The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

Loved this book! Has many short chapters and is VERY much told in a philosophical vein. The setting is an upscale apartment building in Paris. Each floor is an apartment with 5 floors total. the main character is the concierge who doesn't want any of the tenants to know she is an educated person, well-read & world-knowledgable. She thinks that she must keep up the appearance of a dull person without any outside interests beside her tv. Then there is the soon to be teenager who is planning suicide because she doesn't think that growing up and being an adult is an advancement in life. Her view of her family is very negative and depressing. What happens between her, the concierge & a new tenant are what keeps the story alive with suspense. Can't reveal the end of course, but read it if at all possible. You won't be disappointed.