Snow Crash - Neal Stephenson - So You Haven't Read

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So you haven't read Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson? Then pull up a seat as we jack into the sci-fi Metaverse in this cyberpunk novel that centers around Hero Protagonist. A CosoNostra Pizza delivery ninja that wields a mighty katana and is ready to fight hackers who are dealing digital narcotics. Ones written in an ancient Sumerian code by a virtual villain that could send this dystopian future into the apocalypse.
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♪ Intro music: "Coffee Beans" by Mike Wuerth
♪ Music: Extra Mythology Theme by Big Giant Circles
♪ Outro music: "So You Haven't Read Theme" by Tiffany Roman
#SoYouHaventRead #SnowCrash #NealStephenson

[@extrahistory]

Looking to support the show , get early access to videos with out ads AND exclusive content? Then go to go.nebula.tv/soyouhaventread and get 20% OFF a Nebula Membership! It helps us in the process and gets you some awesome content with a digial high five!

[@pyeitme508]

Meh 😑

[@wuyuetianwo1100]

@@pyeitme508 unfortunately i cannot buy a membership, but i still greatly respect EH for their work and aspire to be a supporter.

[@badomen7199]

I aint got the money for that

[@josephteller9715]

I already have a sub account on Nebula/Curiosity Stream... have had one for several years.

[@lolaartemis]

I bought Nebula, it's awesome, but many videos don't have any closed captions. I need closed captions, even just KZbin's auotomated 'close enough' captioning. So, an extra history video pops up on Nebula, and I have to go look for it on KZbin a day or two later, where the captions are.

[@pavarottiaardvark3431]

Appropriately enough, Snow Crash is ALSO a mythology story, which delves deeply into the myths of Sumer.

[@nathanseper8738]

Really? How does the book make references to Sumerian myths?

[@pavarottiaardvark3431]

@@nathanseper8738 The fact that the Sumerian Language can "hack the brain" has to be worked out by Hiro and another character called Juanita. They learn this partly by studying the tales regarding Enki and similar fertility/water myths in other ancient religions.

[@nathanseper8738]

@@pavarottiaardvark3431 Prescient science fiction and Sumerian gods in one book? Sounds like an excellent read.

[@travcollier]

The meat space virus is neurolinguistic. The mythology is that before the fall of the Tower of Babel, people spoke a language which access deep into the brain... Effectively programming. Pretty much mind control.. Great for maintaining social order. A "god" named Enki did not like this, so devised an incantation which basically hacked the brain and broke the ability to understand that deep language. In Snow Crash, a thinly veiled L Ron Hubbard character is spreading another virus, in various forms (linguistic, digital, physical) to reactivate that deep language and effectively create a mass of more-or-less mindless followers. Interestingly, the digital form (a bitmap) pretty much just fries the brains of hackers because they understand/process it in a way normies don't.

[@autarchex]

​@@nathanseper8738malicious use of the namshub of Enki to modify human language centers, Babel-style, is central to the plot. Though I have heard that current text interpretation no longer supports the central idea that holds up the plot, alas. Totally not my field though so treat that as "I heard it on the internet"

[@UnreasonableOpinions]

Snow Crash having a surface of cool over a massive pool of rage is responsible for countless tech-bros utterly convinced that they are secretly Hiro Protagonist despite having the exact worldview and plans of L Bob Rife.

[@Shadowreaper5]

The university made all of the human factors majors read this book, and through them I found this book. It's crazy how accurately he predicted technology. I also like that Hiro and YT are absolutely not hooked up at the end even though they are set up as the main man and woman in the story.

[@wingracer1614]

Yep though YT and Raven is a bit problematic considering her age.

[@YourFunkiness]

@@wingracer1614 And, it's not like the pairing was portrayed as a good thing.

[@tecpaocelotl]

They will be in the movie if it happens. Lol.

[@YourFunkiness]

@@tecpaocelotl I hate that you're right about that.

[@ghaze6262]

@@YourFunkiness The real issue for me is that YT could've been 18 without it actually changing anything in the story. It was 0% necessary to the story for her to be underage

[@MarBarz]

I loved this series and can't wait for it to come back but i also cant wait for extra mythology this is so exciting

[@extrahistory]

We're so happy we got to read so many new books for this series but digging back into mythology is going to be fun! Thanks for watching!

[@pyeitme508]

@@extrahistory lol 😂

[@JamesQPurcell]

The opening sequence of Snowcrash is so wild and crazy, its hard to top. I went in expecting a cyberpunk adventure, and got a completely batshit crazy sci-fi comedy. I love Snowcrash.

