My first book club meeting was a success. We may not have all exactly finished the book. We may not have all exactly been in the same room (fevers, lice — mom stuff). But it was a success, and here is why — for the first time we all picked up the same book and read together. The book, This Is Where I Leave You, got us all talking about the story, life and relationships.
And here’s the best part — we are all super excited to go see the movie together when it comes out September 19!

This Is Where I Leave You
For those who aren’t familiar with the story yet, here’s a little bit about the book:
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.
I don’t want to spoil the book (or the movie), but we all agreed that we enjoyed Judd’s dry humor. There were some graphic parts to the book that were more or less glossed over, but putting those parts aside we all seemed to enjoy the story and the relationships between the family members. People aren’t perfect, and what we liked about the Foxmans is that despite their faults (and the way they beat up on each other) they are family. And at the end of the day, that matters the most.

I am going to write-up a tutorial for these DIY journals soon because they really are the perfect book club craft.

This Is Where I Leave You Book Club Inspiration
There are still nine days until the movie comes out, which gives you plenty of time to host your own book club. If you want to host a book club for This Is Where I Leave You, here are a few questions to get the conversation started with your friends.
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. 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?
5. 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?
It has been a long time since I have read the book before the movie, but I am glad I did. I am now invested in the characters and can’t wait to see their story played out in a movie.
I highly encourage you to grab a copy of the book, This Is Where I Leave You, and a few girl friends to share the story with. You still have time before the movie comes out — perhaps you can even host your own book club meeting at dinner before you see the movie.
Don’t forget This Is Where I Leave you comes out in theater September 19!

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This Is Where I Leave You – In Theaters September 19
Giveaway
One lucky winner will receive a $25 Visa gift card to go see This Is Where I Leave You. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends September 24, 2014.
Katy says
I finished Fannie Flagg’s The All-Girl Filing Station’s Last Reunion – loved it!
Tabitha says
the last book i read was the longest ride.
it’s by nicholas sparks and i loved it!
tammy shelton says
The last book I read was The Fault In Our Stars.
Beth Dunlavy Hoppe says
The last book I read was It by Stephen king
Samantha Daleo says
The last book I read was the Twilight Series sadly enough..lol…I need to make more “me” time.
Kim Henrichs says
The last book that I read was Gone Girl – loved it (for the most part!)
Tracy Robertson says
I am currently reading The Onion Field. It’s a real old one, I think it was published in 1972, but I came across it on the library free table 2 weeks ago and have been engrossed in it ever since I opened it.
Amanda Temple says
I am currently reading The Book of Life (3rd book in Discovery of Witches trilogy) and really don’t want it to end! I was not completely into the first book, but it has become something I can’t put down!
Seyma Shabbir says
I am re-reading As the world dies series by R. Frater.
Candice says
I just started The Fault in our Stars.
Cynthia R says
I just finished the Bridge by Doug Marlette, about to start The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.
Meghan says
I’m currently reading Beautiful Chaos. Third in the Beautiful Creatures series.
HS says
The last book I read was Mr. Wuffles!
janetfaye says
I am currently reading Eyes On You by Kate White.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Pamela Gurganus says
I’m currently reading Blow Fly by Patricia Cornwell.
Sheila K. says
The last book I read was The Last Witness, by Glenn Meade—a stunning read!
Melissa Hartley says
I am reading No One Could Have Guessed The Weather by Anne- Marie Casey
michelle oakley warner says
i am reading carrie by stephen king, we just saw the second remake of carrie and i had to refresh my memory that the book was so so much better
Leigh Anne Borders says
Last book I read was Maze Runner and The Fault in Their Stars.
Margie says
I’m currently reading The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez. I’m loving it.
Donna L says
Just started First Family by David Baldacci.
Nicole Brady says
Currently reading Orange is the New Black. The last book I finished was the Hunger Games series. I binge read the three on a cruise a year ago. LOL
Nichole says
I am a firm believer in reading the book before you see the movie. I’ve only broken that once (The Help) – and it was worth it. I can’t wait for This is Where I Leave You to come out!
Nichole says
I just started reading One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, so far, so good!
soha molina says
Last book I read was Stephen King’s Roadwork.
Christina Foley says
I am currently reading Top Secret Twenty One by Janet Evanovich… the last book I finished a little over a week ago was The Fault in our Stars
MARTHA says
In The Kitchen with David !!!!!!!!!! D V….! enjoy reading cookbooks
Katie says
The Beach Club by Elin Hilderbrand
DEBIJOT says
Dreamcatcher by Stephen King.
steve weber says
Im currently reading the Maze Runner.
Sarah L says
Just started The orchid house : a novel / Lucinda Riley
Thanks for the contest.
