My profound summary is: "Whoah. Um..." 
 What a strange book. I estimate that Mitchell was trying to do something epic and did not achieve it. Although I did not enjoy all of it, (the Crispin Hershey section, ugh!) I am glad that I read it; the attempt was very interesting and I am changed as a result of witnessing it. 
 Overall a compelling and interesting read, highly intelligent, sometimes tries too hard, a fascinating attempt at what a novel can reach and encompass. Very strange. Worth reading.