Pattern Recognition

By: William Gibson

Narrated by: Shelly Frasier

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

The accolades and acclaim are endless for William Gibson's coast-to-coast best seller. Set in the post-9/11 present, Pattern Recognition is the story of one woman's never-ending search for the now....

Cayce Pollard is a new kind of prophet - a world-renowned "coolhunter" who predicts the hottest trends. While in London to evaluate the redesign of a famous corporate logo, she's offered a different assignment: find the creator of the obscure, enigmatic video clips being uploaded to the Internet - footage that is generating massive underground buzz worldwide.

Still haunted by the memory of her missing father - a Cold War security guru who disappeared in downtown Manhattan on the morning of September 11, 2001 - Cayce is soon traveling through parallel universes of marketing, globalization, and terror, heading always for the still point where the three converge. From London to Tokyo to Moscow, she follows the implications of a secret as disturbing - and compelling - as the 21st century promises to be....

©2003 William Gibson (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

" Pattern Recognition is William Gibson's best book since he rewrote all the rules in Neuromancer." (Neil Gaiman, author of American Gods)

"One of the first authentic and vital novels of the 21st century." ( The Washington Post Book World)

A beautifully written but plot-limited novel

I've enjoyed everything Gibson has written, but I loved this much more for the quality of the writing than the cleverness of the plot (just OK) or the technical innovation (minimal). What if a person could intuit whether a new commercial logo would work? That's the whole speculative innovation! But Gibson has written a lovely story around it that picks up speed as it proceeds to its climax.

william gibson is unique

I was slow to really get into this story but once I got a ways into it I was hooked. Gibson writes like an acid trip.

Requires a second read?

I enjoy Mr. Gibson's writing. The story itself didn't move the needle much, I often found my mind wandering. The story meandered, but his style kept it afloat. I do enjoy his writing though and may give it a second read in the future to fill in the cracks. I am definitely purchasing the next recommended book to read, there is a lot of potential for a great book in the future.

Just a vibe. Great.

I can’t explain why I loved these characters so much. On paper the story and plot don’t really seem interesting, but I felt like I related to Cayce profoundly. As usual for Gibson, the world building and language used wraps you in a ‘vibe’ that leaves a distinct impression long after you’ve finished the book. Loved this one.

Another solid story

Continues in good form the pattern of interesting and engaging stories that are relatable to readers.

very good book, inventive!

last half addictive, had to reshape my activities to continue listening. satisfying conclusion. highly recommended!

Enchanting Story and Characters

Would you listen to Pattern Recognition again? Why?

Yes, someday.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Interesting characters and story lines.

What about Shelly Frasier’s performance did you like?

She did great. I enjoyed the heroine of the story in her voice.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No.

Any additional comments?

I loved having the main character in my head in the voice of the reader. Very enjoyable perspective. The plot is very William Gibson, improbable but interesting. He still seems to foreshadow our current and near history too well.

What a great writer

Creative and articulate-a joy to read.
A beautiful mystery, with several fun twists and surprises.

Good story. Super-weird narration.

Would you listen to Pattern Recognition again? Why?

I would read it again, if that makes sense. But listening to this book was really exhausting. The narration is so weird and I had to rewind several times to really get a grasp of what has been said. Again, great novel, but the delivery not up to par with the narrative,

What other book might you compare Pattern Recognition to and why?

Nothing comes to mind.

What didn’t you like about Shelly Frasier’s performance?

I can't say I liked anything about it. Her performance was the main reason why I had trouble understanding the narrative. Sorrrry.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

The most monotone no pause ever narration

Good God lady at least take a breath! The story is good and the narrator does a good job of character voices. The no pauses in the narration causes you to rewind all the time when you realize the story is now jumped time or location without notice.