[@Gregbot9000]

Apparently it only takes about two gallons of gas worth of energy to theoretically fire a pound of bacon into the Asteroid Belt

[@Warsie]

You will prolly like some of cory doctorows writing

[@JAzzWoods-ik4vv]

Agreed! I read the book on a recommendation as a "serious sci fi" and read the first few chapter and thought of abandoning it. Decided to continue (mainly cause of "cosa nostra pizza delivery" hinting it wasnt that serious). And ended up really liking it. Not perfect, but exciting and really funny at parts

[@nilus2k]

I fairly certain the author has states that Snow Crash is suppose to be seen as Cyberpunk Parody. It’s still Cyberpunk but it takes the self seriousness of Gibson and applies it to such mundane things that it gets silly.

[@janina7570]

The critical role reference came unexpected. But is very much appreciated :D

[@EyalBrown]

Ends of series are always sad, but I know that you'll bring us even more amazing stuff and I just. Can't. Wait!

[@ecurewitz]

Yess!

[@ZechsMerquise195]

Let's hope it is just a short pause.

[@YourFunkiness]

Read it. Good story. I'm bummed you didn't talk about one of the major themes of this book: self-replicating information, and how a virus, a corporation, and a religion are all basically the same thing: self-replicating information propagating itself through human hosts. But I'm also glad about how much fun stuff you left for the reader to discover for themselves. Especially the knowledge that, when all else fails, people will listen to Reason.

[@YourFunkiness]

Also, Raven is awesome and I want to port him into a Shadowrun game sometime.

[@stephanieaensland6520]

Everyone listens to Reason.

[@cobaltflynt7736]

@@stephanieaensland6520 unless it crashes lol

[@castironchaos]

Actually, Y.T. is the real protagonist in Snow Crash. She's the character who represents the reader -- she's you. Yours truly. 😁

[@crimsonpresents]

Zoey being a ninja hacker is exactly where I thought her antics would land her. Proud of her

[@JaimeNyx15]

Both “So You Haven’t Read” and “Extra Mythology” are excellent, and I’m glad to have either one even if we can’t do both at once. Thanks for both of these series!

[@stephanieaensland6520]

While the deeper philosophical and political messaging of its pseudo-sequel, "Diamond Age" stuck with me far longer, "Snow Crash" was one of THE foundational books of my early and mid teen years. I will never, as long as I live, forget Raven's pitch perfect introduction, or how ludicrously sensible the world was, or, most importantly, how "everyone listens to Reason."

[@DevinParker]

I was introduced to Snow Crash shortly after it was published when Steve Jackson Games' publication, Pyramid Magazine, printed the entire first chapter in an issue because the entire staff loved the book so much and were certain that reading the first chapter would get people hooked. They were absolutely right: that first chapter hooks you like crazy.

[@Shaftoe28]

Its so amazing for you all to be talking about Neal Stephenson. He has been my favorite writer for almost 10 years, I've read all his works and its all amazing. Though I know it would so hard to put into a video, you all should try to do one on the Baroque cycle from him.

[@andrebrynkus2055]

Oh, I've definitely read Snow Crash. My favourite book and it really opened up the genres of cyberpunk and post-cyberpunk up for me when I first read it in high school.

[@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing]

As much as I love Neal, and he is my fave author since the early 90's, he still hasn't quite lost the habit of crafting really, REALLY abrupt endings because you can tell he got sick of writing a piece any longer. With the possible exception of In The Beginning Was The Command Line, he does it. Every. Time.

[@ItsJustMe0585]

I literally just read this for the first time last month. So good! Except the end. Not spoiling anything it just... ends without wrapping anything up. But if the journey and depth of the world matters to you, then it's def a must-read.

[@carrierogers874]

I've read a lot of Neal Stevenson, and yeah, endings are his weak spot. All his books kind of just reach a stopping point.

[@armphidiic2609]

Snow Crash is amazing and doesn't get the praise it deserves. A great book to finish this series on.

[@CADJewellerySkills]

Yes. One of the best cyberpunk books ever written.

[@adamblakeslee5301]

Gonna be honest, Snow Crash is my favorite cyberpunk novel. It's also totally why we keep seeing Katanas popping up in cyberpunk settings. Ever hear of a Street Samurai?

[@KelsaRavenlock]

Both of those come from William Gibson and "the Sprawl series" from the 80's as well as the many games based on it. The version of cyberpunk your thinking of was kick started in "Necromancer".

[@robinhahnsopran]

Yay! While it's sad to see So You Haven't Read go for a while, I'm so excited for new Extra Mythology as well! (also y'all literally made me reserve a copy of Snow Crash at the library 👏)

[@TheBobbytables]

Snowcrash and the sprawl trilogy are my fave cyberpunk stories hands down. Must re-read them annually.

