NASA launch and you have Coupland's (un)usual mixture of inventive plot lines blown along by outrageous misfortune. A complete joy to read. John Clarkson
Ppbk, £9.99, Flamingo, ISBN 0 00 711751 5

Treat yourself to a private view and outfit from Ralph Lauren's latest collection, a personalised fragrance created by the world's greatest perfumier, Roja Dove, or to a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes. Go on. Take part in the Ralph Lauren Lighthouse Auction at Christie's on 18 February.
Now in its fifth year, the annual Lighthouse Auction promises to be bigger and brighter than ever with all

sorts of luxury items being bid. The auction never fails to attract London's most fashionable set. Tickets are £100. At last year's event, £180,000 was raised for THT Lighthouse.
Tel Claire Petrie: THT Lighthouse on 020 7816 4620.