Bellwether

More Hugo and Nebula prizes than any other science fiction writer have been bestowed to Connie Willis. Now, she delves into the complex interrelationships between science, pop culture, and the hidden workings of the heart with her characteristic humor and originality.

Sandra Foster investigates the origins and significance of trends, ranging from Barbie dolls to the grunge aesthetic. Chaos theorist Bennett O'Reilly studies the behavior of monkey groups. They were strangers until a misdirected delivery brought them together, even though they both work for the HiTek firm. It's a moment of synchronicity, if not serendipity, that thrusts them into a chaotic system of their own, replete with tattoos, caffé lattes, million-dollar research grants, and a string of unfortunate events that leaves Bennett penniless, broke, and on the verge of unemployment.

Sandra steps in with a herd of sheep and a suggestion for a group activity. (After all, what better animal to examine the herd mentality that often typifies human behavior as well as chaos theory on?)

However, scientific research is seldom easy or simple, and Sandra and Bennett must go through many disappointments, heartaches, calamities, and dead ends before they uncover the solution.