The Gum Thief is a note book kept by Roger. Roger is a middle-aged shelf-stacker in one of those big, out-of-town stationery suppliers. He has aspirations of being a writer but his life has taken many wrong turns, leaving him stacking shelves with printer paper. He develops a growing interest in one of his co-workers, Bethany, and records his thoughts about her in his note book. Then, one day, Bethany discovers his book.

This is where the narrative takes on Couplands non-conformist style. Bethany decides to write her thoughts and ideas in Roger's note book, but only if the two agree never to speak to each other in real life.

Bethany, approaching her twenties, has isolated herself socially due to a traumatic childhood. Coupland describes her as 'coming to the end of her Goth phase' and she shares Roger's frustrations with replenishing office supplies.

Coupland expresses these two characters brilliantly. A close relationship develops through observational wit and the expression of deep-seated insecurities. The story would function well enough with no other ideas added to the narrative. But there's more.

Bethany inspires Roger to write, and he begins penning 'Glove Pond', each chapter, including crossings out, recorded in his note book. The events and people Bethany tells Roger about make it into its plot. It becomes a means for Roger to express his subconscious emotions in a stylised and funny way.

Other characters discover the book and write in it as well. My favourite of these is Bethany's mother, DeeDee, with whom Roger had a relationship years earlier. She has concerns about the relationship developing between her daughter and Roger, but can see it is a positive experience to Bethany.

Coupland voices the frustrations and resignation of intelligent people in unfulfilling jobs. He does so with warmth, wit and without judgement. Since 'Generation X', I have always been captivated by his style and, while the Gum Thief is not his finest work, it remains an enjoyable page-turner.