[aleksiy123]

"Player of Games" is my favourite.

While I totally understand the intent of introducing the Culture from on outside point of view.

I think "Consider Phlebas" was not as enjoyable as some of the other books.

[tstrimple]

I think this is the common take on culture novels. Most recommendations I see for reading order start with something other than Consider Phlebas. Player of Games and Use of Weapons tends to be more recommended as a first book. I adored Player of Games because the whole concept is so different than most sci-fi I've encountered. And it really examines what it means to be a citizen of The Culture.