u/lHmAN93

Have listened to all the the classics and big recommendations - but looking for any hidden gems that dont make the big lists!

First attempted neuromancer in early 20’s - and struggled with writing style and ended up abandoning.

Now in early 30’s and giving it a second go - and I’ve cracked it;

You have to read it SLOWLY.

I read another poster‘s comment by chance last week who said “no word is wasted” and this is spot on. Not a single word is out of place - the prose is master-crafted and RICH in detail - actually very literal detail at times - which like a rich meal is easily digestible when it’s read slowly. It’s extremely descriptive - even the metaphors require just a moment to translate in the minds eye but it’s worth it.

I’ve re-read sentences, even paragraphs and allowed my mind to form develop the imagery gently. This has made the reading experience bliss - especially as a cyberpunk nerd and a physician who deals with a lot of artificial and tech organ support/substitution in my day job.

tl;dr - to everyone who gave up on neuromancer - take it SLOW like a rich meal- re-read sentences or paragraphs if needed. It’s easy in today’s world of pretty basic prose to become lost and realise a few lines on that you haven’t absorbed the details.

Examples:

- calling ortho to the Cath lab mid PCI

- neonates bleeped to birth on the geri’s ward

- cardiothoracics to ophthalmology theatre/clinic

Even better if you have actual examples of unlikely meetings!

7 years in now and in first year of specialty training, worked everywhere from big centre to small DGHs, high COL and low COL areas, great teams and terrible teams. But I’ve finally accepted that the only way I’m going to survive this career for another 30 years it to essentially completely reinvent myself into a totally different person, because the job ain’t gonna change in my lifetime.

I’m going to have to forcibly become an almost irrationally optimistic person and positive thinker, or a solemn Marcus Aurelius stoic type who sees suffering and sacrifice as part of nature and something to be embraced for growth. Because I’m telling you now - being a normal, reasonably adjusted person in this job is not compatible with a healthy life long term.

Definition of healthy life for me is ability to regularly have and maintain experiences outside of work (starting family, seeing friends, maintaining hobbies), modest professional satisfaction (don’t need to jump out of bed every day) and minimise exposure to promotors of chronic disease (stress, shit food, minimal sunlight, preserved circadian rhythm).

Serious question - has anyone actually successfully done this? I’m in deep with kids + mortgage so career change is tricky albeit not impossible (and likely the only realistic answer).

Looking for recommendations - in the mood for a gritty sci fi, ideally published post 2000. Perhaps set on/in a dystopian metropolis or society. Love Greg Egans stuff but want a break from him.

Will take any and all thoughts!