I had read Neal Stephenson’s “Snow Crash” few times in the past. This time I accidentally came into the possession of the audio book recording of “Snow Crash” and since I never listen to audio books I decided to give it a try.
It turned out to be great fun. I was surprised buy how much detail I missed when just reading the book. I suppose when I read I tend to race ahead, so I caught a lot more detail listening to the text being read.
The first thing that I notice while listening, was how the super new technology of the book, is already outdated by today’s everyday gadgets. For example, Stephenson mentions expensive portable computers that clip to your belt or he describes virtual reality goggles that work like CRT monitors. Powerful portable computers of today are smartphones and CRTs are now found only in museums.
The other thing I noticed was that Stephenson made very frequent detours during the narrative into side subject in order to provide some background. Some of these asides could be very funny – for example the description how it was working for the Federal Government Inc in this somewhat distopian universe – and enjoyable
I guess the moral of the story for SF writers, is to concentrate less on the details of technology – which “spoil” quickly – and concentrate on the characters and the story. They are the timeless elements.
If you read “Snow Crash” before, I think you would enjoy the audio version greatly. I recommend it!
Pirx2691 