Rating: 
Summary: excellent read!
Review: I have recommended this book to several people--it is one of the most accomplished novels I've read in the past few years. Jonathan Tropper perfectly blends nostalgia, family drama (and trouble), frustration and longing with a wonderful, deadpan sense of humor. I laughed out loud and actually teared up at the end (there is one scene at the end of the book that is incredibly poignant and touching). I am definitely going to buy other books by this talented author.
Rating:
Summary: A Page Turner with Intelligence
Review: I loved this book -- couldn't put it down. Tropper combines a fast moving plot with complex characters woven together with wit and depth. Packed in between are thought-provoking observations about everyday life that are themselves worth the price of the hard cover. I don't know how a movie can possibly do the book justice -- but I'll be sure to watch it!
Rating:
Summary: Preach JT, Preach!
Review: I made the mistake of starting this book. I wasn't able to put it down and finished it in a day. I must admit I was kind of confused and actually thought it might have been based on his life. Some stories are so good, with so much truth that it is hard to believe they are fiction. Tropper makes things understandable -- like in knowing when it's love -- it never stops hurting and the scars never heal -- the whole book really came to life for me and spoke to me. I had my Wayne and I had my Carly -- and sometimes wonder if I too am an arse like Joe. I'm glad the book wasn't 1,000 pages case I would have stayed on the couch for 3 days in a row to finish it -- and was sad when I finished it -- even if I thought the ending was a bit weak (4 1/2 stars).Can't wait for his next book, Everything Changes due out in March, 2005. Off I go to buy Plan B.
Rating:
Summary: Lesson Learned: Don't Slam Your Hometown in Best Seller!
Review: If you've ever thought it would be fun to write a book slamming all the people in your hometown, think again! As much as I felt sorry for the guy, who has to return to his hometown when his father has a stroke, I laughed every time he woke up to the sound of his own book hitting the front of his family house. Both hysterical and poignant, The Book of Joe is a charmer.
Rating:
Summary: Close to perfect!
Review: It's been a long time since I read a novel that I found so completely absorbing. In this fresh take on a returning prodigal son, Joe's voice has the perfect combination of sensitivity and wit, never (or almost never)overdoing either one. The characters are fully realized and the dialogue is authentic and often hysterically funny. Whether it's a 33 year old man coming to terms with his own poor character or an eighteen year old boy feeling the pangs of unrequited love, the author makes it moving, honest and very funny. And unlike so many other books in this genre, Tropper seems out to move with substance, rather than impress with style. I was truly sorry to finish it, and look forward to his next one.
Rating:
Summary: A Tale of Redemption
Review: Joe Goffman is the best-selling author whose first book trashed his home-town and its residents. Brad is his estranged brother. Carly is the only woman he's ever loved, but without being able to make a commitment. Wayne and Sammy were his best buddies in high school. Lucy was Wayne's attractive mother and object of Joe's adolescent lust. Joe hasn't been home for seventeen years, until his father is felled by a massive stroke. It is not a happy home-coming. Joe returns to Bush Falls to find out that he is hated. Copies of his book are thrown on his front lawn. Strangers pour milk-shakes on him in restaurants--well, you get the picture. Carly still lives there but is not overly thrilled to see him. And Joe is overwhelmed by unresolved issues from his past. In the course of this delightful novel, everyone will have a chance to re-examine their issues and conflicts, and hopefully to move on. So, does Joe come to grips with his past failings? Does he reconcile with his brother? Does he get back together with Carly and live happily ever after? You will have to read the book to find out. This is an extremely well-written book that will have you turning the pages. Author Jonathan Tropper is a skilled writer who maintains control of his material and avoids the pitfall of sentimentality. Yes, it's true that some of the themes and characters are formulaic, some of the ideas have been used before, but hey--it works! In the end, this is a tale of sin, grace and redemption which will leave you profoundly moved. The Book of Joe is an entertaining read and I highly recommend it. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber.
Rating:
Summary: Can you go home again?
Review: Lately, the only books I write about are those that really beg me to write about them. Jonathan Tropper's The Book of Joe is one of those books. It's a safe bet that most of us use our past to fuel our present. Whether dreaming about the glory days or subconsciously trying to atone for things we've done wrong, we somehow define ourselves by who we were as much as who we are. Joe Goffman is a poster child for that definition. Joe, who has written a wildly successful work of fiction that pretty well trashed everybody in his small home town, is coerced into returning when his father, his only surviving parent, has a stroke. From Joe's less-than-warm reception through the rest of this engaging story, the events of the past provide a context for the searching, self-immolation and eventual re-discovery that comes from seeing if it's really possible to go home again, or if home belongs in the past, and is best left there. More than a little wry humor wraps Joe's recollections of hormone-filled high school days with the patina of cynicism that intervening years supply. That coating helps to keep the book from descending into the dark, regretful tone that could have marred its enjoyability. You'll laugh; you'll cry (I did).
Rating:
Summary: loved this book
Review: My wife bought this book because our son's name is Joe and she thought it was cool that someone wrote a book with his name in the title. God, I'm glad she did. It's a wonderful story, well written, funny, touching, from the heart. I haven't been this moved by a novel since "The Corrections." Some critics said some of the characters were cliche or stereotypes, but they missed the point. The book rings true and touches your heart. Can you ask for anything more? Buy it, read it, commend it to your friends. They'll be glad you did.
Rating:
Summary: Not bad, not bad at all...
Review: Plan B was a great book. This effort is more ambitious, but not quite (in my opinion)as good. Some of it cliche, some of it is not needed (really Tallon? Come on...what a goofy character). On the other hand, Tropper is still very good at conveying emotions and capturing the pain of youth and finally growing up. One other issue, why don't we learn more about what has happened to Carly? She is still very underdeveloped. OVerall, Tropper avoids the sophomore slump, but I think he tries to do too much...
Rating:
Summary: A great read. Highly recommended
Review: Please visit www.januarymagazine.com for my full review.
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