CWuestefeld

RiderOfGiraffes also suggested Snow Crash; both would be excellent choices.

I'd add to this Cryptonomicon, which is an interesting story, interesting thematic matter (relevant to software folks, and presented intelligently)

I really loved Blindsight.

Some of my favorites from him are A Deepness in the Sky

and A Fire Upon the Deep.

particularly Ringworld.

Rainbows End

consider Larry Niven's "Known Space" books

The first Rifter book was pretty good, but in the 2nd he really let loose with anti-capitalist themes to the point where I couldn't stand it anymore.