Here's where I recommend an overhyped new novel. Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl.

Special Topics in Calamity Physics is big (hefty, long). There are in text citations(real, imaginary). The book is formatted as if it were a syllabus. There's a "final exam" at the end of the book. The author supplies sketches as visual aids throughout. Anyone who hates such things probably won't enjoy the book.

Anyway, this was perfect sort-of smart subway (and bus) reading for the past week.

Here's the website for the book. Metacritic is at 79 (generally favorable) right now.

Since it was so heavy, I think I'm back to the YA/Kids stuff for the next week.