Shopgirls

A 19-year-old shopgirl comes of age in the charming latest from Blau (Mary Jane). It’s 1985 and Zippy Tremblay has scored her dream job as a sales associate at a high-end San Francisco department store. Raised by a single mom who views clothing as utilitarian, Zippy believes that by immersing herself in fashion, she’ll become the confident and sexy woman she aspires to be. Despite her affinity for sales, she has a lot to learn about life, and she rues the fact that she’s still a virgin. After she begins getting negative comment cards at work, she wonders if she should give up on her dream and follow in her mom’s footsteps by working at a hardware store. Then Zippy’s absent father reaches out, hoping to build a relationship, and his presence leads her in another direction. The story is somewhat predictable, but Zippy is a delightful character, and it’s a joy to watch her find herself. Added to the mix is a colorful cast of supporting characters, including an older roommate who convinces Zippy to kiss men at bars and try a zany diet she invented. Readers will be smitten with this totally ’80s romp. Agent: Gail Hochman, Brandt & Hochman. (May)