Shoot the Damn Dog by Sally Brampton

Sally Brampton's sparse and angry prose elegantly portrays the almost indescribable horror of deep depression.  Interesting to read if you or anyone you know has had any brushes with depression, but also worth reading just for her style.    

American Wife by Curtis Sittenfield

This novel addresses two issues that baffle many of us - the American class system (which apparently doesn't exist), and the question you get when you see a mismatched couple 'what DOES she see in him?'.  Both those questions are magnified when it comes to Laura and George Bush, the basis for the two main characters in this skilfull and powerful book.  Even without an interest in American politics, this is a fascinating portrait of a woman's choices and her life, and how she keeps her intergrity.