A Paper Orchestra

by Michael Jamin

When we think about the moments that change our lives, our minds often go to the big ones: surviving an accident, landing a dream job, winning the lottery...
 
But what if that's wrong?
 
What if it's the smallest, almost forgotten moments that are the ones that shape us most?

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 smallest moments that changed his life: faking his way onto a college-football team to experience a moment of grace; getting caught lying during a Hollywood power meeting; taking advantage of the pandemic lockdown to repair his relationship with his daughters, breaking 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.

“Good lord, how it made me feel happy, sad, and connected all at once… If one defines comedy as making sense of life and getting a visceral reaction out of its reader, it’s a triumph.”
—Vulture, Best Comedy Books of 2024

"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

"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

“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

“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

“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."—Dave Krinsky, showrunner, King of the Hill

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, Biography, Essays

290 pages, Paperback

First published February 6, 2024

About the author

Michael Jamin has been a professional TV writer/showrunner since 1996. His many credits include King of the Hill, Beavis and Butt-Head, Just Shoot Me, Wilfred, Maron, Rules of Engagement, Out of Practice, Brickleberry, Glenn Martin DDS, and Tacoma FD.

Reviews

[J.L. Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamin has a way of being self deprecating that isn't over the top - I found myself laughing out loud during nearly every story he told. There's a reason he's been so successful - he's smart, hilarious, and honest. Easily 5 stars.

[Melissa Ozeas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a witty and surprisingly touching collection of stories and vignettes from Michael Jamin who is a very talented writer and storyteller. I received an advanced copy of this audiobook which was perfect timing as I was going on a road trip and this turned out to be the perfect companion to my long drive! I was thoroughly transported to a different time and place with Michael as my companion and guide. I was often amused and even emotional at times. I really enjoyed the audio version because I could feel his emotions and his voice emotionally connected me even more to the stories. Michael's stories are ones that you will want to sit with to enjoy and savor long after each story has come to an end. They stay with you. They're that good. His voice is a gift to all of us and I'm thankful that he shared it with us. And now I'm sad that I don't have one more story to listen to!

[Emma Ann]

RTC soon because my brain is spaghetti right now but thank you to Michael for the copy! I really enjoyed this.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER: I have interacted with Michael Jamin on social media as well as having been through his course. I've known about this book for a long while, but I only knew a piece of the stories contained within this book. I have the audible version as well as the paperback, which is now effectively marked up.

What this book is not: A guide to screenwriting. Let's be honest. How many more of those do we need?

What this is: Is an introspective into the mind of a writer/screenwriter. A series of stories that can stand alone, such as instruments warming at the opening before the show, and comes together to create a beautiful melody and harmony of different emotions. Therefore, A Paper Orchestra.

Within this book, there were stories to love, stories I thought...why? Like I tend to do with collections, I review each story at a time. I think it's not fair to judge. book like this without taking a moment to deep dive into my favorites moments shared.

The book starts with: Escape from Kelly Jelly Belly: Laughing out loud many times, until life took a twist I didn't see coming. It was fun and sweet, then the emotions that come with something so dark...something that spoke volumes. It was raw and real and I needed a day to want to move to the next story. I had to process the rollercoaster ride I was on.

Masks was a great little travel back into the innocence and craziness of being a kid who wasn't processing the world... or over-processing the world at large. (Which, as creatives, is engrained into our souls.) Being that "ghost" which speaks louder than a lot of other experiences.

Fourth and Long & The Ghoul Yes, I am going to combo these since they both hit the echelon of über relatable for me. They both deal with topics where the actions and thoughts feel stolen. I understood on every level of these tales through laughter and introspection and deep dives into a line of thinking. Beyond my personal reasoning for these being among the top stories.

No One Speaks to Master Huang This was the tale with the most laughter and the most follow-up questions I have to date. I wonder if "Master Huang" ever mentions "that guy who..." in his daily life. I want to know more about the Matthew McConaughey of the story... I have questions...

