"From the New York Times bestselling author and advice columnist, a poignant and funny debut novel about the residents of a women's hotel in 1960s New York City"--

The Biedermeier Hotel can no longer afford the continental breakfast its residents have depended upon since 1929. Mrs. Mossler, the hotel director, has already cut lunch service and reduced dinner to a self-serve buffet, and someone has almost certainly stolen her pinking shears. Residents Katherine, Lucianne, Pauline, Kitty, Gia, Patricia, and Carol, along with Stephen, the daytime elevator operator, must decide whether to meet this crisis by practicing economy, cooperation, or theft; so far, theft is winning.