The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1979)

Earth is demolished with the confidence of a planning department, leaving Arthur Dent to discover that the wider universe is equally poor at explaining itself. Adams makes specifications, procedures and apparently useful answers into comic traps. Start here for brisk absurdity with a recognisable irritation beneath it. This is the first novel, adapted from the radio series; its digressive method matters more than a neatly advancing quest.