Yes. I re-read some Chiang after this thread popped up, and I would say his writing style is aimed at like a sixth grade level. I’m sure Mr. Chiang can write to many audiences, but I think this contributes to this feeling of lightness/emptiness — simple writing, and I’d say sometimes simplified concepts. And, in the story I re-read, I’d say some of it was overexplained. It may explain his broad popularity though; I’m just not sure I’m his audience.

Agree. Many feel like “I had an idea, I daydreamed a bit, then I wrote down my daydream”, leaving me with a shrug.