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       Tommy Atkins posts on 8/29/2005 7:46:16 AM

Chris, it's not important to read Crytonomicon first as this story is set during WW2 and the present time. However you will see the family connections that run through-out the books if you read Crypto first but then if you read the system of the world trilogy and then read Crypto you feel as if you know the characters from their ancestors. Enjoy the books, they can be a bit tough going but the overall story is worth it in the end.


       Chris posts on 8/29/2005 1:13:19 AM

I just started reading Quicksilver. I haven't read Cryptonomicon yet. I was just wondering if it is necessary (or even preferable) to read Crypto before starting the Baroque cyle. Can anyone help me? I just didn't know if there was a shared plot or important details that help understand Quicksilver a little better. Thank


       spondee posts supporting argument on 3/8/2005 1:26:42 PM

Hope you don't think I was being terse, but I was attemting brevity in my original message. The Drummers are integral to the plot and expierance of Hackworth, however, the book climaxes with an orgy under the sea (ahem) and I felt a little let down. I'm no prude, but to spin a yarn like D.A. and wrap it up like that was a little weak (I felt). I too have read the book multiple times but I can never quite feel right about the end. That said, there is truly no other book like it, and I do like it rather a lot. peace, spondee





       Moogoo posts on 3/8/2005 1:07:30 AM

Spondee: The drummers' orgy is central to their existence. They share nanomites with each other in that way, and when they dock, they compute stuff. That's how the drummers operate, and that's partly why they all live in the same waking dream- a true hive mind. Hackworth's main skill of use to Doctor X was the ability to place data into the collective (the scematic for the Seed) and to extract it when it was done processing. H.M. Joint Forces pulled him out before it was done, which was why Doctor X. tried to talk him into helping near the end... I've read D.A. like fifteen times, so I've got the plot memorized. ;)


       yea man posts on 2/24/2005 10:41:58 PM

How about the passages in Quicksilver where NS takes into Newton's head? Something like a constant "shimmering epiphany"...


       spondee posts on 2/8/2005 1:46:17 PM

Just finished Diamond Age for the second time. Am I the only one who thinks the giant orgy under the sea is a bit much? spondee


       Semajic posts on 1/21/2005 2:55:04 PM

When do you think we will see the final installment of the Baroque/Cryptomicon series, I read once that the next installment is due to be set in the future.





       ddtalk posts on 1/20/2005 10:38:55 PM

I'm shooting from the hip, but it probably has something to do with one of two things: belonging to a corporation (like the Nova Sicilia or Reverand Wayne's Pearly Gates, etc.) or if you're like Hiro, who is a BAMF in the Metaverse.


       Lauren posts on 1/20/2005 10:28:31 PM

How exactly do people gain social status in snow crash?


       ddtalk posts on 1/20/2005 10:20:28 PM

Definitely! It's one of those scenes that you read over a few times...or one that you'd like to read over a few times...especially when someone reminds you of it...but you can't re-read it because you can't find the page number in this 887 page tome!!! D'oh! But seriously, "Who are you talking to?" "I've no idea Wally." ~Oh have you met Miss Sally Brown...


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