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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
I really appreciate that this is a book about nerds and is for nerds. Did I understand everything that was going on in this book? Admittedly, no. But I love that it challenged me and took me on this journey that I was absolutely not expecting.
Also the ebook edition I read had so many extras included (including a whole mini-book about the Solitaire cypher) which I definitely appreciate.
I can see why some people will not get on with this book. It is highly self-indulgent, but it's also kind of epic.
Also the ebook edition I read had so many extras included (including a whole mini-book about the Solitaire cypher) which I definitely appreciate.
I can see why some people will not get on with this book. It is highly self-indulgent, but it's also kind of epic.
The majority of this book was excellent, but in typical Neal Stephenson fashion, the ending was very abrupt. Regardless, I thought it was a very good read.
Even better the second time around, especially after 14 years. The audiobook was wonderful and I enjoyed the reader's ability to bring each character to life. It is neat to read it now, in the era of the dark web, cryptocurrency, and modern shifts in geopolitics. Glad I revisited this one.
adventurous
funny
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Like Snow Crash and Diamond Age, Cryptonomicon has interesting ideas. Cryptonomicon is similar to a song of Ice and Fire, in that there are multiple PoV characters. The narrative bounces from one to another, making it jarring and hard to follow. While there were a few parts of the book that I did really enjoy, overall it was a slog to get through. I almost regret reading it.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
300 pages in is like a whole book's worth of reading, and I still wasn't into it. Time to move on.
2017’s best book I read. Huge book, one of the more complicated reads that I had. And one of the best that I read.
Very deep reading. Also very technological. I love reading deeper books but this summer wasn't the best time. If I read it again with more time I think I would've enjoyed it more. Excellent writing style and jumps back and forth between inner plot-lines just enough to stay interested. The reason I am giving this only 3 stars is because there was an exceptional amount of swearing and sex. If that sort of thing offends you, I would not read this. It was light enough I felt I could skip over it easily enough, but not everyone might feel that way. The other reason for the 3 star review is because I didn't feel that it was a compelling enough story to get me to re-read the book. Overall, a good read and I'm glad I spent the time to finish the story.