Books like Shampoo Planet

I feel like I've already reviewed Shampoo Planet because I've reviewed (I think) three other Coupland books. Don't get me wrong, I like Coupland and I like Shampoo Planet. But the Coupland novels I've read hold at least a few common elements:1) An articulate, hyper-self aware protagonist.2) His/her messed up but well-intentioned immediate family.3) A focus on consumer culture and changing technology.4) Fear of poverty and crappy jobs.I think I could go on with more common elements, but I'll stop there. Now, and I want to make this clear, if I'm criticizing Coupland for recycling themes, settings, and characters, he gets a slap on the wrist at most. He's good enough to get away with these small crimes, and it's not like other authors don't navigate the same territory over and over again, anyway. I'm tempted to argue that recurring themes fit well with Coupland's nod to disposable culture, but that might be pushing it.Although the author's books kind of read the same Shampoo Planet is my favorite so far and will probably stick in my memory more than the other three. This novel's ending is much more emotional and surreal than the others'. The varied settings (Paris, L.A., Eastern Washington) keep the storyline and characters moving. If I'm not mistaken Shampoo Planet was Coupland's first post-Generation X (I've not read that one) novel. Assuming he was under pressure to notch another hit, Coupland deserves credit for producing a strong, quick read. His books are perfect for plane rides and summer afternoons. They're thoughtful without requiring intense attention. Coupland writes best paragraph to paragraph, comparing and connecting disparate elements and analogies, seeing more than most observers do in, for example, a depressing, mostly shut down mall. If I were to recommend any Coupland (but remember, I've only read four of his books), I think I'd start with Shampoo Planet. I'm also curious as to why Coupland seems to occupy his own space, if you will, as a writer; he's carved out his own niche better than most, I think, although I've never met anyone who said “My GOD, Doug Coupland is my favorite writer!” I don't believe I've even ever met a huge fan. He's good, though, and perhaps overlooked and pigeonholed because of the Generation X hype. Next summer I'll read another one. And I'll probably remember most of Shampoo Planet, or at least more about it than the other Coupland books I've read.