[@KelsaRavenlock]

Nice to see someone mention the Sprawl series in the threads as everyone else is crediting Gibson stuff as being from Stephenson here and acting as if Gibson doesn't exist.

[@graham1034]

Neal Stephenson is my favourite author and Snow Crash is one of his best. Cryptonomicon, Seveneves, Anathem, Diamond Age are all really great too. His writing certainly isn't for everyone but if you like his style his stories are just so good. If you can get through those and enjoy them, then the Baroque Cycle is his historical epic series and worth a read.

[@moocow1452]

Sincere appreciation for "So You Haven't Read" and the work that went into it while on the set of "Extra Mythology" with it's theme is playing in the background is kind of funny, like being played off an awards show. Loved this series though , and all the best to Read and Mythology and the people who work on them.

[@heoioh]

Up to this point, this series has been hit after hit. I hope it comes back into a scheduled series every year. That would be pretty out of the box for KZbin.

[@weaselwolf]

Snow crash is a great, short, fast paced story... And Neal Stephenson would never again write a story in less than 1000 pages lol And yet I've read and enjoyed every one of his massive doorstoppers

[@tonysladky8925]

You thought you could just sneak the phrase "Hiro's journey" in there, didn't you? Well, it didn't go unnoticed.

[@wingracer1614]

No mention at all of one of the best villains ever. He's not only a badass but his own sovereign government AND a nuclear power.

[@andrebrynkus2055]

And practically a non character in the book. As far as I recall he's in one scene, a video that Hiro watches, and is mentioned a handful of times. Almost like it's telling that you should watch the people with money that are buying up things.

[@wingracer1614]

@@andrebrynkus2055 I was talking about Raven, not Rife

[@YourFunkiness]

I love the scene where Hiro realizes he no longer needs to try to become the most badass person in the world because Raven has already claimed the position. (And he's 100% right)

[@wingracer1614]

@@YourFunkiness Yep, that's probably my favorite scene after the first chapter.

[@MWhaleK]

Read it and loved it! Hiro is THE BEST Swordsman in the world, as long as he is in Virtual Reality... because he wrote the code for it.

[@EnsignGeneric]

The true moral of Snow Crash is, "Be nice to dogs."

[@4lds84]

Rat Thing breaks the sound barrier

[@Mario_Angel_Medina]

I read _Snow Crash_ inmediately after _Ready Player One_ and it really made me realize how unrealistic O.A.S.I.S. was. Neal Sephenson's Metaverse is full of bugs, it suffers lag, has modders, is all in all much cloaer to my experience with technology... Needless to say, I love this book

[@tabbybatgaming]

One of Neal books showing up on Extra Credits is just wild to me because he’s literally my uncle-in-law.

[@michaelkidd8746]

Wow, it kind of makes me sad ive only started watching this series now. Thank you R Kevin, i hope your series is able to continue

[@iamthirdyt]

You truly don't need to know any coding or be nerdy to enjoy the story. My 8 yo loved the story when I played it in the car on Audible ("P.S. the car crashed" after we finished the story - the 8yo wants me to add) . I couldn't believe she actually understood and followed the story!! I knew "Metaverse" was coined in the story, but didn't know about "avatar" ("I did!" says my 8yo). Thanks for sharing.

[@watermelonspice513]

The visual of putting “so you haven’t read” back on the shelf and taking down the book of “extra mythology” makes me know I’m in the right place

[@ConceptualQuanta]

Looking forward to more Extra Mythology. The "So you haven't read"/Extra Literature series has been a blast. Always looking forward to what you all come up with.

[@senorkenyon3306]

Great critical role reference @ 1:06

[@elianadragons7526]

I'm so torn, I'm beyond excited that Extra Mythology is coming back but am so sad that So You Haven't Read won't be around at the same time, I love them both so much

[@keithwinget6521]

Oh, you're covering my favorite book of all time? Okay. :P I have a tradition that I buy a new copy and give it to someone once a year.

[@sharperguy]

The opening page of any Neal Stephenson always makes my head explode, in the same way that Van Halen used to blow the heads of rock fans back when they were popular.

[@caitlin5168]

Sorry to lose So You Haven't Read for a time, but excited to watch Extra Mythology again! Can't wait to see what the future brings!

[@LukeT1]

My favorite novel of all time and all genres. And I am not a big sci-fi or cyberpunk reader.

[@Imperiused]

I've really enjoyed your So You Haven't Read series! Hope to see it return in the future!

