Oh man. Neal Stephenson. Love that guy. But he's definitely not for everyone.
I just re-read Anathem, actually, and it's still something I love. The ideas are just so endlessly fascinating, it gives you so much to think about, and the story is also a lot of fun with some inarguably great moments. Again, like Stephenson's work, it's not for everyone - you have to be okay with Stephenson's flaws and quirks, and basically be interested in the things he thinks are interesting. But I will totally stan for Cryptonomicon, Anathem, and the Baroque Cycle.
Re: Rec me sci-fi books, pleaaaaaase?
I just re-read Anathem, actually, and it's still something I love. The ideas are just so endlessly fascinating, it gives you so much to think about, and the story is also a lot of fun with some inarguably great moments. Again, like Stephenson's work, it's not for everyone - you have to be okay with Stephenson's flaws and quirks, and basically be interested in the things he thinks are interesting. But I will totally stan for Cryptonomicon, Anathem, and the Baroque Cycle.