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 … 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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Worst book ever attempted to read…didn’t finish.
I’d like to own this in paper also. It’s a keeper. Characters I’d like to know. Detailed descriptions.
This was a funny, light-hearted book, perfect for sunny weekend sail in the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior.
truly original, excellent writing
Great characters, magical realism around the edges, absorbing story, lovely read!
Needed light reading, with quirky characters, musicians and the personality of Philadelphia. This fit my needs. Quite a set of interwoven story lines with a remarkable finish! The metaphors were a bit overdone, but usually refreshing.
This one was amazing – fun and random and quirky and thoughtful and full of some gloriously unusual but equally gloriously fabulous uses of language… It’s an engaging and highly entertaining read and most definitely worth a look!
Difficult to follow!
Fast reading and fun. Great characters that kept me entertained.
Not exactly worth the read. I did not finish it. Borning
This was much more of a study on a moment in time of the characters; a sort of odd painting that you stand back and say “What am I looking at here?”. I was interested, but left saddened.
Tries too hard. Couldn’t finish.
I just could not work up the interest to finish it, I read 50% and found the characters distasteful. I was reading out of duty to “finish the book” and felt such relief to let those unattractive characters go!
I bought this as my “Christmas read” because it happens on Christmas eve. Even though it wasn’t really all that “Christmasy”, it was a fun little book to read.
I think this was my “best book of 2018”. It is unusual. There are a few plots that weave together, but the main one is a little girl whose mother has died, and a small collection of neighbors is carrying for her. At 9 y.o., she is training herself to be a jazz singer– a smoky adult jazz singer. She is fascinating and so vulnerable. But ultimately this is a feel-good book. And the use of words is extraordinary.
I’m sorry. I wanted to love this book. I was looking for a funny holiday tale and the synopsis sounded right up my alley. However, I found the book rather depressing and don’t recommend it as a Christmas read. The colloquial northeastern interjections were confusing and the child protagonist made me sad and uncomfortable. Overall, this was worse than grandma getting run over by a reindeer.
Love, love, loved this book about Madeline; her neighborhood and The Cat’s Pajamas! What a holiday treat!
Unusual plot, good characters, touching.
Loved the book!
I could not finish this book.