Best book of 2011. Hands down.

I want to write a convincing description of why YOU REALLY WANT TO READ THIS, but, like Anathem (also a great book), this book is so much better if you don't know anything about it, going in. It's a definite page-turner, with a couple of strong, convincingly-written female characters. It's Neal Stephenson, so you know you'll learn something while you're reading.

And if you're into audiobooks, this one is EXCELLENTLY performed!