While others are drawn to the polished and flashy, I find myself gravitating to characters who seem to be dull and ordinary at first glance, yet hide within themselves a depth and clarity that no one would expect unless they win their way inside (kind of like the TARDIS? lol). This is how I feel about the two main characters within this novel, with their keen perceptions and insights of themselves and others, while never letting on that they can even see at all. The characters are intricate and multifaceted, and definitely induces emotions from the reader.

I appreciate that this book has taught me a few things about philosophy and the Arts, and got me back in the habit of looking words up in the dictionary (who can say that they know every word in THAT book? lol). I appreciate when a book stimulates a reader mentally while simultaneously educating it.

I will admit that the beginning drags on a little bit (extremely educational yet not altogether engaging at times), however once the characters meet (somewhere in the middle of the book) the plot line picks up. I can't help but feel protective of Renee after what she goes through, and I cannot imagine that others will not find her, Paloma, and Mr. Ozu endearing as well.

My only regret is that I didn't read this book sooner. A well written interesting book about characters who love literature - why would one not want to read this right away? Do so.

Simply a beautiful, elegantly told story.

I was surprised about how much I loved this. It was an instant love. We are taken on the quirky, brilliant, poignant and observant story of two (very introspective) secret geniuses, both hiding their genius from the people around them, and both in need of saving. This book is primarily the observations of the goings-on of a Parisian apartment complex, observations filled with wit and humour and sarcasm, and honest intelligence and philosophy, observations offered by a self-professed ugly concierge and not so average 12 year old. The plot pushes forward quietly and smartly to its culmination (brought on by the sudden death of a much loathed food critic and the appearance of a mysterious Japanese intellect), and left me wanting more and more and more of these two brilliant, memorable characters.