THE COINCIDENCE ENGINE, by Sam Leith

This is an interesting book based on a bizarre premise - that a machine has possibly been invented that can affect probability of events. The plot revolves around tracking down this hypothetical machine by a kind of super-secret government agency (DEI, the Directorate of the Extremely Improbable) specializing in the paranormal. A nerdy English grad student visiting his girlfriend in the US is unwittingly involved in the high-stakes chase that takes unexpected twists and turns. Although it sometimes gets bogged down in mathematical and philosophical discussions about probability and related theories, all in all it is entertaining, inventive, and quite well written, with enough sub-plots and unpredictability to keep anyone's interest.

For a review of the book from The Guardian, click here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/03/sam-leith-coincidence-engine-review

THE RUM DIARY, by Hunter S. Thompson

I'm a fan of reportage, New Journalism or whatever you choose to call it. The Rum Diary is an entertaining early piece of such writing from one of its masters, Hunter S. Thompson, of Fear & Loathing fame. The book is an early effort and remained unpublished for many years. It's an interesting window on how far his skill developed by the 1970s. The book is set in Puerto Rico in 1960 and traces the misadventures of a young journalist-adventurer through his chaotic professional and personal life. It's big on atmosphere, small on plot, with some interesting characters. Maybe because of the era in which it is set, and the genre of course, it has a Kerouac-like feel that is a bit nostalgic and fun. It's a bit like watching the imagined outer fringes of Mad Men. All-in-all, quite enjoyable.

For an interesting history of this "long lost novel" from GQ, click here: http://www.gq.com/entertainment/books/201110/the-rum-diary-hunter-s-thompson-history

The book was made into a movie,with Johnny Depp in the lead role, in 2011.  Click here for a review of the film: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/nov/10/the-rum-diary-film-review