Gravity's Rainbow

There are those that consider "Gravity's Rainbow" the greatest American novel of this, or perhaps any, century. I can't make a case for or against this; I haven't read 'em all. However, I will say that "Gravity's Rainbow" is good enough to at least deserve some of the lavish praise its earned. I get the feeling though that some people praise the book just to appear intelligent, just like some people criticize the book just to appear intelligent and unpretentious. However, let me just say that if a book is no more to you than a means of wearing a mask (on the internet for that matter), then you probably did not appreciate it for what it is. So what is "Gravity's Rainbow?" Well, it IS difficult. But unreadable? No. It is encylopedic. But dull and boring? Not in the least! "Gravity's Rainbow" is, if anything, an enormous collection of brainstorms, daydreams, and nightmares of one of the most incredible imaginations of our time. Most of it seems to me to be Pynchon writing to entertain Pynchon. Episodes like the ones with the giant adenoid, the Kenosha Kid, and, of course, Byron the Bulb, are as funny and fun to read as anything written this century. Yes, "Gravity's Rainbow" is extremely deep. But it sure is fun too.
Let me just recommend, however, that you read something else of Pynchon's before tackling this work. I recommend reading 'em in order.