This is one of the best literary novels of 2009, but I think I like Brooklyn better. Both are about a college-aged girl working, studying, falling in love. As far as writing goes, this one, A Gate At The Stairs, was more intellectual, with touches of sardonic wit, strong voice, symbolism and themes tying it all together. High-level writing (but the kind you can follow). I didn't like the offensive changing of the Lord's prayer at the end--I didn't get it; irreverencies like this, but mainly the ending's run out of steam knocked this out of consideration for Sonia's pick of best novel of the year. 
 I tried not to think about my life. I did not have any good solid plans for it long-term--no bad plans either, no plans at all--and the lostness of that, compared with the clear ambitions of my friends (marriage, children, law school), sometimes shamed me. Other times in my mind I defended such a condition as morally and intellectually superior--my life was open and ready and free--but that did not make it any less lonely.