Player of Games is the second book, and the one I recommend people start The Culture series with.

The first book Consider Phlebas isn't bad, but it isn't as well developed as the rest of the series IMO.

It's a great starting point, since not only is the story both fun and interesting, but it also shows what the Culture's values and methods are in a very satisfying way by juxtaposing them against the Empire through the tournaments of the latter's own game.

I keep hearing recommendations for the Culture books so I tried reading it recently and it just didn't work for me -- I gave up on it halfway through, which is rare for me.

They are a slow burn, but the ends always justify the means with those novels. If you really did make it 1/2 way, I’d encourage you to go back and finish reserve judgment.

Not going to pick it up again.

My reaction is perhaps summarized by the old quip: "This is not a novel to be lightly tossed aside. It should be thrown with great force.".

It wasn't any one thing but I eventually hit a point where continuing just wasn't worth it for me. There's too much else on my to-read shelf which is less likely to seriously annoy me.

Me too with Consider Phlebas. Then I hit the Alastair Reynolds novels pretty hard and now I'm stuck for new material. Dune is en vogue so perhaps that's the right read next? I really enjoyed Vernor Vinge's A Deepness in the Sky but couldn't quite get into A Fire Upon the Deep but it still sits on my shelf taunting me.

> read next?

Stephen R. Donaldson: He's more known for The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, but you might prefer The Gap Cycle; it's more typical SF.

Also, the Night's Dawn trilogy by Peter F. Hamilton. Perhaps Dan Simmons? And of course anything by Charlie Stross.

Which one? They each have a unique feel and setting.

Player of Games (thought that was obvious from context).

Yes! I love this one. It's my favorite too.