The correct answer is of course All of Them, but here's some help to figure out what you might like:
Consider Phlebas: Start to the series, and its weakest entry - a string of high-action set-pieces that will not end. The individual pieces range from ingenious to breathtaking, but the sheer number of them and the lack of overarching focus will have you begging for the end. C
Player of Games: Fast-paced and thoughtful political thriller. Starts off a bit sluggish, but, like Azadian society, soon sucks you into a bewildering world of excitement and revulsion. A
Use of Weapons: The series' Heart of Darkness showcases the bleak amoral underbelly of the Culture's operations. While complex and intricate in every respect, it's also darkly funny and absolutely riveting to read. The ending will make you miserable. A+
Excession: Crafty, devious, hilarious - you will fall in love with the Culture Minds. They mean well, know what's best, and have absolutely no compunction about being intolerably smug about it. Probably the most spectacular ending in the entire series. Could do without the human subplot. A-
Inversions: Fairly solid historical thriller/intrigue with a twist. A bit too clever for its own sake. B-
Look to Windward: Beautiful and understated companion piece to Consider Phlebas. Combines a terrorist plot with mellow Slice of Life moments on a Culture Orbital as it explores the themes of responsibility and guilt. A must-read if you like giant flyers. A
Matter: A funny one. Provides a grand sweeping panorama of all the civilizational levels in the Culture 'verse, from the guys mucking about in the dirt with muskets to the galaxy-spanning Optimae. Unfortunately the plot is bland, the pacing's a mess and there's exactly one interesting character. B-
Surface Detail: Makes a lot of promises it doesn't quite live up to. The concepts it introduces - simulated hells, war fought on virtual battle fields - are intriguing, but there's just too much going on for the narrative to be tight and compelling. B
Hydrogen Sonata: Decidedly Meh. The high points are funny Mind-shenanigans, mind-blowing action sequences and delightfully colorful details. Unfortunately, the Gzilt, whom the plot focuses on, are very very boring. The ending boils down to a conclusive shrug. C+
Which Culture-Books Should I Read?
The correct answer is of course All of Them, but here's some help to figure out what you might like:
Consider Phlebas: Start to the series, and its weakest entry - a string of high-action set-pieces that will not end. The individual pieces range from ingenious to breathtaking, but the sheer number of them and the lack of overarching focus will have you begging for the end. C
Player of Games: Fast-paced and thoughtful political thriller. Starts off a bit sluggish, but, like Azadian society, soon sucks you into a bewildering world of excitement and revulsion. A
Use of Weapons: The series' Heart of Darkness showcases the bleak amoral underbelly of the Culture's operations. While complex and intricate in every respect, it's also darkly funny and absolutely riveting to read. The ending will make you miserable. A+
Excession: Crafty, devious, hilarious - you will fall in love with the Culture Minds. They mean well, know what's best, and have absolutely no compunction about being intolerably smug about it. Probably the most spectacular ending in the entire series. Could do without the human subplot. A-
Inversions: Fairly solid historical thriller/intrigue with a twist. A bit too clever for its own sake. B-
Look to Windward: Beautiful and understated companion piece to Consider Phlebas. Combines a terrorist plot with mellow Slice of Life moments on a Culture Orbital as it explores the themes of responsibility and guilt. A must-read if you like giant flyers. A
Matter: A funny one. Provides a grand sweeping panorama of all the civilizational levels in the Culture 'verse, from the guys mucking about in the dirt with muskets to the galaxy-spanning Optimae. Unfortunately the plot is bland, the pacing's a mess and there's exactly one interesting character. B-
Surface Detail: Makes a lot of promises it doesn't quite live up to. The concepts it introduces - simulated hells, war fought on virtual battle fields - are intriguing, but there's just too much going on for the narrative to be tight and compelling. B
Hydrogen Sonata: Decidedly Meh. The high points are funny Mind-shenanigans, mind-blowing action sequences and delightfully colorful details. Unfortunately, the Gzilt, whom the plot focuses on, are very very boring. The ending boils down to a conclusive shrug. C+