I know lots of people loved it but it never clicked for me. I bailed like halfway through and, based on the summary I read, didn't really miss anything.
The first 2/3 is alright but the final 1/3 might as well be an entirely different book. I don't think I can recall anything from the last 3rd if I'm quite honest. You could probably skip reading it and lose nothing
I hope it's not too much of a spoiler, but I think it's worth reading until at least the uh. turn? big reveal? I think that's what makes it a fascinating novel. The bit about Legally Not Elon Musk heroically sacrificing himself, not so much.
I liked it but think it isn't his best work & could've been shorter. Generally worth reading BUT not worth slogging through if you aren't enjoying it. Also the nonsensical bio/genetics later may piss you off (although I'm a physicist & probably not qualified to comment lol)
I wouldn't say I'm not enjoying, but seems kind of needlessly in depth about a lot of stuff. Nonsensical bio stuff is my kink so I'll probably persist lol. What would you say is his best? This is the first Neal Stephenson book I'm reading.
What I love about modern sci-fi is the variety. I like the technical stuff, but my favourite sci-fi series focuses more on language/politics/the ramifications of empire. We're spoiled for choice and you don't have to read hard sci-fi if that's not your thing lol
Yeah I hang around physics/chem/cs ppl and we also gravitate towards hard sci-fi. You might be right & idk what most ppl are reading but there's a lot out there! I wouldn't even say Stephenson is always a hard sci-fi writer (although he does seem obsessed with space in Seveneves for some reason)
Yeah the vaguely technical rambling is unfortunately just how this book is. An orbital mechanics thing in the last part actually made me pull out the pen/paper lol. Anathem is brilliant and my personal favourite of his, but it's initially confusing to get into. Snow Crash is the one I tend to
recommend to people as a great social commentary on technology that's relatively light. My main complaint about Stephenson is that he can't write an ending to save his life (Seveneves being THE prime example - I agree with the other replies, why did he do that)
I read it a while ago so memory is a bit hazy. As others have said, the last part changes radically. I remember it being quite interesting and thought provoking, if not that enjoyable haha
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And The Baroque Cycle.
(you've already read them haven't you?)
This is my problem with modern sci-fi. Too much sci and not enough fi
Maybe I just have the wrong friends and I am getting a bias sample and think hard sci-fi is more popular than it is?