Mini-Review of "Some Remarks" by Neal Stephenson - A Collection of Essays By One Of Today's Most Brilliant Writers

I first became a fan of Neal Stephenson's writing when I discovered his brilliant fiction: "Cryptonomicon," "Reamde" and his Baroque Cycle novels.  I was delighted to learn that he had pulled together a collection of previous published essays and other non-fiction pieces in "Some Remarks."  

Mr. Stephenson is the rare writer who combines deep technical domain knowledge with a literary style that is both erudite and refreshing.  Understanding and enjoying his level of communication takes a bit of work, but it is well worth it - like savoring a delicious steak that requires some savory chewing. In this far-ranging collection, the author tackles The Internet, Metaphysics and the battle between Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz, scientists as modern Jedi knights, a deconstruction of the movies Star Wars and 300 - and a whole lot more.

I always get to the last page of a Stephenson book, and then jump on Amazon to order something else by him to read.

Enjoy!

Al

Mini-Review of "Run" by Andrew Grant - A Cyber Thriller In The Style of Harlan Coben

Written in the style and spirit of Harlan Coben, Andrew Grant's thriller, "Run," hurtles at 100 MPH along a track of danger and intrigue in the arcane universe of cyber-terrorism.  The world of IT consultant, Marc Bowman, begins to spin out of control when he is fired by AmeriTel on the eve of the company competing for a lucrative bid on broadband licenses.  His wife remains as a senior employee, and their relationship begins to unravel as she tries every trick and female wile to convince Marc to return memory sticks that contain AmeriTel data and a mysterious virus.  Throw in Homeland Security agents, fake agents, White House and NSA connections and you have a fast-paced page turner.  There are enough red herrings in this tale to fill a small ocean.

My only criticism is that the fast reversals from Marc thinking he has solved his problems to discovering yet another twist or enemy or betrayal or bump in the road happen so fast that I was suffering from literary whiplash.

Enjoy!

Al