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.
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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
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The commentator 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
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The respected commentator 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. ;)
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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"...
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The commentator 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
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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.
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The commentator 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.
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The commentator Lauren
posts on 1/20/2005 10:28:31 PM
How exactly do people gain social status in snow crash?
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The commentator 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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Semajic
posts on 1/20/2005 2:56:16 PM
What did you think off the discussion between Daniel,Dappa and Daniels cousin in the KitKat club. I thought it was one of the funniest things I've read in ages.
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The commentator ddtalk
posts on 1/20/2005 2:36:25 PM
Finished the System of the World. I decided it was necessary to find as many different Neal Stepheson discussion boards as I could and join them all. After finishing 2500+ pages of one author you get a little lonely when you close that book, so I thought I'd look for fellow readers to celebrate Stephenson's greatness with! Am willing to discuss!
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The commentator Armaced
posts on 1/6/2005 11:47:58 AM
Also, check out the Metaweb or the page "What's Up with Enoch Root" (You will have to google - they won't let me post the link.
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The commentator Armaced
posts a message on 1/6/2005 11:44:33 AM
That is the question. If you are ambitious, read "The Baroque Cycle". It answers a lot of questions about Enoch Root, but presents even more. Also, you will have to be patient, as it is about 2700 pages.
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Semajic
posts on 1/6/2005 7:07:04 AM
You are lead to beleive that Enoch dies but read the passage again. Also if you read the Quicksilver / Confusion and System of the World books you'll find that Enoch the Red was alive in the 17th Centuary.
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The respected commentator Justus Medley
posts on 1/6/2005 3:47:25 AM
Hi Folks,
A freind and I were discussing this book and wondered about a particular loose end. How is it that Enoch Root goes from dying on the icy shores of WWII Norway to alive and well, in a jail cell next to Randy Waterhouse some 50 odd years later? We cannot resolve that. Anyone else got ideas?
Justus
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