A little wine, cheese, good friends, and a good book. What more could a girl want? Jonathan Tropper’s novel This Is Where I Leave You is coming to theaters on September 19, and the dramatic comedy promises to prod every bit of funny out of the dynamics of family dysfunction in the aftermath of a father’s funeral. I love reading the book, before seeing a move. Don’t you?
This is a sponsored post.
I told you a couple of weeks ago about my This Is Where I Leave You Book Club plans, and this past Friday the girls gathered to dish about the book. We had a lot of fun. You know I can’t have a gathering without whipping up something yummy to eat, so I made some scrumptious Baked Goat Cheese Dip served with crisp baguettes.
It’s safe to say that we have all enjoyed reading this book. I’m not quite finished reading yet, but will be sure to do so before the movie release date of September 19. This is one of those books that will make you laugh out loud, but also get you a bit teary eyed at times. If you are thinking about having your own This Is Where I Leave You book club, but aren’t sure where to get started, here are some great discussion questions you can use.
This Is Where I Leave You Discussion Questions
1. Discuss Judd Foxman, the novel’s protagonist, from his very ironic and dry sense of humor (shared also by his brothers and sister), to his anger and vulnerability regarding his wife’s infidelity, to his conflicted emotions regarding his immediate family. What was your first impression of the protagonist/narrator of this novel? What did you find the most engaging aspect of his character? Did you find any aspect of him off-putting?
2. What was your first impression of Judd’s wife, Jen? Because you see her almost entirely from Judd’s perspective, was there any chance to see her as a sympathetic character before Judd finds her so? Do you think that Judd and Jen have a chance at salvaging their relationship, with or without a baby girl to raise?
3. Discuss Judd’s mother and her relationship with each of her children. Do you think that Hillary Foxman was truly a bad mother? Was there any real irony in her being a child-rearing guru? What was your opinion of her character?
4. One of the largest subjects of the book is parenting. Discuss the various parents in the book (Judd and Jen; Wendy and Barry; Hillary and Mort; Linda) and consider the statement (or statements) that Tropper makes about the responsibilities of a parent to his or her child, and, conversely, the responsibilities of a child to his or her parent.
5. Similarly, what comment is Tropper making about the role of trauma and tragedy in our lives? Almost every character in this book suffers or has suffered: Phillip from his neglected/overindulged childhood; Judd from his wife’s infidelity; Horry from his brain damage; Paul from the Rottweiler attack; Wendy from her unhappy marriage; and Alice from her infertility. What does their unhappiness, and the way each person copes with that unhappiness, teach us?
6. Most of the characters in this novel struggle against living up to an ideal established either by themselves or by a friend, family member, or spouse. Judd fails to be the perfect husband, brother, and son; Jen fails to be the perfect wife; Wendy fails to be the perfect mother and Alice fails to become a mother at all. Mort and Hillary Foxman, it turns out, fail their children spectacularly in some ways while succeeding in others. What do the lives of these characters reveal to us about perfectionism, ideals, and our expectations for ourselves and others?
7. Also, compare and contrast the various romantic relationships in this book: who, do you think, had the most admirable or lasting relationship? Who had the most realistic one? Who had the most insurmountable problems? (Is there such a thing as an insurmountable problem, especially looking at problems from Phillip’s point of view?)
8. For all of their faults, is the Foxman clan a likeable group of people? What makes them an endearing group of people? Who did you like the most, and who did you find the least appealing, and why? Were there any characters you would have liked to see developed further?
9. Throughout the book Judd has recurring nightmares that often involve a prosthetic limb. Discuss the way these dreams acted as elements of foreshadowing and symbolism throughout the narrative. Consider, too, how they reflected Judd’s emotional state as the novel progresses.
10. What did you think of Judd’s exit at the end of the shiva? Was his disappearance in Phillip’s Porsche realistic? Appropriate? Did you find it a satisfying resolution to the book?
What will you serve at your This Is Where I Leave You book club gathering? I suggest keeping it simple. At my book club gathering, we had Baked Goat Cheese Dip served with toasted baguettes, fresh fruit, and wine — but of course. The goat cheese dip is so simple to make. Here’s the recipe:
Baked Goat Cheese Dip
Ingredients:
12 ounces goat cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4-5 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
fresh cracked pepper
additional olive oil to drizzle over the top
sliced baguette or crackers for serving
Directions:
In a bowl, stir and combine the first five ingredients. Spoon into a a small greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top with some fresh cracked pepper.
Bake at 325 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with additional olive oil. Serve warm.
