Rating: 
Summary: Snow Crash makes Neuromancer look like Dr. Seuss
Review: Yeah, I thought cyber-punk was quaint. Snow Crash proved me wrong. I was hooked from the first few pages. Stephenson doesn't waste any time "building" the story. He just throws you into the deep end of this frenetic world. The "world" of Snow Crash is way too hip, way too cool; but Stephenson makes up for the "so cool" by keeping his tongue firmly planted in his cheek. You wouldn't think mixing violent action, religious mysticism and computer programming would work, but it does here, strangely. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is that some of the religious mumbo-jumbo was overly long and drawn out, making for a couple of painfully slow sections. (But even with that, I didn't feel that the book was "heavy" or "intellectual" in tone.) My favorite character is the teenaged skateboard courier - great heroine for a comic book series or a cartoon or movie.
Rating:
Summary: Good ambiance, OK substance
Review: After reading a lot of other user reviews I can write a summary which also coincides with my personal opinion about this book.The ambience -- the setting of the book -- is a brilliantly, fully realized vision of the not-too-distant future where pizza delivery is all America can pride itself on and social interaction is defined by the Internet-meets-VR world of the Metaverse. It is delightfully cynical and very entertaining, and is the focus of the first third or so of text. The substance, however, is a convoluted plot dealing with hard-to-follow Sumerian myth that puts a lot of readers off. Personally, I like the idea that the technologically defined future can be so linked to the ancient past. But then the last third is a Hollywood-style shootout, and only a few patches of focus on ambience (I loved the chapter about the future of working for the Government!) appear. In short, great setup, but I would have preferred another plot to have taken place.
Rating: 
Summary: AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!!!
Review: If you only read one book this year, THIS must be it! If you only read one book written this decade, then THIS must be it!!! "Snow Crash" is a breath of fresh air and a great adventure. The book was introduced to me by a friend. It is very popular among readers by word of mouth (which is the mark of a great book). As a techno- thriller, it should be accepted as a typical "cyber-" book. But if that aspect is disregarded, it is very enjoyable. I could'nt put it down.
Rating:
Summary: A fun, engrossing read
Review: Unless you're a holier-than-thou cyberpunk literature freak who feels us lesser mortals don't understand the 'genre', it's a good bet you'll enjoy this novel. However, Snow Crash is not perfect. One of the larger shortcomings is that some secondary characters are a bit underdeveloped considering the length of the book. Overall, it is not highbrow literature--nor is it intended as such--but it is a very enjoyable read. It is important to point out that Snow Crash was originally intended to be in graphic novel format, which may explain some of the book's shortcomings (the ending, cardboard secondary characters, etc). The reader should approach Snow Crash with this in mind.
Rating:
Summary: Quite interesting, but difficult to get into it
Review: I tried to start this book three times. The first two I just gave up, wondering how could anyone like it. But on the third attempt, well, I finally did. Stephenson's style is quite difficult to get into, since he jumps time frames with total disregard for continuity. However, the story is worth the time it takes to "get it".
Rating: 
Summary: For wannabe hackers only
Review: As a review just a few entries down says, this is aimed at wannabe hackers. If you need to read an explanation of why 256 is significant, read this (honest, it's in there!). Another re-cycling of cyberpunk cliches. I was really disappointed - especially after reading the author's essay on "the command line" (available on his web site for the new book) which (at least for the first half) was witty and intelligent.
Rating:
Summary: A book that simply blows your mind...
Review: This book is simply excellent. Although many people have said that the characters are shallow I would say that they have depth and, well, character. I have read this book five or six times and still I cannot tire of it. My only advice is - read this book. Borrow it, buy it or steal it - whatever you do, read it.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining, provocative use of linguistics/coding/religion
Review: I suppose I'm a geeky Ph.D. (although not a computer/science/math geek), and I agree with many of the positive remarks in the reviews. However, I disagree with the frequent remarks about the linguisitic elements that, indeed, are at the heart of the book, and without which, frankly there is nothing more than some clever cocktail-hour chat with a rather warped, imaginative geek. I'm sorry that some readers were disappointed in the explanations in the book that in my mind were abbreviated (not lengthy) and necessary to make the plot work. As an undergraduate English major (which I realize hardly makes me a qualified reviewer) I certainly wouldn't call the exposition on these topics in the book "poor writing." But, I guess I'm operating with different "me" under the influence of a different nam-shub.
Rating:
Summary: If you enjoy Stephenson, you will also love Kleier--
Review: I just love Neal Stephenson and I want to share with other fans another incredible author whom I find equally brilliant--Glenn Kleier. His novel, THE LAST DAY, was recommended by a close friend, and I found it every bit the rush of unexpected thrills, whiplashing plot twists, and nerve-shattering suspense that is Stephenson. It was a great delight to me to find another author I could enjoy as much and I wanted to spread the news.
Rating:
Summary: An amazing example of pure cyber-punk
Review: This book is a must read for any si-fi and cyber-punk. This is a 500 pages of pure action and is quite amazing.
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