>Neal Stephenson's first book the Diamond Age was fantastic. His second book >was not bad, can't remember the name. His last book Cryptonomicron >(spelling?) I couldn't get through. As someone else has pointed out, you've got the order pretty hosed up there. The fact that _Diamond Age_ was a pseudo-sequel was one clue. :) (I have also heard that _The Big U_ has been re-released, haven't looked for it yet). It also goes to show how different tastes are. I think _Cryptonomicon_ is his best book yet. Of course it helps being a fairly techical computer geek, so that some of the things are funny (Ordo, Finux) Right now, Steve and Neal Stephenson are my favorite authors, I would preorder anything from them, hardcover. -Jot