It's funny you read this, because I was just about to get this book. I read "Lathe of Heaven" (also by Ursula K. LeGuin) a while ago and just rented the DVD of the PBS movie. I really really liked that book. you should give it a try.
maybe its the sci-fi for "thinkers" thats messing me up. idk-it didnt move me. but the subject matter was bizarre.