Anathem

[lillibet]

This week I've been reading Anathem, by Neal Stephenson. I had hesitated to read it after the disappointment of The Baroque Cycle, but it's much more like Cryptonomicon--an interesting tale enhanced by discussions of philosophy and technical wizardry. Stephenson's development of characters has come a long way and I will miss them. And the central idea is fascinating and will probably stick with me as I continue to navigate the polycosmos.

But I think the most notable thing about the book is that it's the first one I've ever seen a trailer for. Like most trailers, it amps up the action and glosses over the details, but it's fun to see an idea of what the characters look like.

Comments

[jelazakazone.livejournal.com]

This is encouraging to hear. I gave up on Stephenson after the first Baroque Cycle book. I read 100 pages of that and gave up.

Check out http://www.patrickrothfuss.com/blog/2009/09/new-coolness.html for an ad in Portuguese for Rothfuss's book.

[lillibet.livejournal.com]

Anathem is much better than TBC--I only got through the first volume of that before I threw in the towel.

[starphire.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I liked Cryptonomicon, was put off by mixed reviews of The Baroque Cycle, so I think I'll have to check this one out.

[lillibet.livejournal.com]

I think you would enjoy it. Be warned, it's hard to put down!

[roozle.livejournal.com]

I'm totally bogged down in the Baroque Cycle (I've started it three times, I just can't even finish the first volume. I may give it one more try) but I couldn't put down Anathem. I'm glad to see your comments.

[lillibet.livejournal.com]

I made it through the first volume without hurling it across the room, but there was no way I was picking up any more of it.

I was *so* relieved that he went off into a fantasy world for Anathem.