The Family Man

Financial planner Stuart Miller, the hero of this enjoyable yuppie novel, has a charming wife with a career of her own, a beautiful baby daughter and a co-op apartment on Manhattan's Upper West Side. At the same time, he has problems: his wifeadmits to a mild flirtation with a business associate; his parents quarrel; his best friends separate; and then there is the eternal need for a babysitter. Stuart is at first shocked when he glimpses a seductive beauty parading nude before a window in the sleazy hotel across the street. But the young woman's regular appearances make it clear she doesn't mind an audience, and Stuart becomes intrigued. As his problems at home mount, he develops a full-fledged obsession, complete with binoculars. Strasser (Angel Dust Blues) has done a fine job of portraying his young professionals without resorting to caricature. The book's tone is light, but there is a serious side that adds to the story's impact. (February 23)