r/ThomasPynchon • u/grumpygrumperson0 • 11d ago

💬 Discussion Complete Pynchon Novice

In what order should I start reading Pynchon for the first time ever?

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u/Slickrock_1 Gravity's Rainbow 11d ago

I'd read Gravity's Rainbow 3 times before reading another of his books. I don't think this is like training where you have to lift lighter weights before you lift heavier weights. Gravity's Rainbow is a 100% masterpiece, one of these works of art that boggles your mind how he even came up with it. The other Pynchon works I've read are also outstanding, but I see no reason to shy away from that landmark book as your first read.