Shopgirl
Steve Martin

Daniel and I recently watched the movie version. Normally I would be complaining that the movie doesn't do the book justice, but in this case the film and the book add elements that neither could accomplish alone and combined add to my appreciation of each. The writing has a sort of hazy and clinical feel. Despite the author's reputation, don't expect a humorous book - this one is more of a happy/sad thinker.

Publishers description: "

Mirabelle is the “shopgirl” of the title, a young woman, beautiful in a wallflowerish kind of way, who works behind the glove counter at Neiman Marcus “selling things that nobody buys anymore . . .”

Mirabelle captures the attention of Ray Porter, a wealthy businessman almost twice her age. As they tentatively embark on a relationship, they both struggle to decipher the language of love — with consequences that are both comic and heartbreaking. "

3 1/4 stars