This Is Where I Leave You – In Theaters September 19
The dramatic comedy “This is Where I Leave You” is directed by Shawn Levy, and based on the hilarious and poignant best-selling novel by Jonathan Tropper. It features a starring ensemble cast including Golden Globe winner Jason Bateman (“Arrested Development”); Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Tina Fey (“30 Rock”); and two-time Oscar® winner, multiple Golden Globe honoree and 2013 Emmy Award nominee Jane Fonda (“Klute,” “Coming Home,” HBO’s “The Newsroom”).
When their father passes away, four grown siblings, bruised and banged up by their respective adult lives, are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens. Confronting their history and the frayed states of their relationships among the people who know and love them best, they ultimately reconnect in hysterical and emotionally affecting ways amid the chaos, humor, heartache and redemption that only families can provide—driving us insane even as they remind us of our truest, and often best, selves.
Starring: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver, Rose Byrne, Corey Stoll, Kathryn Hahn, Connie Britton, Timothy Olyphant, Dax Shepard and Jane Fonda
If you don’t have your own book club, you can totally join the virtual book club that Warner Bros. Pictures’ is hosting on Facebook. Also, follow the #TIWILY #TIWILYbookclub hashtags on Twitter and Instagram to see more book club discussion.
-Visit the official website
-Like This is Where I Leave You on Facebook
-Follow @wbpictures on Twitter and Instagram
– Hashtags to follow #TIWILY #TIWILYbookclub
Ready to read the book and see the movie? One lucky About A Mom reader will win a copy of Jonathan Tropper’s This Is Where I Leave You, along with a $25 Visa Gift Card to go see the movie, opening on September 19. Giveaway ends on September 14, 2014 at 11:59pm ET. Open to US.
I have a hard time finding time to read, but I do love me some wine and cheese! 🙂
I definitely try to read the book before seeing the movie…the book is almost always better! The trailers for This Is Where I Leave You look great & you can’t go wrong with Jason Bateman and Tina Fey 🙂 So I’d love to read the book first because can’t we all relate to having a crazy family?!
Pinned the Goat Cheese Dip! Going to take that to my book club this month…thanks!
I’ll serve cheese balls and brownie bites at my own book club gathering.
I would love to see the movie first before reading the book. I would service chocolate dip and stawberries
This sounds like really good dip. I can’t wait to read this book.
That goat cheese dip looks amazing! I am looking forward to reading this book, then seeing the movie. The previews look great!
It looks like a fun bookclub meeting. I always prefer to read the book before the movie.
I’d love a friendly book club! Plus you had me at wine 🙂
I would love to win this.
I’ve heard a lot of great things about the book. The movie has a great cast too!
I like to read a book before seeing the movie because I always like to see if anything changed and see the book characters come to life. I would serve fresh fruits and cheese and crackers at my gathering.
I do like to read a book before I see the movie. Sometimes I’m disappointed, especially when the movie makers substantially change the book! I will serve something with wine for my book club!
When I can find the time, I like to read a book before seeing the movie.
I would love to read the book first…the book is always better! I would like to read as it seem like a great book that would interest me. My book club is big into desserts and wine, so that’s what I would serve!
I usually don’t like to read the book first, because I’m often disappointed at how much the movie changes or leaves out. I would serve spinach and artichoke dip, and also black eyed pea salsa with chips at a book party.
I like to read books before I see movies. I would serve mini pizzas.
The unfortunate thing about reading the book before you see the movie is you have non-stop comparisons between each version vs. appreciating the movie for what it is.
I would love to read this book before seeing the movie… 9/10 times the book trumps the movie.
I like to read the book before seeing the movie most of the time. I think this movie looks like it is going to be great! I would serve my 7 layer dip and chips.
I do like to read the book before seeing the movie. I like to follow along and see the differences in the book and movie. I have no clue what I would serve at a meeting. I’m terrible at that sort of thing. lol Thank you!
I did enjoy the book and kept it, which isn’t normal as I usually pass them along!
yes, I like to read a book before seeing a movie. I want to read this book and see the movie because it sounds interesting
I usually like to read a book before or after I see a movie to see the differences. I would definitely serve homemade chocolate chip cookies!
I am always reading the book before going to the movie. I try not to let myself get disappointed if the book and movie do not line up in every detail I just try to enjoy both.
If I had more time I would love to read the book before seeing the movie. I would love to serve small appetizers such as bruschetta at my book club.
I like to read a book before I see the movie. I would serve chips and a variety of dips at my book club. Also some good sweets!
