It's been a while since I read this book, so my details may be a little off...
but I still vividly remember the feeling that I could have written it myself (given enough time/resources), and as I'm not a professional writer (but am an avid reader) I don't think that is a great impression to have of a book.
Basically I recall that a good portion of the book was cliched, and where it wasn't a direct cliche, it was railing against the obvious cliche in a not very clever way.
The narrative was way too linear.
And as an avid drum'n'bass/jungle fan, the descriptions of the music felt laboured and contrived.
Overall, I had the feeling that the ideas could have been effectively conveyed in a short story, but even then it wouldn't have made the 'best short stories of the year' anthology (you know, the famous one, can't recall who edits it! It's been a while since I've been in that genre!)
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Damnit, here is the proper link: Name my baby
Not quite the same thing, but equally as stupid: http://www.inthemix.com.au/p/np/viewnews.php?id=14 768
It's been a while since I read this book, so my details may be a little off...
but I still vividly remember the feeling that I could have written it myself (given enough time/resources), and as I'm not a professional writer (but am an avid reader) I don't think that is a great impression to have of a book.
Basically I recall that a good portion of the book was cliched, and where it wasn't a direct cliche, it was railing against the obvious cliche in a not very clever way.
The narrative was way too linear.
And as an avid drum'n'bass/jungle fan, the descriptions of the music felt laboured and contrived.
Overall, I had the feeling that the ideas could have been effectively conveyed in a short story, but even then it wouldn't have made the 'best short stories of the year' anthology (you know, the famous one, can't recall who edits it! It's been a while since I've been in that genre!)
Just read about USB On-The-Go today. Could be just the thing you are thinking of. But it looks like it may be a little while of yet. USB On-The-Go