Unbelievably powerful in its accuracy and persuasiveness. The character is probably autobiographical and to some extent it comes across as parodistic, but still, the empathy and imaginativeness Wallace employs in creating this guy is highly impressive. The last few pages, from when he actually starts talking about his suicide until the end of the story, almost literally took my breath away. I was crying, at least. By far the greatest piece of fiction I’ve read so far by Wallace.

Personal note: This story seemed to spark in me the realization that I am NOT a special or unique person. It is a shockingly painful blow to my ego. In retrospect, my whole past now seems shaded by delusional infantile narcissism and possibly fraudulence. But thankfully Good Old Neon’s ending cushioned the blow it delivered.

AB, also I listened twice within a couple hours. Seriously, check it out. ( )