If I haven’t read the book yet, I like to read the book after I see the movie.
Um..Sometimes I like to read the book before the movie, but honestly that ruins the movie for me in most cases since the book is almost always better than the movie. This main character reminds me of me so I would love to read the book.
This sounds good. The dip does also
I do like to read the book before going to see the movie. I would serve some fresh fruit tart at my book club gathering.
I definitely like to read the book before the movie, though seeing the trailer for a movie makes me read the book, which is why I want to read this one, because the trailer makes it look interesting 🙂
I need to be in a book club again. I am deinitely a read the book before the movie kind of girl…thanks for sharing this!
Yes I like to read the book before the movie. Sounds like a good read
I do like ot read the book before the movie, bring the book to life for me. I would serve mini roasted beef olive tapenade sandwiches and sweet potato fries.
It’s nice if you can rad the book before you see the movie. I would serve pinwheels and chips and dip.
That goat cheese dip sounds ah-mazing! What a fun idea to get together with some friends!
I definitely prefer to read a book before seeing the movie.
I want to read it because I’ve seen the movie preview and it looks good.
i usually prefer to read a book before seeing the movie version; i think this book has a nice theme to it; the movie will be decent, i am sure.
I love reading books before the movies! I don’t always do it though. This Is Where I Leave You looks right up my alley. I know a lot of people whom I’d recommend it to, also. I would definitely want to serve it at a book club gathering!
I usually try to read the book before the movie. For example the Divergent series and Hunger games series. I loved both the book and movie the same, but was so glad I read the books first.
This sounds like such a great book! I am definitely adding it to my must-read list! Your goat cheese dip sounds delicious, I would totally make this for a book club gathering myself!
I always like to read the book before seeing the movie. I haven’t even seen any of the Hunger Games yet just for this reason! Hence, why I would love to win this book!
I prefer reading the book before seeing the movie. i’d serve nachos and wine
It really depends on the book and the movie…some I’ve read the book before seeing the movie, then hated the movie, others its the opposite. I saw previews for the movie and I really would like to see it but I didn’t know until now there was a book also!
I read that book in 3 days! It should have only taken me 2. I am almost embarassed to say that I really enjoyed it, but I did. I don’t usually read fiction like that.
I do like to read a book before seeing a movie. I want to read this book because I’ve seen the movie trailer and really want to see the movie, but I like to read the book first if there is one! If I had my own book club, I would serve my favorite olive dip with assorted crackers and a fruit/veggie tray.
I try not to read the book before the movie, because often the movie does not meet my expectations after having done so.
I normally like to read the book first! The previews for the movie look good… so I am guessing it would be a great book!
I love book clubs. Your photos make yours look way cooler than mine though. I’m thinking I need to step up my game. I’ll have to try that dip too. It looks tasty.
I’ve been on a reading kick lately. This is on my list of books to read. I have it on my Amazon wishlist. I’ll buy it soon.
I’m really interested in reading this book. The movie trailers look great, and we all know that the book is always better than the movie.
I always like to read the book first! I feel like you have the secret insider’s knowledge when you are at the theatre!
I will probably just see the movie. I enjoy Shawn Levy since he directed Reel Steal. Your dip looks amazing.
I could use wine, cheese, and a good read one of these days. Sometimes it’s nice to decompress.
I think the story sounds interesting. I’m going to have to check it out. Even if I don’t read the book, I peek at the story summary. I like spoilers. 🙂 It actually works best for me to read the spoiler, see the movie and then read the book.
I’ve been hearing about this book, can’t wait to check it out.
This would be great for my mom’s book club. We’ve read a few books this year that have movies out this year Gone Girl and Fault in Our Stars. I’ll have to read this one and then go see the film!
I have to read the book before seeing the movie.
I prefer to read the book before the movie, because it has so many more details and I feel like you can grasp and appreciate the movie more. If we had a book club I’d try and be healthy and serve veggie trays and fruit salad.
This sounds like a great book for book club! I love going to book club and enjoying wine, cheese and some great company and discussion. The questions are really helpful to get the discussion going.
Okay, that goat cheese dip looks absolutely delicious! Perfect munchies for discussing a book.
Ooh I can’t wait to watch this movie. I dont’ have much extra time to read these days.
i absolutely love goat cheese. so yummy and its really great with strawberries in salad
There’s nothing like a good book! Now throw in that goat cheese dip and I’m sold!
I can’t WAIT to see it, just a week away!
