Any one currently reading this? (or read it)

[Eve]

How are you finding it? I have to admit I don't read much science fiction so I'm finding all the technical stuff a bit much. I'm about 100 pages in and hoping there will be more information about The Culture. It was recommended as a 'key text' of utopian fiction, but I'm wondering whether it was chosen as a representation of the series as a whole. I think The Culture's dependence on technology and the creation of superior 'minds' is an interesting concept for a utopian society.

Anyone read any others in the series? Any thoughts so far?
Consider Phlebas