David Foster Wallace

Quite quickly, David Foster Wallace has become my favourite author. I'm part way through The Pale King, and it's great. I love his style, and the way he constructs a story.
The first of his I read was Infinite Jest when I was 20. It was okay, but after a month or so of my time, I couldn't believe the lack of conclusion, and don't think I 'got it', overall. Following a lengthy break, I read This is Water last year, and it was a really good insight in to the person, which is obviously a huge part of who the author is. I've since been reading my way through his works (check m' reading log). I think I could read an infinitely long essay on any topic he chose to write. What he wrote is amazing - it's so insightful and beautiful. It's taught me to view conclusions as a treat, rather than a necessity. And it captures what it means to be alive today.
So I'm pretty heartbroken that he took his own life a few years ago. It slipped past me at the time, and has bothered me the more I've read. Such a complex person, such a huge loss to the world. Read what he's written

Tell

If I'm being honest, I try and be a really honest person. Especially about how I feel about people. In the past, I think I've wasted time keeping my feelings to myself, especially with things like crushes. It's so much better to say how you feel and find out how they do, than to let it dwell inside you. I recently came up with the oxymoron: 'everyone just shut up and say how you feel'.
I also like telling people I love them. If someone means a lot to you, you should definitely let them know. You know the big cliches - 'I wish I'd told them how I felt' etc. It would be pretty bad if something like that happened. So if you love someone, let them know.
Beth and I tell each other often. She recently said "if we had a dollar for every time we said 'love'..." We'd be rich! And wouldn't die wondering