This could almost work as a companion piece to last year's blockbusting Visit From the Good Squad, but only in that they are both contemporary novels using the rock scene of the 70-80's as background. But Stone Arabia has a farther reach, ironically closer to home. Denise, whose brother Nik has chronicled his life obsessively and falsely for 30 years, has a coming of age in her late 40's influenced by her family concerns but also by world events that she obsesses over and that cause her to implode. The dichotomy of these two lines converge in a truly imaginative and original way. Spiotta's last work, Eat The Document, was nominated for awards it should have won. Here's hoping this book gets recognition it deserves.