Structurally, the book is a mess. But it is a narrative disaster much like Snow Crash, in which it doesn't matter because you're so busy trying to integrate all the mind candy you don't notice until a re-read.

I feel like there are other science fiction books like this - overstuffed with lovely things to think about, from an author who is either inexperienced or doesn't care about the craft side. (In this case, Charlie was a fairly fresh author, he's improved a lot.)

Some of Greg Egan's writing fits that, but I'm having trouble thinking of other authors.