It's a gigantic trilogy, but so worth the time. Let me entice you, the interested reader of science fiction, with three facts:

1) This is the first major work of Chinese science fiction to reach a mass American audience, and the first book won the Hugo.
2) It contains a terrifying, but plausible, answer to Fermi's Paradox.
3) Despite this, it can also be read as an extended metaphor and exhortation to hope, kindness and love in the face of global catastrophe.

The story is gripping, the perspective is unique, and the reach impressive. I'm glad I made room for it on my shelf.