Snow Crash: A Novel

Why I recommend it

This is an inventive, unruly novel packed with ideas about virtual worlds, language, and corporate power. Its influence on technology culture is easy to see.

What stayed with me

The worlds we design can start shaping the people who use them. That’s an interesting thought to carry beyond the novel.

Who it’s useful for

Science-fiction readers and people curious about virtual worlds.

A tension or limitation

The pace, satire, and gender politics can feel dated or exhausting.