PALM SUNDAY [Paperback]

William R. Vitanyi Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 23, 2003

Everyone uses the Internet. Email, file transfers, online transactions, browsing. And now it's being used to take profiling to the next level. A secret private agency is monitoring Internet communications on a massive scale to create a 'societal profile', invading the privacy of millions of unsuspecting Internet users. But it's for your own good. And no one would be the wiser, but for the mugging of Robert Slocum. When his palmtop computer is stolen, it opens a window into the clandestine activities of his employer, and turns them against him. Events come to a head as a deadline for stopping a deadly computer virus rapidly approaches. But can a bizarre combination of technicians and technology prevent a global catastrophe? PALM SUNDAY THEY KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SAYING.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

My goal in writing Palm Sunday was to provide an entertaining story, while at the same time explaining how the Internet and related technology works. What does happen when you press the send button? Who stole Robert Slocum's palmtop computer? Will Stanley kiss Katherine? What's a router? Technology and fiction may seem an odd combination, but to me it is a natural pairing.

About the Author

William R. Vitanyi, Jr. has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian Language and thirteen years of experience in the field of Information Technology. He has worked with a variety of computing platforms and languages, and is currently employed as a Programmer/Analyst at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. He has won various awards for his writing, and lives with his wife and three thildren in northwestern Pennsylvania.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Aventine Press (January 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593300174
• ISBN-13: 978-1593300173
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,161,838 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Intelligent work!, May 14, 2003

By 

C. Behr "Fellow Author" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: PALM SUNDAY (Paperback)

Palm Sunday is no longer just a holiday. W. Vitanyi has introduced us to a whole new world. A world most of us don't even know exists. Under the streets and through the fiber optics, W. Vitanyi takes us on a journey through the cyber world that escalates as it goes. With intricate detail and incredible intelligence, we are woven into the lives of Stanley, Katherine, Bobby, Slocum and more to find out how ordinary people, using their knowledge, intellect, and innovation, deal with unordinary circumstances and danger. The book is a twist of action and knowledge which would make it an incredible and usable teaching tool for a generation weaned on technology. But it's not over till it's over - the ending leaves one with a sense that Wm. Vitanyi is not done yet. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of "Palm's" characters. Technology is always moving forward so no doubt Wm. Vitanyi will find another technical avenue to take his characters down and hopefully, in the very near future.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and timely!, May 7, 2003

By 

Jake Simprovich (Edinboro, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: PALM SUNDAY (Paperback)

"Technological thriller" is the perfect description for Vitanyi's Palm Sunday. From the first page right up to the very end I enjoyed every plot twist and dilemma (there are quite a few)! The book is oftentimes computer-oriented, but for those not so familiar with the subject matter, Vitanyi spells everything out through character dialogue from Slocum and others who are not hackers or programmers.

For a first novel I was quite impressed by the writing style and found the book easy to read. Palm Sunday deals with many timely issues such as computer viruses and internet privacy, and begs the question: who is watching? Good character development also! I really felt for Stanley in particular. There's a lot here (the story is written from several perspectives) but the author manages to keep it all together! Can't wait to see what's next from Mr. Vitanyi!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Action-packed Technology-based Thriller, June 30, 2003

By 

Andrew Lawlor (Erie, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: PALM SUNDAY (Paperback)

William Vitanyi's new book, Palm Sunday, leads the reader on a wild ride through a fictional underworld of the Internet, and what can happen when well meaning technology is misused for personal gain and power. What impressed me with Mr. Vitanyi's writing is his ability to weave a good story about a computer programmer and his son through very detailed, yet well explained examples of programming, networking, and wireless communications techniques. This book ranks right up there with other favorite authors of mine, such as Tom Clancy and John Grisham; two others that along with Vitanyi can take complex subjects and bring them to the reader with fun, imagination, suspense, and a compelling plot.