Crash, J. G. BallardThe definitive cult, post modern novel a shocking blend of violence, transgression and eroticism reissued with an introduction from Zadie Smith. After being bombarded endlessly by road safety propaganda it was almost a relief to find myself in an actual accident. When James Ballard smashes his car into another, he becomes fascinated with the allure of violence. His new friend Dr Robert Vaughan a charismatic figure with a dubious sense of morality

On Winston Churchill's first day as prime minister

but when he burst upon the sports scene in the 1950s

Norah and Ben realize they cannot go on like this

as well as despair and heartbreak

Welcome to earning less than the hospital parking meter

who will stop at nothing to seize the throne

it also soon threatens to dredge up a past that could once again force them to flee the capital

And the list goes on

moves into the present with approach of the English passengers in 1857

Or have you just seen the edge of a rabbit hole

Kate Bornstein

• Winner of the 1987 William Carlos Williams Award presented by the Poetry Society of America With The Imaginary Lover