I would never ever read finnegan's wake. Honestly, I can't imagine why anyone in their right mind would except perhaps literary scientists. But to put finnegan's wake on the stereo or headphones while working out or doing a fanstatic hike or sailing or whatever is an incredible experience that I have always been grateful for. I encourage everyone to do it. HG wells, however, on the other hand is something you'd want to sit down and read because he kills his darlings with the idea that his readers will sit down and read it. Not just let it waft over them and permeate their subconscious. Finnegan's wake is wonderful mental music.

BTW, Joyce wrote portrait of an artist as a young man, which is a really great read and a must for anyone with a literary / artistic bent.