I do so enjoy reading a book before seeing a movie! It makes me feel like I know more than the others watching, like I have a really good secret! 🙂 LOL~ I would love to have a book club but my husband works 2nd shift and all weekends and almost every day. It may be hard to do with 4 kiddos running around. LOL! 🙂
Sounds like a great book. I am really looking forward to the movie.
I usually try to see the movie first if I haven’t already read the book. The movie usually never lives up to the book for me!
If possible, I like to read the book before seeing the movie. I want to see this movie not only for its interesting storyline, but the list of great actors that are starring in it. I’ve seen the Movie Trailer and looks like it’s going to be a good one.
A lot of the movies that I have seen that were based on a book, I had already read the book, sometimes many years ago.
I love to read the book before the movie being seen! Also I would serve potato bar ( put on what you want), with lots of side fixings like chips, coleslaw, and cheesecake dessert! I really want to see what made this book so good they want to make a movie from it.
I love reading books before the movie. I love comparing the 2. This looks exciting!
I have not read the book, but I’m starting to see the commercials on tv! It looks good.
i do like to read the book first
I can’t wait to see this one! I should read the book first, right?
Looks like you all had a great time. I would like to read this book. The movie looks good.
Sometimes I do like to read books before seeing the movie. The movie tends to leave out so much at times.
That goat cheese dip looks delicious!
I love to read the book before seeing a film. I like comparing and by far the book is always better but it is fun to see them come to life on the big screen! I would serve a dessert at a book club meeting.
This book totally caught me up in it. I can hardly wait to see the movie now that I feel like I know everyone.
Yes I like to read the book before I see the movie. I would serve brownies at my book club eeting!! And that book looks fantastic!
Hi, I Hope you are Having a Nice Day! I can Honestly Say that Reading, Arts & Crafts, & Cooking are My Absolute Favorite Things in the Whole World! I do a Lot More Reading Lately b/c I am Still in a lot of Pain from a Wreck I Was in and it’s Hard to find Ways to Pass the Time! I Love Reading a Good Book Way Better than Watching the Movie, plus Half the Time the Book is Way More Detailed! I have Noticed that Movies are Not Always Exactly Like the Book and They Sometimes Leave Out the Best Parts! Reading has Always been a Big Part of My Life Ever Since I Was a Little Girl and My Mom Would Read to Me, Usually it was Always “Winnie the Pooh” or “The Littlest Mermaid” (Not the Same as “The Little Mermaid” of Today!) I Like to Read in a Nice Hot Lavender Bubble Bath with a Cup of Hot Tea & Classical Music, the Best Way for me to Unwind! Thanks for this Great Giveaway & Have a Blessed Day! Jana
Often, if I’d read a book I love, I am afraid to see the movie! I’m always afraid I’ll be disappointed. I’d love to serve cheesecake for a book club.
I DO prefer reading the book before seeing the movie version! And I would love to read this book because the movie trailer looks really good — so I bet the book is better! 🙂
I like to read the book before seeing the movie. I want to read this book because the trailer for the movie looked good.
I do really prefer to read a book before seeing the movie. I’ve also heard great things about this book! My husband’s cousin has a book club – since so many of us are in different parts of the country, she has us Skype in – so snacks are whatever each of us has at home. I tend to do cookies for me!
I like to read a book and then see the movie. I love when I imagine a character and they come across the big screen the same way I read it.
I do like to read a book before I see a movie. I think it’s fun to have the goat cheese dip (and I see a Galileo thermometer in the picture, it’s a complete aside but I love those!). 🙂 I’m glad you had fun visiting and talking about the book. We’ll be seeing this movie.
I prefer reading the book to seeing the movie but often do both. My book club meets at a restaurant and we either have coffee in the daytime or wine in the evening. i drink water-don’t like wine.
I love to read! If I read the book first I will never watch the movie because the movie never lives up to the visual that a good book leaves in my mind.
Sounds like my kind of book club! I’d love to read this book and see the movie!
I usually like to read the book before seeing the movie, but lately things have been really hectic and I just have not been able to find time to read like I used to. I really miss it too. I was nice just to take some time and sit down with a book. I;m going to have to find a way to make time for it.
I have not read the book and do not like book clubs but it looks like a great movie and I will go see it in theaters!
I am looking forward to reading this book.
I lioke to read before I watch, I’m in a book club but we don’t serve food, we just meet at the local barnes and nobles.
Great book club! I’ll have to check out this book.
I would love to join a book club. Getting together with friends, eating snacks and discussing a book sounds fun. I can not wait to see this movie…..if looks fantastic and has a great cast.
I heart reading! I always try to read the book first and then see the movie.
