Rating: 
Summary: An imaginative book sure to entertain.
Review: Neal Stephenson has written an entertaining novel whose thought-provoking ideas are matched only by its eclectic cast of characters. Focusing on the idea of knowledge and the dissemination of knowledge through computer technology, the basic premise of Snow Crash is that of the protagonist (named Hiro Protagonist, no less) and his young partner, Y.T. (Yours Truly, which she wouldn't bother to tell you unless it was in the form of a sarcastic remark), thwarting an intended infocalypse with a little help from the Mafia and some other unusual allies. Along the way, the reader is given a good look at a future that may not be so far away: one dominated by computer technology and paralleled by a virtual reality that might question exactly what constitutes reality, and private franchises which rule in the place of governments. Stephenson has a flair for vivid description of a world just strange enough to be innovative and intriguing, yet familiar enough that we can see its basis very firmly rooted in our own. Despite the outlandish nature of both Snow Crash's characters and setting, basic principles are the same: there is the rich and the poor, the powerful and the weak, those who survive and those who do not; the difference between the two is that of information.However, despite all these assets, Snow Crash is little more than light entertainment. The lofty ideas which Stephenson explores in his book seem to be beyond his firm comprehension, and discussions of Babel, Sumerian myth and other archaeological finds are dry and arcane, detracting from an otherwise vibrant and fast-paced plot. Almost all relevant information about the technical aspects of Snow Crash is revealed in the form of cryptic dialogue between Hiro and a computer-generated librarian, discussions that sound more like encyclopedia recitations than believable (or understandable) dialogue. I found myself glossing over these portions of the book without any real effect on my understanding of the plot; in the end it still comes out to the same thing: the bad guys have a dangerous weapon, and the good guys have to stop them. The details about Sumer and the fall of man are interesting, but not portrayed in a form that lends itself to any quick grasp of ideas that can be retained after the book is done. However, for those willing to take the time to read and reread a fourth time, Stephenson poses some interesting ideas to ponder. The characters in Snow Crash never leave the reader a moment to rest from the excitement they provide. Outrageous events happen one after another, and the calm manner in which they face everything from kidnapping and murder to the possibility of destruction of society and the world as they know it provides a great deal of amusement and curiosity about what they might do next. However, despite a plot that hurtles itself ever forward and drags the reader along, forced to either keep up or drop along the way, I found the ending both disappointing and deflating. Hiro and Y.T. save the world, of course, but then Hiro just drops out of the story altogether and Y.T. appears to transform from a rebellious and wild Kourier into mommy's little girl for little other reason than to provide some kind of ending. I would have liked at least for some kind of epilogue, if not a totally different ending altogether. In reading the last few pages, it seemed that Stephenson rushes to tie up all the loose ends of the story in any way possible - any way possible often equating to dull, bland, and unsuitable when compared to other parts of the book. After such a well-written novel containing such interesting characters and a world whose details must be read to be believed, I was hugely disappointed by the conclusion to say the least. However, Stephenson does tell an interesting tale and has great potential; his best work is yet to come.
Rating: 
Summary: Worth Reading, But Typical Stephenson
Review: The beginning is very funny and engrossing and draws you in. Stephenson really has an eye for detail, and he has an obsessive-techy-guy style. He also works in some really interesting ideas, such as his theories on computing and linguistics. However, this is the kind of book where Stephenson draws you in, but then can't finish the story. The book is 600+ pages, and they don't all add to the story. Stephenson is a very good writer, but he gets to involved in detail, and needs to be a more succicient writer. Unfortunately, if you've read Cryptonomicon, you'll know that this Stephenson still isn't over this habit.
Rating:
Summary: Snow Crash is good, but can be confusing.
Review: Snow Crash is located in the future that is predominately run by computers. Hiro is the main star of the novel, and he is a computer hacker. In the computer world, he is also an expert swordsman. In this story, there is a computer virus going around the computer world that affects hackers. However, the hackers actually suffer biological damage from this computer virus. Hiro is supposed to find the cause of this virus with the help of a friend called Y.T. Hiro will face a big challenge in stopping this virus, because he finds out that it will affect all of humanity. The futuristic approach is very interesting, but at times the novel is really confusing. The roles of the many franchulates and the Mafia are quite amusing. But overall, it is only an average book.
