My reaction to this book was not good. I am not disposed to at all appreciate a Gaia ecosermon. I find that naive, shallow and boring. Nor did I think that either characters or plot were very well developed -- it jumped around like a nervous chicken in a barnyard and had no time for development. I am trying my best to finish the book (since I paid for it), but I confess I have not yet succeeded -- it's tough sledding. On the other hand, I recall with fondness Dr. Brin's Sundiver trilogy; I know that he is a very capable writer. I will read more of his works, but this one looks like a potboiler to me.