These are just a few of the things I loved about this collective of narrative non-fiction. I feel like I am writing out one of those old "faux movie trailers" that are often parodied: You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll love this book. It's not for me to say what you'll love, but it hit all the notes for me.

The Audible book was a little different than the paperback. Michael's wife, Cynthia (whom set my fangirl into overdrive when Michael correlated her to all the shows I have loved and watched in my past, and still current)... Anyway... Cynthia narrates the titles for each section in the audio book. She also plays an integral role in the epilogue. A+++++ from that girl loving those shows. Michael narrates the stories on the audio book. Which is great, because I don't tire of listening to him tell a story. Great to read along with as well as what's mentioned above.

Also, take to note... when listening to Michael, this doesn't come off as an actor playing the role, say in Good Omens (cast reading) nor does it come off robotic and.... well, there's a reason I don't do audio books. Michael sounds like he does on Instagram, TikTok, webinars and the lessons he runs. It's like a conversation with someone you know as they lead you on an emotional journey with their story. And you can hear the levity in his voice...the pain...and cry along with him.

It took the paperback read to a new height. One journey that I would recommend taking along with some tissues.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!! A win across the board that doesn't disappoint. Unless you are looking for more screenwriting tips, which it does have, but it's not to the extend most people want.

Wonderful work, M Jamin! I look forward to the next one with bated breath.

[Rhonda Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Jamin's book, "A Paper Orchestra," is a touching and humorous work of introspection. He skillfully intertwines memories, metaphors, and the challenges of growing up with pivotal and significant relationships and highly critical self-examination. He captures the angst and emotional struggles of becoming a partner and a man with intense scrutiny that elicits laughter and tears. I wholeheartedly recommend this touching, intelligent, and humorous book.

I enjoyed it so much that I also listened to his self-narrated audiobook, which made the experience even more fun and engaging. I highly recommend consuming it in both formats.


I received an ARC

[Deanna Gerstel Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to have an advanced copy of this book! Michael Jamin meets this moment in time with an antidote that we didn’t know we needed, but so thankful he delivered. Expertly Infusing his award winning humor within his personal life stories with a candor and vulnerability, Michael invites the reader to experience their own trip down memory lane right along with him. While exceptionally entertaining, it’s through his generosity and transparency that Michael provokes a sense of nostalgia that deeply resonates while packing a poignant punch.

[Heather Ling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so lucky to get an advanced copy of A Paper Orchestra and wow it did NOT disappoint! I really enjoyed Michael's personal and intimate stories told with wry, clever humor along with touching vulnerability. Each story a perfect circle of introspection. I highly recommend and I believe everyone will relate! You will laugh, you will cry, and you will consider similar moments in your own life. What an inspiration!

[Pamela Faust · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of essays by a very funny man. His anxiety was relatable to me and his snarky comments made me laugh out loud a lot. That being said, his epilogue explaining why he wrote the essays was boring.

[Alfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael is an excellent writer. Each essay was a vivid journey and emotionally moving. Michael’s performance on the audiobook was vulnerable and brilliant. Cannot recommend this book enough.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was funny and moving. I tell ya, I enjoyed it

[Lauren Roark · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Sloan Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

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, 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.

[Lori Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bedazzling word choice is an exhilarating ride, all the way through. It's clear he's earned his chops as a writer. My favorite author!

[Cristina Moscini · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞, 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛 !
Let me be clear : This book broke my heart and burst my spleen laughing.

With my remaining organs, I'm writing this review, so you can buy it already, and like me, demorsel yourself page after page at the altar of the best book you'll read all year.

The stories are a collection of Michael Jamin's life moments that seem inoffensive at first. Under it is a quest to show what exactly made a boy into a man, then a lover, a father, a writer. I'm not a California based guy who grew up in the '70s and '80s and you don't have to be; in these stories, he is you, he is me, we kinda are the same I guarantee.

