Semiosis: A novel of first contact

I love love love this book. I recommended it to my bookclub and loved it just as much reading it again for a second time. In the far future, a group of space-bound pioneers escape a beat-up, dying earth and try to start a utopia on a new planet they name Pax. They consider themselves pacifists and they intend to create a better society than existed on earth. Of course, simply being human catches up with them. But (and this is one reason this book is so amazing) it isn't just about about finding peace, or "mutualism," among themselves, but also finding peace and "mutualism" with a couple of utterly alien species. The structure of the book is particularly well[-suited to the revelation of their evolution. Each new section of the book reveals the way this society survives and evolves by telling a story from the next generation of settlers, harking back to what happened before, and looking forward to what they want for their future. And within all of these stories is the underlying unfolding of communication -- semiosis -- between species and between people. As they construct meaning, peace, and a home over generations -- with all of the powerful personalities, individual needs, and the individual desires for power -- can peace be achieved? Or at least "mutualism"? And how will that look? Semiosis is a hugely creative look at how idealism, rebellion, struggle and, most of all, communication can lay down steps toward a better society.