This novel had me laughing and crying. It was a very easy read on many levels, but don't be fooled: the ease was entirely due to the craftsman's writing, not the ease of the subjects. I fell in love with all of the characters, their plight, and the plot, all equally. I'm going to be recommending this little gem to everyone I know, regardless of their individual reading proclivities. What fantastic fun this book was! So far, this is my favorite for the upcoming hugo. I'll have to read Bujold's latest and Saladin Ahmed's Throne of the Crescent Moon to be sure, but I'm already severely biased. We shall see, and GREAT JOB, Mr. Scalzi!