📖 Overview
Jonathan Tropper is an American novelist and screenwriter known for crafting contemporary fiction that blends humor with complex family dynamics. His works frequently explore themes of grief, relationships, and personal transformation through a distinctly male perspective.
Tropper gained widespread recognition with his 2009 novel "This Is Where I Leave You," which was later adapted into a feature film starring Jason Bateman and Tina Fey. Several of his other novels, including "The Book of Joe" and "One Last Thing Before I Go," have also been optioned for film adaptations.
Beyond his literary work, Tropper has established himself in television as the co-creator and executive producer of the Cinemax series "Banshee" and the Apple TV+ series "See." His experience in both novels and screenwriting has influenced his narrative style, which often incorporates cinematic elements and sharp dialogue.
His work has been published in over twenty countries, establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary American fiction. Tropper also serves as a faculty member at Manhattanville College, where he teaches creative writing.
👀 Reviews
Readers connect with Tropper's portrayal of dysfunctional families and his blend of humor with serious themes. His dialogue receives frequent mentions in reviews as authentic and witty.
What readers liked:
- Sharp, realistic dialogue and banter
- Balance of comedy with emotional depth
- Relatable male protagonists dealing with life crises
- Fast-paced storytelling that "reads like a movie"
What readers disliked:
- Similar plot patterns across multiple books
- Male characters can be self-pitying
- Some find the humor forced or crude
- Female characters often underdeveloped
Ratings across platforms:
- This Is Where I Leave You: 4.0/5 on Goodreads (189,000+ ratings), 4.4/5 on Amazon
- The Book of Joe: 4.1/5 on Goodreads (14,000+ ratings)
- One Last Thing Before I Go: 3.7/5 on Goodreads (21,000+ ratings)
Common reader comment: "Made me laugh out loud while dealing with heavy subjects"
Frequent criticism: "His books follow the same formula - divorced guy learns life lessons"
📚 Books by Jonathan Tropper
Plan B (2000)
Five college friends reunite in their thirties to attempt a do-over of their failed dreams and ambitions.
The Book of Joe (2004) A successful author returns to his hometown after 17 years to face the people he alienated through his semi-autobiographical novel.
Everything Changes (2005) A man's comfortable life is disrupted when his estranged father returns and he develops feelings for his best friend's widow.
How to Talk to a Widower (2007) A 29-year-old widower struggles with grief while raising his teenage stepson and dealing with new romantic possibilities.
This Is Where I Leave You (2009) Four adult siblings are forced to spend seven days together in their childhood home after their father's death.
One Last Thing Before I Go (2012) A washed-up musician with serious health issues attempts to reconnect with his daughter and ex-wife while deciding whether to undergo life-saving surgery.
The Book of Joe (2004) A successful author returns to his hometown after 17 years to face the people he alienated through his semi-autobiographical novel.
Everything Changes (2005) A man's comfortable life is disrupted when his estranged father returns and he develops feelings for his best friend's widow.
How to Talk to a Widower (2007) A 29-year-old widower struggles with grief while raising his teenage stepson and dealing with new romantic possibilities.
This Is Where I Leave You (2009) Four adult siblings are forced to spend seven days together in their childhood home after their father's death.
One Last Thing Before I Go (2012) A washed-up musician with serious health issues attempts to reconnect with his daughter and ex-wife while deciding whether to undergo life-saving surgery.
👥 Similar authors
Nick Hornby writes about relationships and life changes from a male perspective, often incorporating music and pop culture references. His characters navigate personal crises while maintaining humor and self-reflection, similar to Tropper's protagonists.
Matthew Norman focuses on middle-aged men facing family complications and identity issues. His novels deal with marriage troubles, sibling dynamics, and career upheavals in a contemporary setting.
Matthew Quick creates stories about damaged characters finding connection through unconventional circumstances. His work balances mental health themes with family dynamics and redemption narratives.
Tom Perrotta examines suburban life and family relationships through multiple viewpoints. His characters deal with infidelity, parenting challenges, and midlife crises while revealing the complexity of domestic life.
Joshua Ferris writes about professional and personal failures with an emphasis on male protagonists in crisis. His work combines workplace dynamics with personal relationships and existential questions.
Matthew Norman focuses on middle-aged men facing family complications and identity issues. His novels deal with marriage troubles, sibling dynamics, and career upheavals in a contemporary setting.
Matthew Quick creates stories about damaged characters finding connection through unconventional circumstances. His work balances mental health themes with family dynamics and redemption narratives.
Tom Perrotta examines suburban life and family relationships through multiple viewpoints. His characters deal with infidelity, parenting challenges, and midlife crises while revealing the complexity of domestic life.
Joshua Ferris writes about professional and personal failures with an emphasis on male protagonists in crisis. His work combines workplace dynamics with personal relationships and existential questions.