Jonathan Tropper: This is Where I Leave You
Book Club Discussion

Book Club Discussion: Interview with Jonathan Tropper

I am dying to know if any of these characters are based on your own family?! Especially Hillary or Judd?

No. I just about never base any of my characters on real people. The people I know aren't nearly as interesting as the people I can invent.

Book Club Discussion: Interview with Jonathan Tropper

I laughed out loud, hard and often, as I was reading. My husband finally asked if the novel was a comedy and I responded, "dark comedy." Is that an accurate description?

I think "dark comedy" is fair. People often ask how I can find humor in such dire situations and I tell them, it's not that I find death or divorce funny. I find people funny. Human nature and behavior can always be funny.

Book Club Discussion: Interview with Jonathan Tropper

This is the kind of story that makes the reader feel present in the room while the action is taking place. I can see why it would be scooped up for a screenplay. How is the adaptation coming? Judd's narration was the driving factor in making this book a success. His voice is integral to the reader's connection with the novel. How do you plan to keep this intact for the movie version?

Do you have any actor or actresses in mind for a particular character? Here's my line up of the family: Paul: Ben Stiller; Wendy: Leslie Mann; Judd: Bradley Cooper; Phillip: Jesse Metcalfe; Hillary: Candice Bergman. I can find a spot for Scarlett Johansen (Jen) and Ryan Reynolds (Boner) too!

I've written a first draft and they seemed very happy with it. As soon as I finish this other project I'm working on, I'll dig in to the second draft. It's been a challenge to maintain the tone of the book, since there is no narration, and I'm not a believer of using voice over in most cases. But I find that as long as I was able to maintain everyone's voice in the dialogue, the overall voice is still there. As for casting, I'm really bad at it. After living with the characters as I see them in my head for so long, no actor seems right.

Book Club Discussion: Interview with Jonathan Tropper

The thing that's most compelling, in my opinion, is that Judd constantly refers to the emotional inadequacies of his family but they are actually quite adept at getting their feelings out in the open. So what if they throw a few punches, kiss their shocking girlfriends at the Shiva, or make such snide, passive-aggressive comments that it's hysterical? Their inability to share their feelings makes them fantastic at it! Can you tell us how the family dynamic evolved? Which relationships began first? Which ones changed as the story grew into its own? Who, if I may be so bold to ask, is the closest to your own heart and why?

I think the Foxman's communication problems stem from the fact that they were raised by two vastly different parents. Their mother was a psychologist with no boundaries, and their father was a quiet man who didn't express himself emotionally. As a result, the kids grew up with no barometer as to what was actually appropriate. So, in dealing with each other, there is both this sense of repression, while at the same time, the occasional lack of boundaries that causes them to say horrible things to each other. The character closest to my own heart is Phillip. Since he is so much younger than the rest of them, he was somewhat removed, and as such is more free to be fond of his siblings, and to express himself. His freedom and his honesty horrifies the other siblings but they are in many ways envious of him.

Book Club Discussion: Interview with Jonathan Tropper

Forgiveness is the underlying theme of each character's life. Judd needs to forgive Jen. Paul needs to forgive Judd. Hillary needs to forgive all of her children. Even the minor characters like Penny and Horry are working on some sort of forgiveness. Was this a planned theme and how did you see it playing out for each person?

I never really plan out my themes in quite so detailed a manner. However, it stands to reason that a novel about family history will require some measure of forgiveness in order for these characters to move on. One of the thematic truths that somehow emerged in my novels before it had crystalized for me as a person, is that forgiveness is a necessity for the forgiver. We need to forgive people whether they deserve it or not, because holding on to anger ultimately ruins us on a personal level.

Book Club Discussion: Interview with Jonathan Tropper

I don't usually refer to my personal review much in the interview but I must say, I was so WOWED by your book that I actually shed a few tears when it ended. I feel like Judd is my best friend, or maybe my brother, and I don't want to be cut off from his life! Can you tell us, in your mind and to give us some closure, where Judd is headed?

Well, Judd's journey was to get to a place where he didn't need to be with someone to feel whole. Hopefully, Judd is headed to a place where he will get himself a new job, work on being a father to the baby he's expecting, and then start dating, when he has the time. I'm sure he'll get himself into some hairy situations because he is still grappling with the issue of his manhood, and as we saw, that leads him down some sexually ill-advised roads. And who knows, maybe, down the road, he'll find his way back to Penny...

Book Club Discussion: Interview with Jonathan Tropper

Was Mort a good father? Why or why not?

Mort was a good, but limited father. He clearly loved his children and wanted to build a life and legacy for them. He simply lacked the skills to express his love, and maybe depended to0 much on his wife to do that for him, which left his children feeling somewhat needy and closed off.

Book Club Discussion: Interview with Jonathan Tropper

Finally, how does the title relate to the story?

This is a novel about saying goodbye and starting down new paths. The patriarch has passed away, leaving Judd and company to figure out how they feel about him. Jen has left Judd, and Judd has to leave his own life behind to start again. Leaving is a natural part of living, and so after I'd written the book, the title just occurred to me.

Book Club Discussion: Interview with Jonathan Tropper

Can you tell us anything about your current writing projects?

I'm getting ready to start a new novel. I have the rough idea. But first I have to finish two movie projects; a film called Harvey, and the adaptation of This Is Where I Leave You.