Hi Ho, Bookworms!
Everyone’s family has a little bit of drama and/or weirdness going on. I mean, it wouldn’t be family if there weren’t some sort of dysfunction going on somewhere. I think that’s why I tend to be drawn to family dramas with a twisted sense of humor. This month, my IRL book club (affectionately dubbed “My Neighbors Are Better Than Your Neighbors” because, well, they are) chose This Is Where I Leave You
The Foxman family put the “fun” in “dysfunctional.” After their father passes away (because cancer is a jerk) the four Foxman children convene in their childhood home to sit shiva for their father. For anybody unfamiliar with Jewish custom, sitting shiva is kind of like a week long wake. The mourning family is visited throughout the week and inundated with sympathy food and awkward conversation. (There’s some sort of universal law that says one must feed the grieving. It’s one I subscribe to myself.) Most families would be on the verge of coming to blows after an entire week in close quarters, mourning not withstanding.
Judd Foxman is our narrator, one of the Foxman siblings. In addition to having recently lost his father, he is also in the midst of a messy divorce. Divorces tend to get messy when you catch your spouse in flagrante delicto with your boss. Even more so when you find out said spouse is expecting a child.
Reading about the Foxmans made me feel so normal. I had a great time reading this book and it ran quite the gamut emotionally. One of my favorite things about the book, though, was that almost every time I got the urge to jump through the pages and punch a fictional character, another fictional character took care of that for me. This one isn’t for the faint of heart or the easily offended, but if irreverent humor and quirky familial drama are your thing, you need to give This Is Where I Leave You
Alright Bookworms, let’s talk. Are there any TV shows or books you like to indulge in simply because they make you feel like less of a screw up? I can’t be the only one… Dish!
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Heather
Love that you loved this! I first heard about this book when I saw the movie trailer, and I love Tina Fey so I knew I was going to see it. I read the book first and I would recommend the movie as well! The casting was spot on and the dialogue brought to life was hilarious.
Words For Worms
I really do want to see the movie now!
Enchanted Seashells, Confessions of a Tugboat Captain's Wife
This book sounds right up my alley for sure. I’ll put it on my reading list. I need something current; just finished Wives and Daughters, written in the 1800s.
Words For Worms
This is definitely a good palate cleanser after you’ve finished a classic!
Megan M.
I also heard of the book because of the movie, but I haven’t read or seen it. I should fix that soon! I feel like I watch “Girls” just to be really really glad that I did not spend my twenties single in New York City.
Words For Worms
LOL! I feel that way when I watch Girls too! I’m also addicted to Shameless. The Gallaghers make me feel so well adjusted!
Sarah's Book Shelves
I read this book while I was in labor with my daughter and it was the perfect labor read! Funny and irreverent! And I tend to love books that point out the occasional ridiculousness in the rituals of death. Reunion was another one that did that well.
Words For Worms
I can see it providing an excellent distraction, and I seriously want to high five you for READING DURING LABOR. Holy crap!
Kerri
Loved this- cracked up the whole time – especially the scene in the beginning in the Judd’s bedroom.
Words For Worms
Oh gosh with the candles?! Yes.
Andi (@estellasrevenge)
SOOO want to read this one since I saw the film trailer. I refuse to watch it until I’ve read it.
Words For Worms
Me too! Maybe I can talk Jim into watching it with me this weekend…
Shannon @ River City Reading
I still haven’t read this, but I do love a good dysfunctional family read. Have you seen the movie now? Wondering how it holds up to the book.
Words For Worms
I haven’t seen it yet, but I’d like to. I’m worried that it’ll be too fresh and I’ll get all nitpicky about it. We shall see.
Jenny @ Reading the End
Hahaha, I think this is why 85% of reality TV survives. I have been known to indulge in watching the Bachelor franchise, and it’s for this exact reason. I feel ever so very together when I watch The Bachelor or The Bachelorette.
Words For Worms
LOL, I’m glad I’m not alone in this! I think we’ve all got a reality TV guilty pleasure!
Jennine G.
I loved the voice in this one. I could practically imagine the narrator (Judd) speaking and acting, his voice was so clear.
Words For Worms
Yes, I totally agree.
AMB
I like family dramas, particularly quirky ones. This one sounds like it’s right up my alley.
Amy @ Read a Latte
Dying at Holy bagels and lox Batman omg. I loved this book! The movie does a pretty good job, but changes weird things like their last name and Jen’s name? But otherwise I thought it was a good adaptation!
Words For Worms
Yeah what is with that? I hit IMDB to see for sure who played whom and I was like, wait. Altman? Quinn? WTF?
Katie @ Doing Dewey
I’ve realized recently that I have a surprisingly normal family, but I still love reading these family dramas! I think I like them because they often are very character driven stories.
Words For Worms
Indeed! Nothing gives a character depth than a screwy upbringing LOL!