Nostalgia at Rainbows End

(tags book, San Diego, award, science fiction)

Vernor Vinge is one writer that is close to home, both literally and figuratively. He's a San Diegan like myself, and in fact is a retired math and computer science professor of San Diego State University. He's also one of the innovative science fiction writers with multiple Hugo Award under his belt. I (claim that) am a fan, but I have not read all of his works. In fact, the only one book I have of his is a tattered hardcover of Across Realtime, which I still hold in high esteem.

I only just now accidently bumped into his latest work online through the Free Speculative Fiction Online, because I was tired of not reading the RSS feed. I saw a listing of the 2007 Hugo Award Nominees (more than 8 month old, bleh), and Vinge's Rainbows End, available for free in HTML! What sci-fi fan could turn down that? It went on to win the 2007 Hugo Award for Best Novel, whoa.

I recommend this book! It has the realistic sci-fi treatment of the near future (2025?) of our Internet, government big brother vs anonymous little brother, wearable computing and the standard for books, while at the same time delivering fast-paced action. Though there is lots of high-tech pizazz, Vinge delivers the human element. He weaves strained family ties and deceits among conspirators and allies.

What I like, other than the coherent plot and believable action, is that the UCSD's (University of California at San Diego) architecturally distinct Geisel Library, takes center stage. I have spent years in this building, studying for classes, meeting friends, poaching study table openings, lounging around while reading novels and trying to absorb campus life despite living off. I have danced on the "third floor". When Vinge describes sitting on the south-east end of the sixth floor, I can personally recall the fantastic view looking out the windows over the inner campus and over parts of San Diego. I know the Snake Path he mentions. Vinge was SDSU faculty, but he gave UCSD some great advertising. Despite all the nostagia, Vinge laid down some real surprises.

I do feel sorry for the readers who won't understand all the geographical references. Also the novel didn't feel too US centric because of all the international backdrops and characters. Perhaps that's just me expending more imagination on the areas familiar to me.

Before I end with my spoiler'd review section, I just want to say that I'm going to recommend this book to my old school buddies in an private email. I bet they'll get a kick out of it, if they haven't read it already. And yeah, I'll try to get A Fire Upon the Deep and A Deepness in the Sky, which I still haven't read!

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS

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Nf jvgu gur orfg bs abiryf, V'ir orra yrsg jvgu dhrfgvbaf. Jung unccrarq gb gur Enoovg!?! Nyserq Inm? Nyvpr'f genvavat? Eboreg naq Ynan?

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