the simulacra

Philip K. Dick is always deeply original, in a very curious kind of off-hand way. Every year i pick at random one or two of his short novels (he was really prolific), and i always find food for thought and, at the same time, uncomplicated fun. It's a peculiar combination, but one i unreservedly recommend (although of course if you haven't read yet masterpieces such as Ubik or The Man in the High Castle, i'd start there).