59 pages • 1 hour read
Snow Crash
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Book Brief
440
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • Future
1992
Adult
18+ years
970L
Super Short Summary
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson is set in post-collapse Los Angeles where government functions are controlled by private corporations and organized crime. Hiro Protagonist, a pizza delivery driver and talented hacker, teams up with a courier named YT to investigate a drug called Snow Crash, which can damage brains through language manipulation. Together, they uncover a plot involving a media mogul and a cult, aiming to control people using ancient Sumerian languages.
Mysterious
Adventurous
Gritty
Informative
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
303,994 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson dazzles with its imaginative and foresighted vision of a cyberpunk future, balancing humor and action. The novel's intricate world-building and razor-sharp social commentary are often praised. However, some critiques point to its dense plot and overwhelming technical jargon. Despite this, it remains a seminal work in its genre.
Who Should Read Snow Crash?
A reader who would enjoy Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson likely revels in cyberpunk and speculative fiction, similar to the interactive, dystopian vibe of William Gibson's Neuromancer and the intricate world-building found in Philip K. Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. Fans of fast-paced narratives blending technology, culture, and satire will find this captivating.
303,994 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
YT (Yours Truly)
YT (Yours Truly)
A rebellious courier and skateboarding enthusiast who partners with Hiro, YT's adventurous spirit drives a quest for self-understanding amidst a society trying to define her.
Raven
Raven
An antagonist with a penchant for violence, Raven is a dangerous individual with connections to cultural heritage that express themselves through his expertise in weaponry.
L. Bob Rife
L. Bob Rife
A powerful media mogul seeking greater control, Rife wields corporate influence and manipulates language as tools to extend his reach in a world with sparse regulations.
440
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • Future
1992
Adult
18+ years
970L
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