The BBA

This is Where I Leave You

Jonathan Tropper, 339 pages


 

Contemporary novel about the adult siblings of a dysfunctional suburban family and their father’s death that forces them all (including their spouses) to spend a week together in the house they grew up in. Extremely witty dialogue between siblings is entertaining, but too witty – like a sitcom where you laugh at what’s said, but people really aren’t that clever in real life. A very easy read, although bogged down a bit 2/3 the way through. The ending was somewhat “Hollywood” and was so straightforward that I read it multiple times thinking I was missing something. I’m still unclear on the book’s title – I assume the title is from the voice of the main character, but then it doesn’t quite add up. Hence, am I missing something? Regardless, an entertaining read that I would especially recommend to those coming from a large family, those who have dealt with a cheating spouse, or those trying to have a baby.