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Cryptonomicon’s the only one of his four books I’ve read that I thought held up for the whole length. Anathem was interesting but spent too much time treading w

Cryptonomicon’s the only one of his four books I’ve read that I thought held up for the whole length. Anathem was interesting but spent too much time treading water, then fizzled out. The Diamond Age was one of my favorite first thirds of a sci-fi book that ended up being one of the most frustrating books I’ve finished. I’ve rarely been angry at a book but that one did it, so, that’s something I guess. I’ve read an actual book of Sumerian texts in translation so my Can Tolerate Boring cred is legit, but the mythology sections of Snow Crash—which are a lot of the book—were a real slog. Cryptonomicon? Consistent and fine throughout, and even has a real ending that might have been thought out from near the beginning.

aidenn0 6y ago
I agree that Cryptonomicon was more consistent; I just didn't like what it had to offer.
- karatestomp 6y ago
  Sure, and my breadth of reading of and connection with Stephenson‘s work, especially considering his popularity, are such that I wouldn’t claim anything like authority on the matter. Just offering another view in case anyone’s in here looking for reading advice or recommendations, for which I think I have just enough experience and perspective to offer something that might help someone, at least so far as defending Cryptonomicon as, to the right reader, a highlight among Stephenson’s books, and maybe not just for crypto nerds (I wouldn’t count myself as one). Lots and lots of people really like the three of his books that struck me as so-so to poor, so plenty of folks surely think I’m wrong there. Snow Crash could definitely make a good series. Of the three I’ve read but didn’t like much, I’d say it’s the one I’d be most likely to enjoy as a show even if it barely deviated from the book, in fact. Hell, it has a better shot in that format than Cryptonomicon would. And anyway, Cryptonomicon’s more speculative elements are probably not aging very well since I read it—too much of it’s become ordinary and mundane.
  - aidenn0 6y ago
    > Cryptonomicon’s more speculative elements are probably not aging very well since I read it—too much of it’s become ordinary and mundane. Indeed. I call this the Serial Experiments Lain effect.
kadoban 6y ago
Zodiac is quite good. It's early from him so it has a rough spot or two, but it's a fun time and doesn't linger too long.
- karatestomp 6y ago
  Might check it out. Snow Crash is my second favorite of his that I’ve read—despite not enjoying a good chunk of it—largely on account of its shortish length.

aidenn0 6y ago

I agree that Cryptonomicon was more consistent; I just didn't like what it had to offer.

karatestomp 6y ago
Sure, and my breadth of reading of and connection with Stephenson‘s work, especially considering his popularity, are such that I wouldn’t claim anything like authority on the matter. Just offering another view in case anyone’s in here looking for reading advice or recommendations, for which I think I have just enough experience and perspective to offer something that might help someone, at least so far as defending Cryptonomicon as, to the right reader, a highlight among Stephenson’s books, and maybe not just for crypto nerds (I wouldn’t count myself as one). Lots and lots of people really like the three of his books that struck me as so-so to poor, so plenty of folks surely think I’m wrong there. Snow Crash could definitely make a good series. Of the three I’ve read but didn’t like much, I’d say it’s the one I’d be most likely to enjoy as a show even if it barely deviated from the book, in fact. Hell, it has a better shot in that format than Cryptonomicon would. And anyway, Cryptonomicon’s more speculative elements are probably not aging very well since I read it—too much of it’s become ordinary and mundane.
- aidenn0 6y ago
  > Cryptonomicon’s more speculative elements are probably not aging very well since I read it—too much of it’s become ordinary and mundane. Indeed. I call this the Serial Experiments Lain effect.

kadoban 6y ago

Zodiac is quite good. It's early from him so it has a rough spot or two, but it's a fun time and doesn't linger too long.

karatestomp 6y ago
Might check it out. Snow Crash is my second favorite of his that I’ve read—despite not enjoying a good chunk of it—largely on account of its shortish length.