From the Bookshelf of Sci-fi and Heroic Fantasy…

The Diamond Age: Or, a Young Lady's Illustrated Primer

Neal Stephenson

Start date: June 1, 2018

Finish date: June 24, 2018

Discussion: Book Discussions

Discussion leader: RJ - Slayer of Trolls

Why we're reading this: Group Classic Novel Discussion June 2018
Hugo Award winner 1996
#75 on NPR's Top 100 SF/F novels of all tim…more
[close] Group Classic Novel Discussion June 2018
Hugo Award winner 1996
#75 on NPR's Top 100 SF/F novels of all time (2011 poll) http://www.npr.org/2011/08/11/1390858...
#53 on Locus Magazines Best SciFi novels of the 20th century http://www.locusmag.com/2012/AllCentu...

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What Members Thought

Jun 18, 2015 Tani rated it really liked it

Shelves: male-author, scifi, 2015-novels, strongladies2015

The first half of this was so good that I felt sure that it was going to become a long-standing favorite. I loved the world, I loved Nell, I loved the Primer. Unfortunately, the plot of the second half of the book wasn't nearly as captivating for me. It felt very disjointed, and to be honest, I wasn't sure what was going on for quite a while. The ideas were really solid, I think, but the connections just weren't there. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Feb 05, 2021 Gaijinmama rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction

This book was slow-going, but not because I didn't enjoy it. There is simply a lot here. I'd find myself going over a page again just to make sure I'd absorbed it.
I am fascinated with nanotechnology, not that I actually claim to understand it. Imagine if the whole world were based around it, everything from food to health care to weapons controlled at the molecular level.
I also find that Stephenson is one of those rare male writers who creates believable,strong female characters. I won't spoil t ...more

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Dec 04, 2007 Derek rated it really liked it

It's a book within a book. The story details the fascinating journey of a young woman who happens upon a special tutor in the form of an interactive book. (Never has the Turing test for AI been artfully described!) There are some ugly parts however (violence/language/child abuse) so don't plan on reading it to the kids. ...more

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