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The Book of Joe (Abridged): A Novel Audiobook
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(3.00) - 6,226 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Right after high school, Joe Goffman left sleepy Bush Falls, Connecticut and never looked back. Then he wrote a novel savaging everything in town, a novel that became a national bestseller and a huge hit movie. Fifteen years later, Joe is struggling to avoid the sophomore slump with his next novel when he gets a call: his father's had a stroke, so it's back to Bush Falls for the town's most famous pariah. His brother avoids him, his former classmates beat him up, and the members of the book club just hurl their copies of Bush Falls at his house. But with the help of some old friends, Joe discovers that coming home isn't all bad—and that maybe the best things in life are second chances. Fans of Nick Hornby and Jennifer Weiner will love this book, by turns howling funny, fiercely intelligent, and achingly poignant. As evidenced by The Book of Joe's success in both the foreign and movie markets, Jonathan Tropper has created a compelling, incredibly resonant story.
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"Joe leaves his small home town as soon as he's old enough and then writes an autobiographical book about his experiences which then gets turned into a movie. He doesn't return home until Dad gets sick. When he does, he has to deal with the town residents who didn't appreciate being slandered in his book. Very funny and enjoyable book."
— Maureen (4 out of 5 stars)
The Book of Joe Listener Reviews
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" VERY enjoyable! I love Tropper's humor and his characters! "
— Jill, 2/7/2014 -
" loved this book. The friendship between the 2 men was real and touching. "
— Mary, 1/29/2014 -
" The story of a guy who doesn't get along with his family. He leaves town, doesn't go back and writes a tell all book about the people in his small home town. Then, his dad has a stroje and he has to go back. A very light, entertaining read. "
— Suneeta, 1/29/2014 -
" Easy to read and enjoyable - I especially liked the 80's pop culture references. There was at least one loose end that I kept waiting to find out how it would get tied up, and it was never mentioned again (Wayne's online purchases) - I assume that was an editing oversight. The story did pull me in and make me want to find out what was going to happen next, though, and it made me want to go back and listen to all my old Springsteen music. "
— Wufusk, 1/15/2014 -
" Since the overall theme is similar, you have to compare it to 'This is Where I Leave You' -- I think the latter was better, but this was still enjoyable. "
— Jennifer, 1/12/2014 -
" Wonderful slice of life story about a successful author going home after 14 years. Very thoughtful prose. Cute and funny observations of life and people. Almost every chapter had a captivating opening sentance. "
— CJ, 1/10/2014 -
" This book is a coming of age story about a 34 year old man who is still growing up at 34. I'm not a fan of coming of age stories and this one didn't change my mind. Once in awhile the characters made interesting observations and I enjoyed reading those, and the book is a quick read. "
— RuthG, 1/7/2014 -
" This is the third novel by Jonathan Tropper that I have read. So far I think I liked it best. He has a funny writing style and I liked the characters. An easy, fun read. "
— Barbara, 12/10/2013 -
" I just finished this book last night and was sad that it ended. Tropper reminds me a little of John Irving. His characters are fallible and sometimes exasperating and real. "
— Terry, 11/4/2013 -
" Vulgarities hang from the neck of this well-written book, dragging it into the depths of mediocrity. The book provoked so many thoughts, yet I would never recommend it to anyone because of the obscenities contained within. "
— Scott, 10/31/2013 -
" The book of Joe is the story of Joe Goffman, an author who writes a book that thinly veils the residents of his hometown. He never expects to be back, but circumstances have led him home. I found this book to be funny and poignant. It was recommended by Books on the Nightstand. Good read! "
— Coleen, 10/28/2013 -
" Has a very John Cusack/High Fidelity feel to it. "
— Kt, 10/24/2013 -
" the book started slow, lacked character development - I rolled with it, I did like the writing, the story was just okay "
— Gina, 10/15/2013 -
" Great book - author has a very witty sense of humor! This is the book that the show "October Road" was based off of. "
— Desirae, 6/7/2013 -
" 2004 excellent book reaDS REAL HES FROM WESTCHESTER HAS 3 OTHER BOOKS OUT "
— Mary, 1/24/2013 -
" Made me think of an old tv show, October Road. I really enjoyed this book. Narrator's irreverence made me feel right at home. "
— Erin, 12/21/2012 -
" Really liked this book. Tropper has a great way of decribing the characters to the point where you feel like you know them. I felt totally connected to all of them. "
— Lauren, 5/31/2012 -
" I enjoyed this book...it was a quick read, and it had shades of Grosse Point Blank, a movie I thoroughly enjoy. I thought the plot was going to be pretty predictable -- and it was -- but there were just enough twists to keep it interesting. "
— Kristy, 5/8/2012 -
" This book took a long time to get into but it was worth it in the end because the end turned out well. My daughters kept telling me it was such a good book so I kept reading it and I'm glad I did. They both loved it. I wouldn't say I loved it but gave it a 3 * rating. "
— Elaine, 4/4/2012 -
" This is the second Tropper book i have read and it might be the last. I wanted to love this book but by the end it felt a little shallow. "
— M.j., 2/21/2012 -
" I really enjoyed this book, read it while in Cancun enjoying the sun! "
— Deb, 12/18/2011 -
" I love this author .... His voice is perfect. Funny, eloquent and wise. "
— Jane, 10/2/2011 -
" Brilliant. Just brilliant. Absolutely loved this book. "
— Jase, 8/10/2011 -
" It had some great moments and some good humor, it's just that I can't get over the historical inaccuracy of his tween nieces wearing Backstreet Boys t-shirts in 2004. "
— O.c., 5/15/2011 -
" Really a great read, so happy I found this author. He always looks at the most simple of lives, and shows that there is always a tint of drama. Reads too fast though. "
— Alexa, 5/12/2011 -
" An entertaining read and good for a co-ed book club. "
— Elizabeth, 4/23/2011 -
" Amazing - quick read that was smart, funny and very emotional. "
— Emily, 4/17/2011 -
" Since the overall theme is similar, you have to compare it to 'This is Where I Leave You' -- I think the latter was better, but this was still enjoyable. "
— Jennifer, 4/16/2011 -
" Funny and sad, but a little predictable. "
— Sarah, 3/28/2011 -
" I couldn't put it down. If you liked the author's other books, you'll like this. "
— Patty, 3/24/2011 -
" I'm loving this author! Great story which makes you really think about your life and the choices you've made....<br/> "
— Peggy, 3/23/2011 -
" This is the third novel by Jonathan Tropper that I have read. So far I think I liked it best. He has a funny writing style and I liked the characters. An easy, fun read. "
— Barbara, 3/22/2011 -
" Tropper has become one of my favorite authors. I loved "This is Where I Leave You," and I am now working my way through his older catalog of books. <br/> <br/>This book was a really good story with very real characters. <br/> <br/>Loved it. "
— Courtney, 3/17/2011
About Jonathan Tropper
Jonathan Tropper is the author of How to Talk to a Widower, Everything Changes, The Book of Joe, Plan B, and This Is Where I Leave You. He lives with his family in Westchester, New York, where he teaches writing at Manhattanville College.