The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

This book was a big hit in France. A 12 year old suicidal girl Paloma and the concierge Renee in her apartment building share similar passions- observing life with "deep philosophical thoughts" and hiding their inner lives from others. At the end they learn to reach out beyond themselves and make friendships and realize they can be appreciated for who they are. A little trite. The first half of the book was very slow...the second half perked up with Mon Ozu a rich Japanese chap with a singing toilet joins the inhabitants of the apartment house. This was Nora's choice for book club. She loved it ...perhaps her thoughts are deeper and more philosophical than mine! She teaches high school German.