The most common descriptor of this book is "weird." Maybe my threshold for weirdness is unusually high, but I didn't think its weirdness was its most salient feature. What it really is, is an unusual and refreshing blend of science fiction and fantasy that not only tells an engaging story but makes (in a not-preachy manner) an important statement about the world. That makes it sound so lame, but whatever. Read it. You'll see.