this book is tough. there's a kernel of a really interesting cyber narrative in here that i found highly compelling. unfortunately, it's about 300 pages too long and full of irrelevant filler, irritating references, long 4th wall breaking explainers, and dad jokes.

i can't in good faith recommend it without the strong advice to skim when you recognize the filler parts.

it's fascinating to compare it to the much later ready player one which (knowingly or not) lifts a lot of the same premise but in a much dumber and less interesting way.