Rim: A Novel of Virtual Reality

I found this book in a used bookstore in Seattle, now I'm looking for Besher's other novels. An incredible story, with an East-West future angle, so many different elements: it's metaphysical, funny, a thriller, with far-out ideas I've never seen anywhere else before. What a writer!

All I have to say is that I hope that Mr. Besher decides to write another book. I started into RIM by reading the accolades and notes from other authors on the front and back of the book. They are all true. Not since Neuroumancer, has a book captivated and held onto my interest. It has everything from intrigue, that of Bond, and smarts , that of Holmes. I've since read the book four more times since them. I think I may do it again. Bravo Besher. Webs_25

I also bumped into Rim for a coincidence at the bottom shelf of a large bookstore, at first it seemed to me that it was some kind of Nicholas Negroponte chronicles on how life will be (due to the Translation of the title into portuguese "Virtual World" and nothing against Negroponte). For pure curiosity I bought the book and found myself on a non-stoping reading week, amazed with the perfect conection between the future and concepts like Zen and Buddhism at their original form. Besher throw us right into a new dimension where the new frontier is not the outer space but a virtual universe, making it all seem very logical and even more frightening...very close to our reality ! I agree with a previous review about a certain uncomfort for those not into Oriental culture, but it certainly adds charm to this wonderfull book. Personaly I liked it much better than "Neuromancer", the very first of its kind but too far from reality. Lets see "Mir" now and if the son beats the dad...in quality pruposes at least.

One of the more literate books of the genre. A little like reading William Burroughs as the author challenges the reader to understand subtle sub-texts and a profusion of multi-ethnic symbols and references. I can understand that those unfamiliar with Tibetan Buddhism, Japanese Zen, Philip K. Dick and William Gibson may be left with the impression of a superficial cyberpunk thriller, but there is much more depth, humor and interest than first meets the eye. Highly Recommended.

I came across this book by pure chance, luck, or you can say synchronicity! It is the best sci-fi book I have ever read and now can't wait till his new book, MIR, comes out to get more of Besher's brilliant and futuristic style. I believe that Rim would make an excellent film as well. His characters are vivid, the plot is spellbinding, his style is unique, Besher is truly one of a kind artist that I can't get enough of. I recommend this book to all with an open mind and imagination.