BookLife Reviews
02/05/2024
In his imminently readable debut, Jamin asks, “What if the smallest, almost forgotten moments were the ones that shaped us most?” This project, which examines such moments from his own life in a series of incisive, illuminating essays, started when Jamin, a television writer (Beavis and Butthead, King of the Hill, Just Shoot Me, amongst others) received a disheartening call from a studio: a poem he had included in a script wasn’t considered good enough. That the poem was written by Shakespeare was of no concern to the studio. Disillusioned, Jamin withdraws into a writer’s slump until, at the behest of his wife, he writes down a list of memories and begins writing about them.
Jamin shares 18 memories in 18 chapters, told in roughly chronological order: he recalls being a child who shied away from sports, his reluctance to take a father-mandated martial arts class, and the abject terror he felt at his first lesson, looking at a bloodthirsty opponent. Jamin is a skilled writer, and his account of reluctance turning to dread turning to flat-out terror is potent. “We’ve had enough judo for a while, don’t you think?” his father eventually says, and the reader’s heart rate will return to normal. From there, Jamin covers moving to Hollywood and living at the Melrose Place; “general” meetings with studio executives; the secret life of a “spooky” neighbor; and taking dance lessons after being called out by his sister at a wedding.
The strength of Jamin’s book lies not only in his immersive conjuring of memories or his brisk, engaging storytelling and dialogue. It’s in how he deftly ties each anecdote into larger life events, revealing how “almost forgotten moments” can be substantial in their significance, even life changing. Paper Orchestra offers as many heart-tugging moments as laughs, but it will also leave readers rummaging through their own mental archives.
Takeaway: Incisive, sharply told memories from a Hollywood writer’s life.
Comparable Titles: Patty Lin’s End Credits: How I Broke Up WIth Hollywood, Susan Silver’s Hot Pants in Hollywood.
Production grades Cover: A Design and typography: A Illustrations: N/A Editing: A Marketing copy: A
From the Publisher
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; creator, Just Shoot Me
"While I was laughing out loud, my heart was breaking.... Tragedy and comedy in one."
-Judy Greer
"It's hard to see the letters I'm typing because my eyes are still misty. Michael was a writer on a show I did, and I know he's funny. That's his gift and profession. I did laugh out loud-that I expected. But what I appreciated the most was being led into his thoughts, down the path to his deepest confessions and deepest loves. Good storytelling also leads us to ourselves, our memories, our beliefs. Personal and powerful. I loved the journey."
-Laura San Giacomo
"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
"As the father of daughters, I found Michael's understanding of parenting and the human condition to be spot-on. This book is a fantastic read!"
-Max Mutchnick, co-creator, Will & Grace
"Brisk, engaging storytelling and dialogue.... A Paper Orchestra offers as many heart-tugging moments as laughs."
-Booklife Reviews
"I found myself laughing and loving the wit with which Michael Jamin tells his stories, only to be blindsided by his incredibly emotional, poignant confessions that hit me at my core."
-Steve Lemme, Broken Lizard
"A Paper Orchestra is a joy. It is funny but with a depth and resonance that is a revelation... I loved this book."
-John Altschuler, co-creator, Silicon Valley
"I had some much-needed laughs and was touched by so many of Michael's observations about love and life."
-Ty Burrell
"Michael Jamin was always one of the fastest guys in the writer's room with the perfect joke. Now, reading his book "A Paper Orchestra" I realize he can also write honest and powerful stories that stick with you long after reading them. So, in true Hollywood fashion, I must now root against him."
-Dave Krinsky, showrunner, King of the Hill
"A hilarious and heartfelt collection of stories. I give it my highest praise - I wish I had written it."
-Jon Aibel, writer Kung Fu Panda
"A Paper Orchestra is just the kind of book that makes you hate yourself for not writing yourself. It's at times funny and at others sad, and sometimes manages to catch you off guard by being both at the same time. It's a thought provoking, witty, and engaging look at human nature and the way we often treat each other."
-David Litt, Co-Creator, King of Queens
"With A Paper Orchestra, Michael effortlessly achieves the big three as a writer. He's smart, heartfelt and very funny."
-Kevin Heffernan, Super Troopers, Beerfest, Tacoma FD
