Might try and get a hold of the whole text rather than this taster as it was a thrilling read, unreliable narrator (and I mean really unreliable) and all.
I've got what must be nearly the complete Neal Stephenson collection on the bookshelf at home. Started Diamond Age and found it to be too dense for me at that point in time so had to shelve it until I feel up to it. This has kind of rekindled the interest, he may be my next pick but I have so many books to get through it's scary.
Other recent finishes:
Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi; Solid sci fi adventure. Some really hard SF elements but not at the expense of pacing. Kind of reminded me of Bank's Culture series in tone, if not content. Or maybe more like Charles Stross but with better characterisation.
Exodus by God, I suppose; Absolutely mental but overall 3/10 story. The bit about the frogs and what have you was cool but that Angel of Death seemed a little much. Talk about escalation, amiright? Last half of the tale falls flat for me as it's just instructions on how to build tabernacles, prepare bread, make robes and stuff. Shopping lists are not a riveting read.
Butcher's Crossing by John Williams; Really, really excellent. I assume Cormac McCarthy was inspired by this because they both have a very similar feel. A must read.
) 
,
