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Liked It “A wonderful romp through Toxic Boston with an eco-activist. I was thrown off by the introduction, since the author's first reader hated the main character. I saw her point... but really the book is mostly male fantasy. Fighting the man, banging hot chicks, getting chased by evil corporate...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “Not a bad book but not up to Neal Stephenson quality so I was somewhat disapointed” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“A wonderful romp through Toxic Boston with an eco-activist. I was thrown off by the introduction, since the author's first reader hated the main character. I saw her point... but really the book is mostly male fantasy. Fighting the man, banging hot chicks, getting chased by evil corporate goons... what's not to love?”
Albigensia wrote this review Monday, April 23, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Not a bad book but not up to Neal Stephenson quality so I was somewhat disapointed”
Jim L wrote this review Sunday, April 15, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Decent, but a bit difficult to get into the storyline. Also, I've come to expect more from Neal Stephenson. It just seemed that he hadn't developed yet at this point. Good writing, but it just didn't feel like a Stephenson novel.”
Jason B wrote this review Tuesday, October 18, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Not exactly what I was expecting from Stephenson, but still a good read.”
Tyler Moore wrote this review Friday, October 7, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Easy reading. Nothing at all like what I loved him for, which was Snow Crash. I wouldn't suggest this one to someone who wants another Snow Crash experience. That said, this was a lot quicker and easier, and I did enjoy his wit.”
H C Rutherback wrote this review Tuesday, August 23, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I really wanted to give this 2 and 1/2 stars. Maybe even 2 and 3/4. I didn't really dislike all of it. I just thought it kind of lost its way about 2/3 in and the ending was pretty slap-dash disappointing as well. It was almost like the editor didn't finish reading/proofing the book. I hear that Stephenson has written some much better stuff, so I am not going to give up on him (esp. as I am not entirely convinced that it wasn't poor editing.)”
Jessica wrote this review Friday, June 10, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“An older Stephenson romp, might be more accessible as an introduction to his work. On the other hand, once you've learned how to keep up with him, this might seem merely ordinary, so be sure to move on to his more recent works, once you finish this.”
Jack R wrote this review Wednesday, May 4, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Zodiac is a very fun eco-thriller about hazardous industrial waste and an environmental action group that exposes polluting companies.
Frank G wrote this review Monday, January 24, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The lead character is Sangamon Taylor, an improbable anti-hero who inhales nitrous oxide for kicks and rides around Boston Harbor on a 40-horsepower Zodiac raft, scouting for toxic sludge and other evidence of pollution.
Richly set in Boston, the novel is a great ride in the tradition of a fast-paced thriller. Beyond that, it is also funny, with humorous dialogue and unconventional characters. Finally, beneath the action and the humor, the text makes its point, about the all-too-conceivable dangers of unchecked industrial pollution.”
“This is a fun, fast book, and one I particularly enjoyed because it all takes place in my hometown of Boston. Twenty-two years later, a lot has changed - most notably, the Charles and Boston Harbor are a lot cleaner, and Spectacle Island is now an attraction. The story still works however, and the plot is fast and enjoyable.
Paul wrote this review Monday, January 3, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The biggest complaints are the perhaps-unnecessary scale of the plot (why invoke a presidential candidate?) and the ending, which wrapped up too quickly for my taste. Overall, however, it was good fun.
One note, my edition had a far share of typos, particularly in the last third. Sloppy editing?”
