2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas

By: Marie-Helene Bertino

Narrated by: Angela Goethals

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.

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.

listened to the whole thing on a very long drive

fantastic, funny, witty, and engaging. listened to it all in one go. really great read.

Interesting structure

Memorable characters, especially Madeline and Serena. Entertaining and well done. Reminds me of O. Henry stories of big city life.

An Enchanting Original

This quirky debut novel by Marie-Helene Bertino is just the right mix of despair and optimism. Set in downtown Philadelphia, the story unfolds the morning of Christmas Eve Eve and follows the interconnected lives of three charming but flawed characters over the next 24-hours. There’s Madeleine, a smart-mouthed and talented nine-year-old who recently lost her mother; Sarina, her newly divorced fifth grade teacher; and Lorca, the forlorn owner of the once legendary jazz club The Cat’s Pajamas. The events of the day gradually weave the characters closer together until they finally intersect during one unforgettable late night rendezvous at the city’s #2 jazz club. 2 A.M. at The Cat’s Pajamas packs both heart and punches and is sure to delight readers and book clubs alike.

Ausome. Aumazing. Audictive.

"2 A.M." was my 2nd Audible title, a 2nd gift from a sister, and 2 good 2 put down. I devoured it and have listened to it 2 more times since... and it confirmed my addiction to audiobooks. This was the book that made a subscriber out of me.

This is one of those enchanting books that catches me up in its narrative and weaves a spell I carry with me for days. It's one of those books I'm sorry to hear end, and look forward to hearing again. And it's one I check every now and then, to see if there's more from the same author. While it's a perfectly satisfying story, I still want more.

Every Year

This is my go to Christmas book every year. The work is quirky and the characters delightful. Madeleine will steal your heart