Barbara Montag says
Now I am reading The Help.
Interesting book – sure is keeping my desire to keep reading!
thank you
Holly Thomas says
I just started the Maze Runner.
Terra Heck says
The last book I read was Messy Beautiful Love by Darlene Schacht. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
Janet W. says
The last book I read was W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton.
Amanda Sakovitz says
i just finished theres a fault in our stars
Mary Happymommy says
The last book I read was “Parenting Children with ADHD”.
Sadie B. says
I am reading a book about winter gardening. Can’t wait to try it.
georgie c says
The last book I would have to say that I read is The Bible!~
Jennifer Rote says
The last thing I read was the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy.
Amy M says
It’s funny that it’s also a movie tie-in, but I just finished “Labor Day” by Joyce Maynard. Didn’t see the movie, though I’d like to… it’s an interesting novel with a curious voice, and I love Kate Winslet.
BeckyM says
Currently reading Divergent!
Samantha C. says
I am currently reading The Fault In Our Stars.
MommyJenna says
I’m trying to read Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for moms.
Thomas Murphy says
I am reading the game of thrones series.
Erika W. says
I finally got around to reading Gone Girl and finished it a couple of days ago.
Ty says
I’m currently reading in her shoes.
Marti Tabora says
The last book I read was The Fault in Our Stars.
D'Ann says
I’m reading All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner. Great book!
Elena says
the last book was The Fault in Our Stars
D Schmidt says
I am currently reading some books on British history
Stephanie says
i read magazine most of the time
Maureen says
I am reading “The Best Yes” by Lysa TerKeurst. It is a good book!
Maureen
maureen.tenney@gmail.com
Debra Hall says
Paw and Order: A Chet and Bernie Mystery
Jordan says
“I Didn’t Ask to Be Born” by Bill Cosby!
Jessica To says
I just finished Mean Streak by Sandra Brown.
ken ohl says
I have not read any books lately last one was from the left behind series
Michele P says
I am re-reading the Hot Blood horror series.
Julie says
I am reading The Alchemist right now. Julie smartsavvymama@gmail.com
Helga/billsn beaks says
I’m reading Weird Scenes Inside the Canyon. Amazing read.
shelly peterson says
I am not a big reader, I can’t remember what I read last.
Kelly Tupick says
I just finished reading a fault in our stars. I wanted to read the book before i saw the movie. I can’t wait to see the movie now.
Lisa Brown says
I am currently reading a cozy mystery
Patricia Wojnar Crowley says
I’m reading Money Rules by Jean Chatzky
Maureen G says
My book club is reading Patricia Cornwell’s ALL THAT REMAINS
Sheila (Book Journey) says
I am currently reading this book in anticipation of the movie.
Alisha Sienkiel says
I just started reading The Kiss of Deception.
Cheryl says
Last book I remember reading is “Our Mutual Friend.”
Lauren Becker says
I am currently reading Horns by Joe Hill.
Kim Keithline says
The last book I read was a diet book The Doctors Diet and I am not reading anything currently
Jessica M. says
I am currently reading some old cookbooks that my family owns, I need to improve how I cook lol!
Virginia Rowell says
I am currently reading Den Koontz Demon Seed. It’s a quick read and it’s so-so.
Shawn says
North of Montana by April Smith
Starla B says
Ahh, I really want to read that book and then see the movie. I think I would love it. I am currently reading The Body Book by Cameron Diaz. I LOVE it! Such a good, information read!
Sharon says
Ten Beach Road.
CR Williams says
I am currently reading the bible. Life changing!!
Tabathia B says
I am currently reading rock addiction by nalini singh
natlie baggarley says
cannot wait to see This Is Where I leave You. Love the entire cast. 🙂
Trisha W. says
I’m reading a book about visual spatial learners.
natlie baggarley says
I am currently reading Private LA by James Patterson.
Vicki Wurgler says
Always Running
Sarah Hall says
I am reading A Purpose Driven Life.
latanya says
Black Lies
Margot C says
I am reading ‘The Goldfinch’ by Donna Tartt – it’s brilliant.
marc woronoff says
like
Kristen says
The last book I read was The Fault In Our Stars.
Loc V. says
It’s Your Ship by D. Michael Abrashoff
Sarah says
I’m rereading Tina Fey’s Bossypants.
Kimberly Schotz says
Right now I am reading The Room.
Danielle D says
Beautiful Creatures
bn100 says
the collector
Adrienne gordon says
last book I read was eat and run
Tari Lawson says
I recently finished Orange is the New Black.
Margaret Smith says
I’m reading an old book right now, Thinner by Steven King.
Cynthiq C says
I am reading Breaking Silence by Linda Castillo.
Ann Fantom says
Right now I’m reading Sinister by Lisa Jackson
Amy Pratt says
I am currently reading The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen.
