I'm just over halfway through "The Pride of Chanur" by C.J. Cherryh. A First Contact story told from the Aliens' perspective. The author has a very minimalist writing style, so things like how the stations or space ships look are never really described. I thought I might dislike that, but I actually don't mind it, leaves more room for the imagination. So far I quite like it and will probably continue with the series after I'm done with this one.