here's a hack for reading infinite jest: use two bookmarks - one in the main story and one in the endnotes. here's another hack that is tougher: read it in less than a week. you simply cannot appreciate the book if you do not have all of the different plots and characters fresh in your head (BTW I make the same recommendation for all long classics eg war and peace).

about the merit of the book: it is one of the few books that i've read that evoked a visceral reaction in me - i felt manic and strung out (like many of the characters) while reading it. social commentary aside i think that passes bar for worthwhile literature.