The Big Nap: A Mommy-Track Mystery

by Ayelet Waldman

Book Overview

Welcome back to the exasperating world of Juliet Applebaum, a public defender turned sleep-deprived stay-at-home mom--and "a unique, highly likable sleuth" (Judith Kelman). When her infant son's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425184528
• Release Date: July 2002
• Publisher: Berkley
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.7" x 0.6" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

Strong Second Mystery

Stay at home mom Juliet Applebaum is struggling to adjust to the birth of her second child, especially since 4 month old Isaac hardly sleeps at all. She finally hires a young Chasidic girl from her neighborhood to baby sit for a couple hours each day. But after the first day, the girl vanishes. Against all reason, Juliet finds herself drawn to find this young woman, especially after her parents refuse to call the police. But what could make her run away? And can Juliet find her while juggling an infant, pre-school, and her husband's strange work schedule?I enjoyed the first book in this series but felt it had some flaws. This book was much stronger and the same flaws didn't plague this book. It has a fun sense of humor, and while I felt Juliet complained a bit too much at times, I appreciated her love for her family which still came through. The plot is better developed here, although why this woman would search for this girl is beyond me. Even Juliet acknowledges that it doesn't make much sense.I'm glad I've been collecting the paperbacks as they've come out. I won't wait so long to revisit Juliet and her family.

cozy and fun

I like cozy mysteries, but never would have bought this book if I hadn't met Ayelet at a book reading/signing because the Mommy-Track thing put me off a bit. Her wit and humor impressed me, and I thoroughly enjoyed The Big Nap. Now I'm looking forward to reading more of her work. Her books will also make great gifts. There is no offensive language, graphic sex or violence that might offend readers, and her humor is warm and engaging.One of the scenes in The Big Nap that I particularly enjoyed is when Juliet (the protagonist) is confronted by a thuggish gang of Hasidic men, warning her to mind her own business.If you appreciate a mystery told with warmth, humor, and peceptive insights into human character, I recommend this book.

Juliette does it again

Once again we get to see into the world of the sleuthing Mom of California. I enjoy mystery stories - but have been put off by some of the more gruesome stories that are out there. These books are just the right combination of mystery and detective work combined with an engaging heroine. Juliette's wry sense of humor about being a modern Mom who takes care of the kids (all day and all night) and worries about her lost career is both funny and insightful. For those of us also juggling Mom-hood and jobs it is a character who rings true.

Great read!

I read this book while hoping beyond all hope not to be interrupted. Love it. Smart, witty, great twists and turns -- I did not guess "who did it." The opening scene caught me by the funny bone and didn't let go. I could so relate to being completely confused and disorganized by a small infant that I opened the door partially dressed. The book only got better after that. I gave up 2 nights of sleep between 11pm and 1am to read it. A joy can't wait to read the next Juliet Applebaum adventure.

A fun read

Juliet Applebaum studied extra hard and for long hours at Harvard to become a lawyer. However, to her own amazement and to the shock of her spouse, she quits her profession to stay home as a full-time mother. On a good night, her youngest child Isaac sleeps perhaps for ten minutes all evening (a slight exaggeration except when you're the parent with no sleep). Her spouse is not home to provide Juliet with any help with the wide-awake child. Suffering from sleep depravation, Juliet accepts the services of Hasidic Jew Fraydle.Fraydle's baby-sitting allows Juliet to obtain some decent sleep. However, when the girl fails to return Juliet tries to learn why only to find out Fraydle is missing. Worried as time passes with no word, Juliet visits New York where her baby-sitter's fiance lives (as well as her own parents), but obtains nothing new. Juliet returns to Los Angeles where she realizes that Fraydle has a secret lover here in California who might have answers.The trails and tribulations of a mother with a restless newborn and an older preschooler add a unique feel to a fascinating story line. Readers also obtain a glimpse into the social and cultural life of a Hasidic Jew, a group who isolate themselves from the rest of society. This adds an additional uniqueness to the entreating BIG NAP. Juliet is a modern heroine refusing to quit or take another snooze until she feels justice is properly served.Harriet Klausner