I just finished reading Cryptonomicon, by Neal Stephenson, for the second time. It’s perhaps the best story I’ve ever read. Funny, intelligent, mad, terribly sad from time to time. Think I’ll read it again in 2 years or so. I also have the Baroque Cycle which is a trilogy, and Anathem which is science fiction but from the human perspective . He is an incredible writer. Mostly historical fiction, which is what makes it so interesting – a lot of the context is factual, so I learn things about past situations. The manner in which events unfold has a strong human angle. It helps me relate to the realities of massive events – the Black Plague is an example that comes to mind.

Try it – you’ll like it.