J. G. Ballard died last week. I've only read a couple of his books, but I would list him among the contemporary authors I find most interesting. The WWII semi-autobiography Empire of the Sun is an excellent book, probably the one he'll be remembered for, and Cocaine Nights is odd and intriguing, with curious, pathological characters, not least the narrator. Much of his writing dwells on the sociopathology of wealth, a topic that seems apropos; all of his writing I've encountered has been first rate.
If you prefer celluloid, or even if you prefer cellulose, Spielberg's movie adaptation is worth seeing and stars Christian Bale at the peak of his expressive powers.
Ballard will be missed. He was an interesting guy.
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