Look to Windward

I don't know if this has overtaken Excession as my favourite book of all time, but the fact that I'm even thinking about it tells you just how close it is. This is another perfect piece of science fiction, effortlessly funny, terrifying, crushing, and awe-inspiring from scene to scene, Banks is at his best here. The Culture and its residents (and others) are as esoteric and bizarre while remaining understandable as ever, the ties back to Consider Phlebas are excellent, though I'm convinced that it'd remain perfectly understandable to somebody who hasn't read that book, and the plot unfolds in a truly awe-inspiring and emotional way that feels both revelatory and perfectly understandable. I love this book, and I love Banks. I think I'll let this and Excession stand shoulder-to-shoulder as my favourites of all time.