As the first Gulf War looms, Eastern Iowa University is host to a surprising number of foreign grad students, and some of them seem to be getting up to some 'shenanigans'. Ex-wrestler and now stalwart lawman Clyde Banks has his eyes open, however, and is seeing things he can't quite believe. At the same time, Betsy Vandeventer, a fresh-faced young CIA operative in Washington DC, is having her eyes opened whether she wants to or not.

In this spy thriller-cum-academic farce, Neal Stephenson demonstrates his talent for wacky plotting, quirky yet believable characterizations, and surprising insight. It's not up to the standard of Cryptonomicon, his masterpiece, but it's still a good read that's time well-spent. ( )

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1FAPLJD... ( )

This novel is full of biting satire, of academia, small Midwestern towns, and government. As an academic, I guffah'ed repeatedly at the wry descriptions of university politics and corruption! As after reading other books by Neil Stephenson, I desperately hope he branches into screenplays - the imagery in this novel is equally exquisitely detailed and creative! ( )

http://pasquires.net/reviews/books/co... ( )

http://home.earthlink.net/~karen20000... ( )