Douglas Adams... really, there's not much left to say. Less oriented around science fiction than his most popular Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, this book (and its predecessor) can be enjoyed by just about anyone. The book is a mystery novel, but this aspect is overshadowed by the masterful humour of the author. Read it.

Also, if anybody has a copy of any of the HHG books they're willing to part with, give me a shout. I lost my copy of the five-part volume some time ago and am really wishing I had it now.