SOLVED. Science fiction novel in which people learn through viruses. [s]

[SamSpayedPI]

Shoot! I was answering Carolyn's question about non-war/invasion SF novels, and have one on the tip of my brain that Googling is not dislodging.

It was about a future society in which people gain knowledge through viruses. I think it was told in first person singular with a female narrator/MC. I remember one of the men was pregnant through artificial insemination; it was not unheard of but I guess uncommon enough that some children laughed at him in the park.

(I don't remember enough of the plot to determine whether this is a spoiler so I'm hiding it) (view spoiler)[Something went wrong with the viruses which caused many people to begin to stutter; they started singing their conversations to avoid stuttering. The main part of the plot seemed to be the MC's efforts to stage a symphony (through the viruses, people would just read music and be able to hear it in their heads, so public performances became rare). (hide spoiler)]

I thought it was fairly popular and by a not-unknown author, but I can't seem to find it. Help!

[Aerulan]

The Child Garden ?
I don't recall it having several of the points you describe (it's been years since I read it so that's not worth all that much) but learning through viruses fits this one so I'm mentioning it just in case.

[SamSpayedPI]

Thanks! I'm sure that's it. I kept remembering it as "Children of Men" which it clearly wasn't.

[Aerulan]

Sam wrote: "Thanks! I'm sure that's it. I kept remembering it as "Children of Men" which it clearly wasn't."

You're welcome, glad I could help!