Wednesday, February 10, 2010
22 - This is Where I Leave You; Jonathan Tropper
Judd Foxman is the narrator, and the main focus of this poignant, but hilarious novel. When Judd's sister Wendy, calls to say that their father Mort, has died, he is shocked, but even more surprised when she tells him that their father's last wish was for the entire Foxman clan: Paul, Phillip, Judd, Wendy and their mother Hillary, to observe the Jewish mourning custom of sitting Shiva for seven days at the family home. Since their father was an Atheist, it's only natural that the siblings find this request rather odd, but they respect their father's request.
Now the Foxman clan is anything but a close-knit, well-adjusted family. They are all dysfunctional in their own way. Judd, has just caught his wife in bed with his boss. He is not only mourning the loss of his father, but the loss of his wife Jen as well, and in addition, he's obsessed with sex. The mother Hillary, 63, has silicone breasts and dresses like a hooker, but yet she is a writer and author of a successful child-rearing book called, Cradle and All. The other siblings have their own issues as well, and during the seven day mourning period each of the family members address old grudges, resentments, and comes to terms with issues in their own lives.
MY THOUGHTS - Despite serious themes like loss, heartbreak and loneliness, this book is laugh out loud funny. The dialogue is pitch-perfect, and that is what makes this book worth reading. You'll want to read this book in one sitting, but, in my opinion, it is a story that is best read slowly. The interaction between the siblings is almost poetic at times, and you will be apt to miss some of the witty dialogue if you read this one too quickly. I enjoyed this story a lot and chanted "movie coming" as I read. In fact Warner Brothers has asked the author to write the screenplay adaptation.
I do recommend this novel --it's great, but BEWARE : sex and raunchiness runs rampant in this novel. (Rating - 4/5 stars) - Library Copy
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This sounds so good! I'm excited to see it might be a movie!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a must read to me! It's already on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if this is one I would like, but the cover often catches my eye.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear this one was so good! I just read my first Tropper novel, How to Talk to a Widower and thought it was great. It also dealt with a really sad topic while using humor. He must be great at that!
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many good things about this book; I'm anxious to read it!
ReplyDeleteSince I live in a Jewish/Christian household, this book looks like it would be a fun read. Thanks for mentioning it. L'Khaim! (To Life).
ReplyDeleteAloha from Rob
Looks good! I'll keep an eye out for the movie.
ReplyDeletethis sounds great and i will put it on my list. It sounds similar to The Crow Road by Ian Banks which I read years ago and absolutely loved. Enjoying your blog, thanks for sharing, Hannah
ReplyDeleteYou sold me ... this is going on my wish list right now!
ReplyDeleteI just love the fact that this book is funny, considering it's solemn storyline.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything by Tropper but this one sounds fun? Sad? Compelling? Well it sounds like something I would enjoy. It is going on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my blog today and leaving such kind comments.
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely blog here and I have added you to my blogroll. I love your profile pic :-)
Sounds like one I would love. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your book reviews. Although I know some people like long ones, yours are short and to the point but give me all the info I need. I think I must have a slight touch of ADD or something because I seem to skip over long reviews. I guess that's why I write such short ones myself :)
ReplyDeleteThis does sound like a good read!
This is the third glowing review of this I've read in as many days. Someone's trying to tell me something! I need to read this.
ReplyDeleteSounds like something I shouldn't miss!! Nice review!!
ReplyDeleteohhh sex and raunchiness......
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read Tropper for so long. I have this on my library request list.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first Tropper novel and I loved it - it was very cleverly written. Glad you liked it too!
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many good things about this book. It's on my wish list and might get it on Kindle. Hehehe...
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read to me!! I'm on board!
ReplyDeleteI really like the premise, and with your stamp of approval on it, I'll read it. Thanks, Diane.
ReplyDeleteI've had this on the wish list for a while; may pick it up to celebrate the end of my month-long book acquisition ban!
ReplyDeleteSounds like Tropper really balanced the tough topics with a good sense of humor. LOL at your "warning" :)
I have been looking for a good witty read for awhile now, ever since reading The Believers. This looks right up my alley and I will be looking out for it. Glad you liked it so much, I hope I will too!
ReplyDeletei lovelovelove jonathan tropper. he's easily one of my favorite authors. i haven't read this book yet, but i do have it sitting on my shelf. i'm saving it for a rainy day! ^^ but i think i'm going to crack it open soon.
ReplyDeleteHe is my new must-read-all-his books author!
ReplyDelete