Neal Stephenson

[GOLLUM]

Thanks, Gollum. I already went ahead and bout the 3 separate books. At least they will be lighter on the grip when I read them in bed.

Well Yes there's certainly that.

Stephenson really researches his topics and having a mathematician's mind really makes the whole subject matter interesting to the novice. A fascinating walk down history's lane. One of my favourite series for sure.

If you like this one you'll want to get Cyprtonomicon for sure. That's a single volume.

 

[rojse]

Stephenson is quite a mixed author for me. I thought "The Diamond Age" was quite a well-done book - it had interesting ideas, even if it was somewhat less than clear, particularly with the number of characters and viewpoints at times. On the other hand, I found Snow Crash to be quite a mess as a novel.

I've also got Anathem is waiting to be read. I've tried to read it, but substituting basic words and terms for ones you made up is just confusing. Having to look at a glossary every sentence or two grinds the entire story to a halt.

 

[elvet]

Stephenson is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. I thought Anathem was great, and am now thoroughly enjoying Quicksilver.
I'd love to recommend him to more of my friends, but I wonder if part of the reason I like the books is that I have a strong maths/physics background. I love the way he takes single principles and explains them in very logical ways. I wish I could have had a teacher like him for advanced calculus.
Aside from his scientific themes, I also love getting a glimpse of how life might have been during the Enlightenment. Hooke and Newton were just descriptive names to me. Realizing that they were men with all too human lives makes them all the more admirable.
Lastly, I'm enjoying the humor and witty dialogue. It's like watching a Noel Coward or Oscar Wilde play. I can't wait to get back to the book after a day's work.

 

[AE35Unit]

Neal Stephenson writes Cyberpunk. Comparing him to Alastair Reynolds is like comparing apples and oranges.

well theye both fruit

 

[GOLLUM]

Yep, I pretty much had the same reaction Elvet.

You see, I told you you were going to like his style....

I also have a maths/chem background in study...so it probably does add a bit to the experience.

Needless to say you'll want to purchase his other books.

Might I suggest the more modern Cryptonomicon (think cryptolgoy and I.T. with a cast of characters incl. Einstein, Churchill and Reagan) and Snow Crash (arguably his greatest stand alone novel) next on your service plate after you've read the current trilogy of course.

Night....