I don't want to scare anyone off, but this book changed the way I look at life. Hidden amidst the funky robots, improbable drugs and far-out 21st Century slang is a fascinating argument for the actual, real-life existence of immortality. The closest writer I can think of to Rucker is Philip K. Dick--his vision of the future is decidedly goofy, but the ideas--both philosophic and scientific, in regards to artificial intelligence--can be taken seriously. If you want to, you're under no obligation. Highly recommended either way.