A Paper Orchestra (Unabridged)
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4.8 • 10 Ratings
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
In his debut collection of personal essays, Emmy-nominated screenwriter Michael Jamin (King of the Hill, Just Shoot Me, Beavis and Butt-Head, Wilfred, Maron, Rules of Engagement, Tacoma FD) recounts the true stories of a sensitive, anxious man searching for the things that are most important: identity, love, forgiveness, and redemption.
A cross between David Sedaris and Neil Simon, Michael discovers his unlikeliest moments of growth: he fakes his way onto a college-football team to experience a moment of grace; gets caught lying during a Hollywood power meeting; takes advantage of the pandemic lockdown to repair his relationship with his daughters, breaks up with a woman because she can’t stop saying “just kidding.”
Audaciously funny yet achingly poignant, A Paper Orchestra will have you rethinking the smallest, almost forgotten moments of your life.
“As one of the head writers for my tv show Maron, Michael Jamin was essential in helping me portray myself honestly. I’m very happy and impressed that he was able to apply his craft to himself. It’s not easy to put your authentic you out there. Michael did a beautiful job of it with A Paper Orchestra.”—Marc Maron
“Fantastic…It’s multi-timbral. It runs all levels of the pyramid at the same time. His knockout punches are stinging sincerity.”—John Mayer
“Keen, hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking insights from an astute and twisted observer of everyday life.”—Steven Levitan, co-creator, Modern Family;
“While I was laughing out loud, my heart was breaking.…Tragedy and comedy in one.”-Judy Greer
"Those who appreciate the power of simple stories to tell us about human nature… or who are bewitched by a storyteller who has mastered his craft, will find a delightful collection of vignettes.… A lovely anthology that strikes a perfect balance between humor and poignancy.”—Kirkus Reviews
Customer Reviews
Words That Flavor The Page With A Delectable Palate
From his first story to his last, Michael Jamin’s words flavor the page with that delectable palate that makes you want to devour more. “Her long brown hair was pulled up, and she chewed gum loudly, in a way that suggested she didn’t really care. I found that to be reassuring.”
“What I saw was a tattered blue couch that had been rescued from the flea market. With a few throw pillows resting against the arms, the couch almost looked grateful for the second chance.” Michael’s stories paint enlightening insights that define humanity and our true desires as individual humans — searching to understand ourselves, life, and our place among the atoms. (I received an advanced reader copy) so now I’m going to buy one and support Michael’s success. — Lauri Jon Caravella
A gift I will pay forward!
I am a fond follower of Michael’s wit and self deprecating brilliance. I didn’t know what to expect from this new book, A Paper Orchestra, that I received as an advanced audio book version of, besides assuming a successful storyteller telling stories. I was intrigued to see his writing in print, as I only knew his writing from his television work and social media. His artistry and effort to sift together personal anecdotes with intentional filters to call himself out, is refreshing, creating laugh out loud moments and gentle pangs in my heart. So much of the book world is about telling others how to change or how to live, but Michael’s book gave me pause to reflect on my own stories and re-orientate the narrative from others perspective. Michael’s stories are charming, clever, realistic, and therapeutic. I’m going to give this book as gifts to those in my life, young and old.
Amazing Book
What an amazing book! I bought the audiobook. So well done! Thanks Michael.