In typical Stephenson fashion, this book takes a while to reveal the actual story. Numerous threads weave in and out, seemingly unconnected. Gradually they make contact, and finally, two thirds of the way through the book, the pattern is revealed. The first one anyway. I'm sure many more unseen connections will be forthcoming. Stephenson is a master, and his books are a joy to read. Even while you are wondering what the hell he is leading up to, it is easy to remain engaged. He knows all of his disparate subjects so well that one of his books is equally education and entertainment, and the education is so well woven into the plot and character development that it is never dry or boring. If I had begun writing as a teenager, I might have reached half of his ability by now.