From the Bookshelf of The Sword and Laser…

Anathem

Neal Stephenson

Start date: September 8, 2008

Finish date: October 28, 2008

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Dec 12, 2011 Eric rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Started out extremely slow for me, but picked up. It is hard reading due to the introduction of so many new words. But once they settle into your mind, the reading becomes far easier.

Some slow parts in the middle, but it was still a page turner for me. The ending was also interesting and unexpected. If you don't mind putting in a little work when you start the book, it should pay off. ...more

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Jul 12, 2010 Kat rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2007, 2010, june2010, sci-fi, monks

The only reason not to like Anathem is if you can't get stop thinking about the implausibilities and inconsistencies that necessarily creep in while writing a book of this magnitude and just enjoy the world that Stephenson has created. This will definitely be a problem for some readers--the "buts" in your mind that interrupt the suspension of disbelief. Also, I was amazed that I did not find Anathem boring at any particular point. Anathem is a big book, so I couldn't really have blamed Stephenso ...more

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Jan 03, 2011 Alec rated it it was amazing

It is extraordinarily difficult for me to put in to words exactly how amazing I found this book to be. It was so well crafted in so many ways that any attempt to do it full justice is doomed to rambling impotence. Suffice it to say that almost every tool of the narrative trade is here woven together in a feat of symphonic virtuosity unequaled in my experience. This may not be the greatest book ever written, but I have certainly never read another that registered with me so flawlessly. I will mos ...more

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