I bought a copy of Cryptonomicon. As an IT professional working in the security field, it seemed to fall right into place as the next book to read. It was originally recommended by Mike Terry, who seems to be a big Neal Stephenson fan. I was liking the book, but having limited time to read it now that I’m no longer commuting by train, I picked up the AudioBook of it.
Now I’m simultaneously gratified and annoyed. Sure, I can listen to it during my commute, and that works out well, especially with the Prius’ integrated audio and navigation system. When I get a call from my wife during the commute, the bluetooth-integrated system intercepts the call, PAUSES the CD while I take the call, and then resumes when I hang up. But I’m finding there are things I don’t like about audiobooks, especially for large books such as Cryptonomicon. Namely, the abridgements. I had left off reading the book shortly after a particularly satisfying brawl scene in a sushi bar, which had elements of comedy and adventure that I found fulfilling. This entire scene is left out of the audiobook and only referred to vaguely when describing the other character as having been met in a bar fight.
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