[@Duber121]

Finishing up this book now and i love it, knowing the history and how Neal predicted things is wildly interesting. Gets a little slow midway but its really worth continuing!

[@LargeMcBottoms]

That "Into The Nordverse" deep cut, dang.

[@Spiqaro]

You should episodes on this for: 1. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith 2. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline 3. Watchers by Dean Koontz 4. Neuromancer by William Gibson 5. The Stand by Stephen King 6. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski 7. Lord Valentine's Castle by Robert Silverberg 8. The Stainless Steel Rat series by Harry Harrison 9. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams 10. 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

[@emmettg7490]

Half way through the video I was like "WHERE IS RAVEN?!" One of, if not the MOST BADASS characters I've encountered in fiction. Hero is a badass, but he's nothing compared to Raven. I think that makes the story hit even harder. WHAT A GREAT BOOK!

[@MovieFan1912]

I had no idea that So You Haven’t Read will be on hiatus, but on the plus side, Extra Mythology will be coming back, so it’s not a total loss.

[@lizzychrome7630]

This is the first ever onscreen depiction of the "Snow Crash" characters I've ever seen! And the *only* visual depiction of Da5id I've seen at all. I'm surprised you didn't mention Raven, but oh well. Seeing Hiro and Y.T. animated was an incredible treat. (And Uncle Enzo is....Picard of Nine? As a "Voyager" fan, that's a bonus!)

[@brockmckelvey7327]

So you're telling me that Neal Stephenson was going to make the first American Visual Novel!? Welp, I know what I'm getting the next time I'm at the bookstore. Edit: THANK YOU R KEVIN!!!!!!!

[@bethpotterveld1172]

Thanks so much R Kevin! This has been such a fun series and it’s made my TBR even longer!

[@GraniteGhost778]

My dad introduced me to this book in middle school and it was so whacky. I've read it several times over the years, and lord it is such a ride.

[@bbarrett726]

This series has gotten me to read classics that I missed out on

[@sfdv1147]

I love So You Haven't Read ever since this series introduced me to The Remains of the Day, but I think you're going to bring us more amazing stuffs anyway. Thanks for opening my eyes guys!

[@johnrumley4914]

I have read this book probably more than any other in my lifetime and it only gets BETTER

[@TheSubtleCow]

Extra Mythology is just a different flavour of So You Haven't Read, they are all about the tales we tell each other to provide entertainment, comfort, and joy to each other. :)

[@ribshubmathur5859]

No please. Keep so you haven't read. I found so many good books. 1984, 451, Farenhite, A handmaid tale, Animal farm and I have no mouth and I must scream. Please keep them coming.

[@DarthBorehd]

Oooh! I loved this book. I liked how his gun was named "Reason".

[@franciscovarela7127]

Hero Protagonist, what a name. Loved this book back in the day. His System of the World series is a masterpiece. Err… should be

[@coyote4237]

Glad Extra Mythology is coming back. Sorry to see "So you haven't read" leaving, though.

[@twenty-fifth420]

I once took an ‘Introduction to Literary Philosophy” at university, and most of my favorite stories come from that program. I took it when I was writing my book and only now, after a failed book launch because of both hubris and hurry to market, I have been rereading some of them. I instantly reached for Snow Crash. And believe me, I had good options I could have also picked up. We also read Watchmen, Oryx and Crake, Cat’s Cradle (okay that one was tempting since it is shorter then Snow Crash) and Dawn (Xenogenesis Trilogy). All of these stories were really, really good and existential which I loved. Snow Crash however feels like it saw into the future.

[@tompatierno5606]

Clicked on it, even though I've read everything by Stevenson. Even the baroque cycle which took me months because I kept falling asleep.

[@LARKXHIN]

I've never even heard of this book! This is right up my alley.

[@brettbaker6413]

Let’s go extra mythology is coming back! I loved EM and I’m very happy to hear this. EH is really a great channel. I’ve learned so many things from these guys and I love the work you’ll do. Keep up the good work

[@woodenlake9629]

So you haven't read has been amazing. I hope it will come back one day.

[@TheHorzabora]

I find the fact that the ‘Jack you into the story’ line is immediately followed (for me) by an advert. This is *so* Snowcrash it’s unreal, I’ve no idea if you can script ad breaks with timing, but if you did - amazing :-)

[@circeowaggles]

Man you guys really undersold just how bonkers the pizza delivery is

[@cookicha]

Outro: so wholesome 🤗 Also, it took me a while to hop on the So You Haven't Read train, but no regrets. You guys did amazing. I really want to read these books now. Thank you for all your work and passion ❤️

[@Mythos998]

I recommend doing an episode on the Ililad! It’s a great story filled with murder and drama.

