For Book Beginnings:
It is dark, dark seven A.M. on Christmas Eve Eve.
- p. 1
"Don't mind Louisa," Vince says." She's going through a transitional period. From bartender to question mark."
- p. 56
Synopsis of 2 A.M. at The Cat’s Pajamas by Marie-Helene Bertino: 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.
- p. 56
As these three lost souls search for love, music and hope on the snow-covered streets of Philadelphia, together they 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.
Giveaway Time!
The cover makes the book look dated, like it was published in the 1960s. I also laughed twice over the quotes. So I am guessing that the book is a humorous read.
ReplyDeleteI think they were going for that vibe because of the jazz theme. And yep, it's pretty tongue-in-cheek humor.
DeleteThis looks really amazing, thanks for sharing! My post: http://takeawalkonthewriteside.blogspot.it/2014/08/book-beginning-and-friday-56-15082014.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by Sophia! :)
DeleteThis one sounds captivating...I have had my eye on it. Thanks for sharing...and here's mine: “SAVE THE DATE”
ReplyDeleteIt definitely has its moments :) Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteInteresting characters. I'm curious about how these three stories come together.
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to my Friday post: MADE FOR TWO.
They're pretty quirky! And the stories comes together pretty surprisingly! Really enjoyed it.
DeleteAn aspiring rebellious nine-year old jazz singer!? Sounds like something I would certainly read :)
ReplyDeleteSparrow’s BB & Friday 56
She's a little fireball in this one. I didn't like her in the beginnings, but she made the story extra special :)
DeleteI like the simplicity of the writing style and I'm curious about the transition from bartender to question mark! Thanks for sharing! This looks like a good read!
ReplyDeleteThere's something quite poetic about Bertino's writing. And that second quote really jumped out at me! Thanks for coming by, Katherine!
DeleteOddly enough my friends and I use to go to live shows all the time in Phila. These were at Uptown on Girard Ave. Have seen live music at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City. I think that place is gone now. I would love to read this book and see whether he is able to keep The Cat's Pajamas open. Thirty thousand dollars is a lot of money. Thanks for entering me.
ReplyDeleteIf you end up reading this, you may get a feeling of nostalgia. I loved the vibe of the jazz cub described in this one.
DeleteThat 56 had me laughing. I'll be back to enter the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!
I love attending live events for music. Music festivals are a big thing in my area too, so am lucky that way. I enjoy all types of music, but am a punk at heart.
DeleteThere is something quite special about live music. Lucky you, Freda the punk! ;)
DeleteI think I would like this book. It sounds fun even though there is sadness.
ReplyDeleteI want to know how to get $30,000 quickly. :)
Thanks for sharing, and enjoy your weekend.
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
My Book Beginnings
It's an odd mix, Elizabeth, but it works! The 30k ... ahhh, what a story!
DeleteThanks for sharing this book, I've heard so many wonderful things about it and am rather curious to read it myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks also for the wonderful giveaway! I love listening to music but I don't attend live events as often as I wish! These days I listen to a lot of instrumental/classical/soundtrack music, alternative bands, and lately a lot of music from the 70s and 80s, lol
So glad I found your blog--I've been scanning the Internet, hoping someone would be discussing the ending. And I agree--the touch of magic/mystic realism is a big much--almost over the top. I plan to reread the ending again to see if perhaps I missed something. That said, I enjoyed this book so much!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy many types of music, i went through all kind of phases, pop, rock, heavy metal, country, alternative. I guess it depended who I hung out with at the time. We love going to live music, especially when it's free. Thankfully, they have great places for free live music in our area, we like beach music Thursdays.
ReplyDeleteI used to work in the industry so I like almost all kinds of music from bubble gum to classical. Not a big opera fan and frankly most hip-hop leaves me cold but still I'm into a lot of different genres.
ReplyDelete