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)
" 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, 10/28/2013Jonathan 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.