Surprisingly readable for someone without a backgound in medicine (Eastern or Western), or Eastern philosophy.

I like DFW because I can appreciate his humor and use of English, but I do feel like I’m approaching the limits of my intelligence to appreciate his wit. Most of his essays are consistent with this experience and there are som gems in his writing, however I was very dissappointed with his last essay, in which it was very apparent that he just got lazy. Consequently it comes off sounding a lot like Dave Barry.

Funny and interesting story. However, CP seems to embrace what’s gross in the world. Until I understand why I too should appreciate the discgusting elements of our world, I think I’m going to stay away from his other works.

First graphic novel I’ve read in a long time. Effective way of recounting Iranian childhood during overthow of Shah’s regime.

Considering the copyright is dated 1984, it was fun to see Gibson predictions of a VR internet and devices like those he called “microsofts”. Very entertaining and fun. One other surprise: I didn’t realize that cyberpunk was so dark and nihilistic.

Throughout the novel, I found myself stopping to think how it related to today’s world. The pessimistic part of me feels like it will all come to pass eventually.

The use of various devices to narrate the story was very interesting and entertaining. However, aside from the novel way of telling the story, I feel like it is a fairly typical story of how people today are still struggling to reconcile their views of the world and themselves with the horrors of the last century. The rave reviews make me feel like I missed something. Also, there were a few pretty huge coincidences that I found a little distracting.

The information was very interesting, and I was entertained throughout. The writing seemed a little too earnest for me at first, but I eventually decided the style seemd to fit the setting better than a more sophisticated style. Would have been a little too dry without the serial killer element, and would have been too pulpy without all of the history of the Chicago World’s Fair.

Good combination of autobiography and historical background of the many conflicts in Central & West Africa by an American with a long personal history with Africa (http://www.lettre-ulysses-award.org/authors04/french.html). My only complaint so far is that the historical parts are getting a little repetitive (e.g. [Name the counry] is in dire straits because it is ruled by a dictator who was installed by and was influenced by France/Belgium/USA). The personal accounts are fascinating.