Carpool Diem – Nancy Star
Novel Explores the Life of a Career Woman Turned Soccer Mom
Annie has just been fired. When she finds herself home all day with her pre-teen daughter and frequently traveling husband, she realizes she has a lot to learn.
Annie Fleming has just lost her job. A highly driven corporate career woman, she is used to spending long days at the office, while her twelve year old daughter Charlotte is taken care of by Hildy the baby sitter and her husband Tim travels for his own job. She leaves typed, edited and proofed To-Do and Not-To-Do lists for them to follow (No TV on school nights, please!), as well as Plans for the Day for herself.
Suddenly on the Sidelines
So when she finds herself at home on a weekday, she must quickly create a plan to fill the time she suddenly has on her hands. She begins with Charlotte, whom it appears doesn’t need her. In fact, Hildy has the entire household running so smoothly with her own rules that Annie feels like an outsider in her own home.
Her marriage is no better. Her husband, who is traveling more and more for the struggling family owned travel company, Hot Holidays, is nowhere to be found. She calls the Atlanta hotel where he usually stays, and they have no record of him. He doesn’t answer his cell phone, and he returns her calls when she isn’t home. And when he is home, Annie is shocked to find her naturally fit husband suddenly has an interest in working out, and would rather run on the treadmill than sleep in the same bed with her.
A Team Player
Annie thinks she has found a way to connect with her daughter when she signs on to manage her traveling soccer team. Annie knows nothing about soccer – she’s never had the chance to attend a game. She learns quickly just how competitive soccer can be – both on and off the field. More competitive than a corporate board room, she finds that sometimes being on the sidelines is the least safe place to be.
About the Author
Nancy Star is the author of four novels: Carpool Diem, Up Next, Now This and Buried Lives. Her first published book is a travel guide, The International Guide to Tipping. Her books have been translated into French, German, Japanese and Dutch.
In addition, Nancy is the author of an eight book children's mystery series for young readers, The Calendar Club, published by Scholastic Books. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two daughters and dog.
Star, Nancy
Carpool Diem
New York, 5 Spot, March 13, 2008