[@KensaiProductions]

I have in fact read Snow Crash and definitely recommend it! Hiro is pretty awesome but YT is my favorite character.

[@YourFunkiness]

Reason is my favorite character. I love how, when everything else is going wrong, the heroes are able to use Reason to work through their disputes and resolve their problems.

[@dkearney5951]

has it really been 31 episodes. wow nice job

[@elijahhanschu886]

Extra mythology returning lets goooo!!!

[@GeroldGarthcia]

Whether I've read the subject matter I always enjoy these videos! 😀 I love extra mythology, history and all your other videos too. I subscribed in hopes it helps bring So You Haven't Read back for another run, and just as a general thanks for your awesome content.

[@extrahistory]

Thank you so much for your kind words and thank so much for subscribing! It helps us out a ton!

[@BudgiePanic]

I’m literally reading Snowcrash right now, and this video comes out? Talk about timing

[@ThatFanBoyGuy]

Although I still wish this was called "Extra Literature," I have to say, I appreciate your variety of books, not just simply resorting to the classics

[@yn4Lif3]

So you haven't read has been awesome, but I do love the Mythology a bit more. I am willing to wait for every single content you make. If you want a book to check out, highly recommend Jasper Jones and a Myth I like the most is the story of Tam Lin. Hope this helps

[@StrewthStoatPirate]

I was not expecting a NordVerse reference

[@Googledeservestodie]

Tell R Kevin they did an excellent job and I can't wait for more literature. You better do John Steinbeck next season though!

[@Rhomega]

The phrase "jack in" means a lot to me as a Mega Man Battle Network fan.

[@Ginormous76]

“It Book now” is a great joke/image.

[@TheKanjified]

I hope that extra sci-fi can come back for a deep dive on Cyberpunk. And that Halloween episode about William Hope Hodgson.

[@BastionMarshall]

Snow Crash is still one of my favourites books! I'm glad you're sharing the love.

[@SharowbladyeGaymerPorate]

I love I love that Extra Mythology is coming back!

[@270jonp]

Sad to see this go (though what a book to end on) but happy to see mythology coming back. All the best.

[@MeloraCarabas]

The backstory of how the novel was conceived explains how the name "Hero Protagonist" does not make the delivery ninja the sole protagonist in the book version. Y.T. is also very present with her chapters written from her perspective. But that's also in het name. "Yours Truly" as to make clear she is "writing" her part of the story. Also with the double meaning of how she builds karma by being helpful with the right ..ehm creatures (why no mention of the wonderful robodog?) That is why the "you" part of this video kinda annoyed me. There are two "you's"

[@markfurlong9542]

these have been great, but I am TOTALLY pumped for some more Extra Mythology!!!

[@theBestInvertebrate]

Alternating seasons of so you haven't read and extra mythology is something I can get behind.

[@thalastianjorus]

I am so glad that the narrator learned to pronounce prescient/prescience over a 4 year span. Lol. No idea why that used to bug me.

[@wingracer1614]

My favorite opening chapter ever.

[@maxxbmd]

I've been in the middle of reading Snow Crash! Crazy timing.

[@Jian13]

"Did you get lost after the pizza delivery?" Okay, I don't need to be called out like that.

[@redacted_lol]

extraordinary effects and an alluring book. good job guys

[@marcsolursh9647]

You seem to be forgetting Burning Chrome, Count Zero, and other books by Canadian author William Gibson starting in 1981. He really invented the genre. Watch Johnny Mnemonic for a lot at his view of the future.

[@mebrychi6504]

X tra history is amazing and I can’t wait

[@PureLionHeart]

Thoroughly enjoyed these literary videos, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thrilled for the return of Mythology way more. Definitely right up my alley and it was greatly missed. Extra History is still my favourite, though.

[@cassie668]

I hope it comes back soon. :( so many books I never would have read, I’m reading cuz of this series. Never even heard of Snow Crash, but now I’m borrowing it on Libby.

[@snotenberg7]

I'm so used to hearing John Carmack titles in civvie videos. Not John "D for doom" Carmack instead of, "post-divergence intergalctic energy being, writer of the omnicode of the reality engine, and engineer of our post digital apocalypse" John Carmack

[@Hans140]

Please do a So you’ve never read on Hell Divers by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. It’s a great book and deserves to be introduced to more people. It’s shifts perspectives a bunch from character to character, advancing the character’s storyline while also showing the reader what is happening at different places simultaneously. It’s a great read and I *highly* recommend it

[@alexdillahunt6908]

Love the Critical Role reference at 12:12.

[@Technodreamer]

I love this series so much!