A deceptively simple novella,"Shopgirl" was an excellent read because it makes real and honest observations about how we as humans interact. The prose is engaging and found myself entranced and horrified at the slightly voyeuristic portrayal of Los Angles- a city that seems to feed on its own narcissism (I will freely admit that this ...could be my inner New Yorker/New Englander talking). But there was something about this novella which resonates with me at this point in my life. As I am getting ready to leave college, it reminds me that while one should never stop seeking, one also needs to keep an eye on what is in front of them. To often, we can get caught up in looking for "perfection" that we become mired in the pursuit. Overall, Martin's clever, erudite writing make the book well worth reading.