Chris K. reviewed on 9/26/2012 + 14 more book reviews

Another witty family satire about grown up kids, by Jonathan Trooper, very much in the vain of his other stellar book "This is Where I Leave You." Trooper's portrait of contemporary families in the north east, especially Gen X at middle age is remarkably adept without all the strum und strung ala Jonathan Franzen. Jonathan Trooper is a cynical optimist, his characters are crazy and highly flawed but underneath it all, his families poses a redemptive power. The arc of his protagonists normally work along the lines that by accepting ones loved ones as they are, and not who they should be, one will also reach a place of self acceptance. Or in other words don't expect your family to get any saner. These authentic state of catharsis, along with farcical set pieces and a denouement that is both clever and heartwarming makes this book an exceptional read. If you have ever seen the movie "Dan in Real Life". "Little Miss Sunshine." or watch the TV show "Parenthood" this is your kind of book.

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