This was my first Neal Stephenson book. I had no idea what to expect and I liked it enough that over the last few years I have read all of Stephenson's novels. This is still among the top though along with Snowcrash.

I put off reading Redshirts because I assumed I would dislike it. The redshirt joke has for me been played out for a while, but this is more than just that. It uses some of what you know about Star Trek, but it also has a story that is independent from that so while not the most serious of books it's one worth reading if you want to relax for an afternoon.

Most Stephenson books are 4 stars for me largely because of the style. This like all of them are well written, but feels slow and heavy on the details. He writes hard science fiction where I prefer more sci-fi.

When people ask for my favorite book this and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy are at the top. This is a great standalone book that also has an interesting series and while there are critics who question some of the ideas in this book that's part of what makes a book interesting.

I didn't hate this, but at parts it felt like it needed more explanation as to why things were happening. If there is a sequel that explains why the aliens are acting like video game characters that might help, but I'm not sure I care enough to read it.

A well written book, but just not the type of book I love. It's apocalyptic not post-apocalyptic which is to say the entire book is the world being destroyed and everyone dying.

There are better Stephenson books. Read Snowcrash or Diamond Age first.