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I second this one. It's more than just about code -- it's a multiple narrative that touches on 2 different WW2 stories, along with a modern tech narrative. Wh
by Travis 16y ago
I second this one. It's more than just about code -- it's a multiple narrative that touches on 2 different WW2 stories, along with a modern tech narrative. Which all tie in together. It's awesome, but it's a bit overwhelming.
I'm surprised you didn't say Snow Crash. Same author (Neil Stephenson), and also about coders. Specifically, languages, viruses, and reality. It's also much, much more accessible. I usually recommend that people start with Snow Crash and move to Cryto, if they like Stephenson's stuff.
- metageek 16y agoI just thought of Cryptonomicon first, mostly because I've been rereading the Baroque Cycle. I think it also matches the original poster's request better, though, because it covers life in a raw startup.
- Travis 16y agoFair enough. I just usually avoid recommending Crypto, due to its sheer size and density. At least until someone finishes Snow Crash -- if they're interested in more Stephenson, then I go to Crypto. What did you think of Anathem? I thought it was interesting, but pretty much agree with the XKCD comic -- http://xkcd.com/483/ http://xkcd.com/483/
- metageek 16y ago>I just usually avoid recommending Crypto, due to its sheer size and density. Good point. And you can hook someone on Snow Crash by reading them the opening bit about the Deliverator. >What did you think of Anathem? I love it. It pulls in hard science, philosophy of science, epistemology, geometry, geek love, sociology...wonderful. >but pretty much agree with the XKCD comic I really didn't have any trouble with the vocabulary. There was a lot of it, but it was introduced gradually, and most of it was from European roots. And I don't consider it gratuitous; it was a big part of setting the mood of the book.