I haven’t done this before intentionally but I think it is a great idea for sure. Then you can compare which is better etc!!
Nothing beats friends and a good book. Food also makes it nice 🙂
I definitely like to read the book before the movie, that is the best way to get the most enjoyment and understanding out of a movie.
If possible, I like to read the book before seeing the movie.
I love reading a book before it’s made into a movie. I think that it gives me a more in depth view of the story before the movies comes out.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Yes, I Like To Read The Book Before I See The Movie. I Would Serve Fruit, Cheese And Wine At A Book Club Meeting.
depends on the movie, and always looking for interesting things to read
i like to read the book before seeing the movie..i hardly ever like seeing the movie after reading a book..i feel like the way you picture the characters in your head, isn’t what other people have in mind…so i’m constantly thinking to myself that the whole movie will be off..like the hunger games..in my head peeta was taller than catniss (which in the movie, he isn’t). it still continues to bug me and i almost didn’t even rent the second movie HAHA
I’ve only read the Hunger Games series before seeing the movies. I would like to read another series before seeing the movies again!
I always read the books first! 🙂
I usually like to read a book before seeing a movie because so often the movie is vastly different and I keep comparing it in my head while reading. (Field of Dream is the one movie I think NAILED IT from the book. Small differences but I was fascinated and lost in both)
And my boyfriend saw the picture of your dip and said “Honey, I think you need to start a book club. And make that. Soon. ” HA!
I have to read the book before seeing the movie. I had never heard of this until seeing the movie previews. It looks like a great family saga, so now I have to read the book really quick so I can go see the movie.
I see the movie first. It does look interesting and familiar.
I read Hunger Games. I liked reading the book better, but it is not usually the case. Thank you
I’ll definitely have to give this book a read!
Sometimes I like to read the book before I see the movie but then again the book is usually always better than the movie. I would serve surf and turf at my book party.
I will always read the book first if I can.
Thanks for the contest.
I definitely want to read this before seeing the movie. I’m not sure if that will happen but I definitely want to try. I would serve Stuffed Mushrooms at the book club gathering with some wine.
Most of the time the book is better than the movie or what you imagined in your head while reading the book is better than the movie is so I like reading the book but sometimes I’m disappointed
I usually like to read the book first, mostly to get better insight on the psychology of the characters before seeing the film version. I’d love to read this book in particular because I love any novels that explore quirky, slightly dysfunctional family relationships, and the author’s style seems full of wit and heart!
I like to read the book first it’s always better than the movie.
Honestly, sometimes I do like to watch the movie prior to reading the book if it is the rare occasion of something I have not read yet. Anytime I have watched movies based on a book they just never lived up to my expectation or I have been so upset with the ending being changed. Books are almost always better than the movie so I would prefer to save the best telling of the story for last so I can enjoy the movie for what it is first rather than compare it to the book which is usually so much more.
I always read the book before I see a movie. There have been times that I didn’t think a book looked interesting until I saw the movie trailers so I rush out to get the book so I can hurry up and see the movie 🙂 Best thing for book clubs is finger foods. The last time I went the hostess had everything from Trader Joe’s frozen section. Lots of yummy things!
I prefer to read the book before watching the film adaptation but sometimes I end up watching the movie first. I want to read this book b/c I enjoy books about family relationships.
I do like to read the book before the movie. I would love to win because this book seems really interesting.
I would much rather watch the movie first, and I’ll compare the book at a later date. I would love to have this book for my book club.
I agree with a previous comment that movies rarely live up to the book. There have a been a few occasions that I liked a movie so much I read the book even though I had not planned to. I much prefer books over movies. I’d like to read this book because it sounds like an interesting family dynamic and I’d like to see the conclusion.
I do like to read the book before seeing the movie. I would serve cheese and crackers and cupcakes at my own book club gathering.
I like to read a book before the movie because I like to imagine the story for myself before seeing another’s interpretation of the story.
I wouldn’t like to read the book before watching the movie, because sometimes I get disappointed at the details that get left out of a movie after I have read the book. I want to read the book after I watch the movie because it looks interesting and it may fill in the gaps if the movie doesn’t cover it all!
Maureen
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I love to read the Books first because my Imagination seems to be always better than the Movies lol
I really enjoyed my book club with my girlfriends. We only read books that were going to be made into movies so we could have another excuse to get together (going to see the movie). We haven’t gotten together in so long!
That sounds like a lovely appetizer for your club. I’m sure everyone loves it when they meet at your house 🙂 The book must be interesting to spur on such deep conversations!