For a different sort of sci-fi -
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. (As Taqwus suggested)
Excellent story that, pity about the follow up books
And if Steven Hawkins is a bit much there's this other physics author called Paul Davies who seems a bit more dumbed down for guys like me
Cheers,
Askan
[This message has been edited by askan (edited 27 September 2001).]