I am currently halfway through "Blindsight" by Peter Watts. It's a tough read but easily the most thought provoking take on consciousness and first contact i have encountered in years.
It didn't grab me at first but your comment makes me think I should give it another go, thanks. I remember that initially I had a world of trouble with Conrad's Heart of Darkness but I hit it again and was amply rewarded, so Ill give Blindsight another try, thanks.