Have to disagree here with one of the previous comments. "The Rachel Papers" is by far the best introduction to Amis. Romantic, humorous, dark at times without crossing over into the malevolent worldview that mars much of his later work - see "Yellow Dog" for the most egregious example - this is a book that is very much in love with the idea of writing. Though sexual, as Amis almost always is, it isn't overly graphic - see, again, "Yellow Dog" - and his protagonist, Charles Highway, is his most appealing. The opening lines catch you with their charm and grace, and Amis holds you up to the finish.