Christina Sparks says
I am currently and continue to read The Bible.
April Brenay says
the last book i read was the hunger games, i don’t have a lot of time to read
keely hostetter says
I just read the Divergent series over the summer.
harolde says
the last book was the Wild Card Series, by George R. Martin
Michelle Weaver says
I am currently reading a book out of the Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn. They are so good!
Monique Rizzo says
The last book I read was fault in our stars.
Crystal F says
The last book I read was Risen, A Supernatural thriller. Thank you!
Tracy Melhinch says
I am now reading Somewhere safe with somebody good, by Jan Karon
Crystal M says
I am reading the Phantom of the Opera.
jenn giannetto says
i am reading kurt vonneguts welcome to the monkey house right now
rich m says
I’m re-reading the Count of Monty Cristo right now
ashlee (anita) says
the last book i read was, do androids dream of electric sheep.
Julie Wood says
The lost book I read is a Cookbook. It is called How to Bake Cakes. I do not read novels.
Karen Drake says
The last book I read was Promise Of A Pencil.
Rachel says
Mockingbird (book 2 in the Hunger Games series) is my current read!
kyl neusch says
the hobbit
Debbi Wellenstein says
I just finished Broken Harbor by Tana French.
Christina G. says
The last book I read was The Mirage Man. Thanks for the giveaway!
Kayte CookWatts says
I am reading Friendship by Emily Gould. Great book!
Denise S says
I’m currently reading The Bridge of Peace which is Amish fiction.
Laura J says
The last book I read was Safe Haven…which I LOVED! I am not reading anything right now….but cannot wait to start a new book!
Allie says
I only read children books right now
Luna S says
I am currently reading the Mortal Instrument series.
Robin says
I’m currently reading the maze runner.
Melissa S says
I am actually listening to the Maze Runner audiobook because I am taking my son to see the movie soon.
Mihaela Day says
The last book I read was The Duma Key by Stephen King
Lisa V. says
The last book I read was The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King.
Kelly says
The last book I read was Heaven Is For Real. Awesome book!!
Brittney House says
The last book I read was nineteen minutes.
Linda Trinklein says
Currently reading Sparrow- by Sara Mack
Corey says
Currently Reading: Dr Who: Shroud of Sorrow by Tommy Donbavand
tina reynolds says
I am reading ice dogs along my son right now
mona says
Reading Gone Girl
Lindsay says
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Ellie W says
I’m reading Innocent Blood by James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell.
Jessamine D. says
I last read a book titled Enough.
Susan Christy says
What Nora Knew is the last book I read.
Daniel M says
i’m re-reading the lord of the rings then going to watch all the movies again
Samantha says
I am currently reading Bonded by Nicky Charles!
Zach Pq says
Currently reading Divergent book 1
Shannon says
Cinderella Screwed me Over
Becca says
I just finished Blindsided by Fern Michaels. I haven’t started a new book yet!
Erica B. says
Nine stories by Salinger.
Angela Cisco says
I cannot remember the last book that was not a textbook that I read .
Cathy French says
I am currently reading Midnight at Pera Palace.
Cathy French says
I am currently reading Midnight at Pera Palace. It’s about how Istanbul has changed through the years.
Tara says
I am reading Her Last Breath by Linda Castillo.
susan smoaks says
right now i am reading a book called the promise it’s good
Shirley Hicks says
last book I read…was ” The Castle”
Laurie Emerson says
I am reading The Book Thief right now.
Susan Smith says
I’m reading The Help
Nicole Millheim says
I am reading the Game of Thrones series
Breanne says
I’m reading Allegiant.
Lisa says
I am reading Celebrity Inc.
Kelly H. says
I just finished reading the 5 love languages.
Melanie Comello says
I am currently reading Rose Madder, it has been a few years since I’ve read it. So it’s just a Lil reread until I find something new to read.
Jill Myrick says
The last book that I read was “Heaven is For Real”.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Amy Sund says
I am always reading the bible. But I am also reading How to Raise Grateful Kids. I highly recommend Rescue the Captors.
Nicole C. says
I am reading VJ about the first group of VJ’s on MTV.
veronica hay says
The last book i read was The Mortal Instruments Series
Miz Vickik says
I read Jane Eyre
Joy Q says
I just finished Promise Not to Tell by Jennifer McMahon.
Tammy Darling says
I’m reading Michal.
Tanya White says
I am reading Not That Kind of Girl
heather s says
Divergent
Marilyn Nawara says
I am currently reading the new book Killing Patton — just got it today
Sand says
The last book I read was Delicious. I expected it to be better.
Bryan E. says
Thanks for the giveaway…currently reading —> Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt / Michael Lewis