2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas: A Novel
An enchanting novel about one day in the lives of three unforgettable characters as they search for love, music, and hope on the snow-covered streets of Philadelphia.
Madeleine Altimari is a smart-mouthed, rebellious nine-year-old who also happens to be an aspiring jazz singer. Still mourning the recent death of her mother, and caring for her grief-stricken father, she doesn't realize that on the eve of Christmas Eve she is about to have the most extraordinary day--and night--of her life. After bravely facing down mean-spirited classmates and rejection at school, Madeleine doggedly searches for Philadelphia's legendary jazz club The Cat's Pajamas, where she's determined to make her on-stage debut. On the same day, her fifth grade teacher Sarina Greene, who's just moved back to Philly after a divorce, is nervously looking forward to a dinner party that will reunite her with an old high school crush, afraid to hope that sparks might fly again. And across town at The Cat's Pajamas, club owner Lorca discovers that his beloved haunt may have to close forever, unless someone can find a way to quickly raise the $30,000 that would save it.
Madeleine Altimari is a smart-mouthed, rebellious nine-year-old who also happens to be an aspiring jazz singer. Still mourning the recent death of her mother, and caring for her grief-stricken father, she doesn't realize that on the eve of Christmas Eve she is about to have the most extraordinary day--and night--of her life. After bravely facing down mean-spirited classmates and rejection at school, Madeleine doggedly searches for Philadelphia's legendary jazz club The Cat's Pajamas, where she's determined to make her on-stage debut. On the same day, her fifth grade teacher Sarina Greene, who's just moved back to Philly after a divorce, is nervously looking forward to a dinner party that will reunite her with an old high school crush, afraid to hope that sparks might fly again. And across town at The Cat's Pajamas, club owner Lorca discovers that his beloved haunt may have to close forever, unless someone can find a way to quickly raise the $30,000 that would save it.
Together, Madeleine, Sarina, and Lorca will discover life's endless possibilities over the course of one magical night. A vivacious, charming and moving debut, 2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas will capture your heart and have you laughing out loud.
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Community Reviews
2 AM at the Cat's Pajamas by Marine-Helene Bertino
257pages
What’s it about?
Madeline Altimiri is a nine-year old budding jazz singer living in Philadelphia. She is mourning the death of her mother and the loss of her father to depression. Her single-minded determination to sing ties all the threads of this spirited novel together.
What did it make me think about?
The story made me think of how deeply love can run- love of music, love of family and first loves are all explored in this story.
Should I read it?
I really liked this one! The characters are quirky and Ms. Bertino juggles lots of plot lines adeptly. Having said that- the novel was spotty at times. There are so many characters! Then the author throws in magical realism as if it was part of a writing assignment. All in all though the plot and characters kept me engaged and I will look forward to reading Ms. Bertino's next book.
Quote-
"Madeline prefers to spend this and every recess alone, singing scales under her breath, walking laps up and down the parking lot. Madeline has no friends: Not because she contains a tender grace that fifth graders detect and loathe. Not because she has a natural ability that points her starward, though she does. Madeline has no friends because she is a jerk."
Question-
Could this book have been incredible with a few more rewrites?
If you liked this try-
7 1/2 stars
thenextgoodbook.com
257pages
What’s it about?
Madeline Altimiri is a nine-year old budding jazz singer living in Philadelphia. She is mourning the death of her mother and the loss of her father to depression. Her single-minded determination to sing ties all the threads of this spirited novel together.
What did it make me think about?
The story made me think of how deeply love can run- love of music, love of family and first loves are all explored in this story.
Should I read it?
I really liked this one! The characters are quirky and Ms. Bertino juggles lots of plot lines adeptly. Having said that- the novel was spotty at times. There are so many characters! Then the author throws in magical realism as if it was part of a writing assignment. All in all though the plot and characters kept me engaged and I will look forward to reading Ms. Bertino's next book.
Quote-
"Madeline prefers to spend this and every recess alone, singing scales under her breath, walking laps up and down the parking lot. Madeline has no friends: Not because she contains a tender grace that fifth graders detect and loathe. Not because she has a natural ability that points her starward, though she does. Madeline has no friends because she is a jerk."
Question-
Could this book have been incredible with a few more rewrites?
If you liked this try-
7 1/2 stars
thenextgoodbook.com
charming chronicle of a day in the life of two communities in Philly on the eve of Christmas Eve. One community is a neighborhood that contains our main protagonist: Madeleine, a 9 yr old who has lost her mother and whose father is still reeling with the grief of it; her teacher, Sarina, her housekeeper, Mrs. Martinez and her principal, who was a childhood rival of Madeline's mother. The other community includes the characters who have adopted the Cats Pajamas as their ersatz home, including Lorca, its owner and his son Alex. All of the stories pull at one's heartstrings and come together in a messy jumble by the end.
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