Rules of Civility by Amor Towles (2011)

Suggested by the audio book store as something another patron liked, who was also from New Jersey, and who seems to like the same kind of books I do.

New York City in 1938. Interesting setting and times. Katey, Eve, and Tinker are three friends that enjoy jazz clubs and hanging out. Katey and Eve work in low paying jobs available to females of the times, but aspire to more. Tinker moves in higher society circles. Katey is a really interesting character with a lot of drive and intelligence, working her way up, with a little help from friends.

The title comes from a book by George Washington, where he lists 110 Rules of Civility, which Tinker seems to be following. At the end, the author lists all 110. Some were just etiquette and manners issues, but others seemed more like ways to ingratiate yourself with upper classes. I wasn't quite sure why this offended Katey so much. I also happened to watch a movie that had this same theme of where people weren't quite what they said they were while I was reading the book, so it seemed a bit too coincidental.