really good tennis player?
The Pale King: This is a novel about people who work for the government. It's not the most exciting thing you'll ever read, but it's got some funny parts and some really interesting ideas. Did you know that this book was actually unfinished when David Foster Wallace died?
The Broom of the System: This is David Foster Wallace's first novel. It's a little bit weird and a little bit funny, but it's also really clever. Did you know that this book was actually written as part of David Foster Wallace's college thesis?
Oblivion: This is a collection of short stories about people who are struggling with different things. Some of them are sad, but some of them are also really funny. Did you know that one of the stories in this book is about a guy who's addicted to phone sex?
So there you have it - ten things by David Foster Wallace that are easy to read and super fun. And remember, don't be afraid of The Depressed Person - it's a story that'll make you laugh and think.