Posted by NikkiT2 on April 26, 2003, at 11:04:05
This is just a general introduction, to one of my top 3 authors, Neal Stephenson.
I'm now reading "Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson, and this has prompted this bost!
This is about the 5th time I've read this book, and i have to sya its my joint favourite book. Its real comfort reading for me. It was the first "sci fi" book I read.. though I wouldn;t really call it sci fi. Its very much cyber punk in genre, about a guy Hiro Protaganist (the best name I've ever found in a book).. and set partly in a completely computer generated world - like the net as we know it, but in the guise of a real city. The basic story line is about a computer virus (called Snow Crash) that can also crash the brain.
I really do love this book!!!I can also highly reccomend "The Diamond Age" by the same author. Very different book.. set in the future, but mainly set in an area that lives to Victorian values. Its set around a book, "The young ladies illustrated primer" which is an interactive book which would allow the girl to grow up a wonderful person. Its the books effects that make the base of the story I guess. Again, a book I've read over and over and really love.
"Zodiac" is another book of his. Nothing Sci Fi about this one what so ever. Its about a group of Environmental Activists, mainly one guy.. based in Boston. A really interesting and excellently researched book. I real joy to read. Smaller than the other two books though!!
Neal Stephenson has also written "The Big U", which is based in an American "mega" University and details life in them - covering terrorists attacks, dungeons and dragons and monsters in the basement!! Very hard to describe! Wasn't great though, and took a few attempts to really get into, and I've only read it the once."In the beginning was the command line" is a great read for anyone who considers themselves a geek. It not fictional, but an essay about computer interfaces and how we got to where we are today. Boring to some, but I found it quite enjoyable - but I do admit freely to being a geek!
Finally, his latest book "Cryptonomicon" - I haven;t read this yet (its huge so I;m waiting for paperback!) but hubby has and he loved it. His description is "Set in present day, and 2nd world war.. following two familes and their connetion with hidden japanese gold. Involves code breaking and datahavens" It does look like a very detailed heavy read to me (and led my husband off in a wierd direction books wise in his quest for more information!), and it appears (by the blurb on the back) to be the first in a trilogy.
Phew!! Hope thats given you a insight into Neal Stephenson.. I really do make everyone I know read Snow Crash, so please, read it!!! Our copy (even though is a first edition signed copy!) is very battered and obviously well loved!
Nikki
poster:NikkiT2
thread:222560
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/books/20030426/msgs/222560.html