Rating: 
Summary: This book must be read....
Review: ...by anyone interested in religion, pizza, fast cars, faster skate boards & the evil machinations of corporate merger-land. Oh, and the harmful effects of software viruses on physical, mental, emotional & socioeconomical infrastructure of humanity. Neal Stephenson, I'm not sure if you (via prescience) consciously hit every relevant Millenial topic smack on its head when Snow Crash was first released in '93...or if you were simply writing a swift romp through an alternative future world for amusement only. Snow Crash works several ways. It satisfies the hunger of a science fiction fan. It addresses the historical impact of technology, spam-marketing, Brand recognition & our sick pursuit of organized & punitive religions. It is sweet and hopeful and has a noble sense of Honor as "pilotfish" through the ugly morass of the ALL-CAPITALISM--ALL-THE-TIME future that we are always on the very brink of creating. Thanks, Neal. I haven't reread a book so much since Harlan Ellison wrote, "A Boy & His Dog."
Rating:
Summary: Great Book right until the end
Review: I thought this was an incredible book, but I find that the resolution in both this book and the Cryptonomicon is too short to be satisfying. Rather than continuing the teriffic flow of the story, the tempo suddenly changes as everything works itself out. However, I found the book very entertaining and would encourage a friend to read it.
Rating:
Summary: The first 100 pages are great. So are the last 50.
Review: A friend recommended this book to me as the "best science fiction he had ever read." I simply do not agree. You've read the synopsis: The book is set in the near future, say 2030 a.d. or so. The author has a delightful sense of humor and witty prose. The characters are well-developed and like-able. His view of the future is sufficiently dark and yet somewhat plausible. However, his endlessly smug tone and his self-indulgent sense of humor slow the storyline of the book to a veritable crawl. This book has tones of Umberto Eco's _Foucault's Pendulum_, Gibson's _Neuromancer_, and even some Elmore Leonard in it. The effect would be spectacular if Stephenson was a strong enough author to pull it off. Sadly, he isn't. I will keep my eye on his later books and perhaps future titles... but probably borrow them next time rather than buy.
Rating:
Summary: Cultural satire that became too true too quickly
Review: This is probably my favorite book ever. Every year Stephenson's biting satire of American culture becomes funnier and more relevant. Reading his vision of sprawling, congested future driven by fast communication and business franchising gone awry one quickly sees that Stephenson is not trying to predict the future, but to scewer the present. Written in 1992, before Starbucks ruled the world and e-commerce was a buzz word, Stephenson's vision has become closer and closer to a reality.
Rating:
Summary: Futuristic battleland
Review: An explorational book. The future of the Internet as avatar-interaction is explored. The history of language is explored. The relationship between commerce and morality grows more and more in sync over time. But there's too much blood 'n' guts in it for me. It reads like it was written to become a movie and makes large leaps in character, warfare, geography and hacking. Maybe a more mature Stephenson will write more mature books. I do look forward to reading more of his books.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, bad ending
Review: THis book is fabulous. As was stated before, if you are a computer geek of any kind, or want to be, you'll love the book. Its references to the future of technology will keep you wondering. I couldn't put the book down until i hit about page 400, then it got slow. there wasn't much action, and it just got confusing. I could easily go through the pages upon pages of history lessons, but not the ending. What was supposed to be the climax was actually the low point of the book. Don't get me wrong, you MUST read this book. You'll be satisfied just by reading until page 400, but afterwards, it'll get slow. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Oh, for Christ's Sake.
Review: "Liked Neuromancer? You'll love Snowcrash!" I should have known better. The guy who uttered that recommendation was an idiot. Snowcrash features everything I despise about bad science fiction. First off, there's the high "geek" factor of technolust, where the author can't help gloating about his knowledge of computers. Second, I . . . I just can't go on. If you're looking for more Neuromancer, don't read this book. Read Cormac McCarthy or Tim O'brien instead; like Gibson, they are great writers first, genre writers second. Stephenson is a slightly clever SF hack, and that's about it.
|
