As Pretentious Finnegan's Wake Book Club Dissolves, One Reader Attempts Final Act of Unsurpassed Pretention

Some have argued that Joyce, who spent 17 years writing the book and went blind in the process, intended it as an extremely elaborate joke.

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But tonight, the club will finish off Finnegan's Wake for the third and last time, according to an e-mail from founder Brett Lockspeiser. "I'm partially saddened to say, Finnegan's Wake Popcorn will be going on hiatus," he wrote. "I've been very impressed with our tenacity in reading this nonsense every week in the last two years."

One reader apparently isn't ready for the magic to end. Lars Russell, a San Francisco-based writer and blackguard, announced today that he will read the entirety of Finnegan's Wake, out loud, starting tomorrow (Wednesday) at noon at the Civic Center Plaza across from the main branch of the San Francisco Public Library. He didn't say why. But Lockspeiser seemed to understand.

"I have serious doubts that any human being could make it through all of Finnegans Wake in one go," he said. "But if Lars is successful he'll be bringing confusion about the value of modern literature to the public of San Francisco."

Attendants are encouraged to provide Russell with sustenance and harmonized, back-up reading. Should Russell be thwarted by police or inclement weather, he will retreat and continue his task in Dolores Park.