Staff Pick
When Judd's father dies, he joins his family for a week to observe shiva. Meanwhile, in the face of his wife's affair and a divorce on his horizon, he discovers his wife is pregnant. This doesn't much sound like a funny book, but it truly is. Tropper has the amazing ability to write both poignantly and hilariously at the same time; he seems to be able to untangle, and capture, the pathos and levity in life. Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Featuring cover artwork from the major motion picture starring Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, and Adam Driver "Often sidesplitting, mostly heartbreaking...[Tropper is] a more sincere, insightful version of Nick Hornby, that other master of male psyche." USA Today
The death of Judd Foxman's father marks the first time that the entire Foxman clan has congregated in years. There is, however, one conspicuous absence: Judd's wife, Jen, whose affair with his radio- shock-jock boss has recently become painfully public. Simultaneously mourning the demise of his father and his marriage, Judd joins his dysfunctional family as they reluctantly sit shiva-and spend seven days and nights under the same roof. The week quickly spins out of control as longstanding grudges resurface, secrets are revealed and old passions are reawakened. Then Jen delivers the clincher: she's pregnant. This Is Where I Leave You is Jonathan Tropper's (One Last Thing Before I Go) most accomplished work to date, and a riotously funny, emotionally raw novel about love, marriage, divorce, family, and the ties that bind-whether we like it or not.
Review
“In a wry domestic tone nicely akin to Tom Perottas, Mr. Tropper . . .introduces a darkly entertaining bunch of dysfunctional relatives. . . . This authors strong suit is wisecracks, the more irreverent the better.” —Janet Maslin, The New York Times
“Often sidesplitting, mostly heartbreaking…. [Troppers] a more sincere, insightful version of Nick Hornby, that other master of male psyche.” —USA Today
“Hilarious and often heartbreaking… a novel that charms by allowing for messes, loose ends and the reality that there's only one sure ending for everyone.” —The Los Angeles Times
“[A] magnificently funny family saga…. Read and weep with laughter.
About the Author
Jonathan Tropper is the author of One Last Thing Before i Go, How to Talk to a Widower, Everything Changes, The Book of Joe, and Plan B. He lives with his family in Westchester, New York, where he teaches writing at Manhattanville College. He is currently adapting This Is Where I Leave You as a feature film for Warner Brothers Studios and is an Executive Producer and co-creator of the Cinemax series Banshee.