$9 (out of $10)
If you've never read Neal Stephenson's first book, from 1984, now would be a good time. It has all the hallmarks of a current Stephenson novel -- interesting characters, outlandish plot points, incisive commentary, and tons of humor -- all set in a gigantic university in a huge city in what I think is the upper Midwest.
There are several plots, a few of which I will enumerate for you, according to the main character involved:
Casimir Radon, a junior in his late twenties, just wants to engage in intellectual pursuits. He is a physics geek (sometimes genius), and his ultimate hopes are to build a mass driver (railgun), avenge his cat, and get it on with Sarah.
Sarah Jane Johnson, a senior, just wants to finish school, but things keep getting in the way. She experiences hazing, explores sexuality, and in the end plays a pivotal role.
Dr Bud Redfield, a former college nose tackle living as faculty-in-residence and professor of Remote Sensing, who tells the story.
An amusing read, and you don't need to wade through a lot of heavy science as you do in Snow Crash and Cryptonomicon. Great for a long plane trip.
ooo! I haven't read this one.
ohhh secret saaaanta!
(I drop a lot of secret santa hints... *grin*)
Quote from: dazie on November 27, 2005, 06:30:13 PM
(I drop a lot of secret santa hints... *grin*)
How long have you been dropping things? I think there's an all-natural rememdy for that.