As the famous ear-slicing scene in Reservoir Dogs, one could imagine that Michael (Jamin) writes each of his stories like Michael (Madsen) dances; soft steps, knife in hand, cigarette (or pencil here) in mouth, before going in for the (poignant) kill. At first a skillfull yet non-threatening tale unravels, and suddenly your heart sinks, your throat clutches, you're gutted, dragged into raw emotion then smoothly rolled onto the shore of a stupefying bliss. By the sixth or seventh short story, you'll even ask yourself "Where is this sick demented wordsmith going to hit my soul with glee and sorrow, now ?" But there is no malice with this savvy toying of the heart, it is rather a sound understanding that life - more often than not, comes at you with both.

Throughout this book, we wanna know what happens next, and we are always surprised, never disenchanted. As a reader, you are neither abandonned or forced into plot. Delicate subjects are dove into with baffling sincerity, without a hint of awkwardness, thus letting you the luxury to explore deeper what it's all about all along the ride. And when it's over, you'll feel wiser, with a sweeter outlook on your own life. You'll be more observent of the apparently mundane, stretching time and memories only to find a little more meaning, a little more beauty.

Lightness and spleen, Michael Jamin knows how to weave these themes masterfully, like a sentence architect, an scenery composer, a people forces and flaws painter, really.

If churning out fat tears and belly chuckle repulse you, stay away from A Paper Orchestra, if not, you're in for a pathway of splendors. Now put it in your cart, silly.

A Paper Orchestra


____________
[𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛 𝐴.𝑅.𝐶.]

[Paul Rose Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

To hear Jamin talk about himself on social media, you'd think he's the luckiest SOB on the planet who just happened to stumble into a career writing sitcoms. But nobody does that without talent, and with Paper Orchestra, Jamin demonstrates his best writing isn't confined just 28 pages with 3 jokes a page - he can tell a story equally moving, heartfelt, angst-ridden and filled with laughter.

While not all of the stories in Paper Orchestra are equally well-written, they do all move you and at the very least, evoke true laugh out loud moments. The best chapters of this series of personal essays does all that and more. You're laughing one minute, somber the next; cackling at the author's uncomfortable retelling of his most awkward moments, then moments later tearing up as he brings it full circle. And the best part - all of the stories are true. Yes, Jamin might embellish a tiny bit to make things fit cleaner into the narrative, but he never sacrifices the truth, the emotion, or skips over the bits that might paint him in a negative light. Rather, he embraces them, even when there's no happy end to the story.

Some highlights include The Ghoul, Escape from Kelly Jelly Belly, La Flâneur, and The House on Witherspoon Street.

Disclaimer: I was provided with an advance copy of Paper Orchestra in exchange for my honest review, good or bad. Thankfully, this one was worth the time.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Review of the Audiobook

Published in 2024 by 3 Girls Jumping.
Read by the author, Michael Jamin.
Duration: 9 hours, 39 minutes.
Unabridged.

Michael Jamin is a professional Hollywood screenplay writer. He works in television, working on comedy shows like King of the Hill, Just Shoot Me, and Tacoma FD.

In the afterword he talked about his desire to write something more than TV shows. He wasn't unhappy with writing screenplays, but he wanted to branch out.

The stories in A Paper Orchestra are from Jamin's life. Some are funny, some wistful, some very sad. As a group, they all have the feel of NPR's Moth Radio Hour - but instead of having a variety of performers, it is all from the same man.

Jamin read the audiobook. In the afterword, he and his wife talked about how they worked together so that he could perform these stories live on stage. She is an actress and she helped him with presentation style - and I think she was successful at it.

I worked my way through this audiobook rather slowly. At the end of almost every story I stopped and let it marinate a bit rather than going on to the next story. For that reason, I rate this audiobook 5 stars out of 5.

[Jodie Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently enjoyed reading an advanced copy of A Paper Orchestra by Michael Jamin. Having already heard him read a couple of the stories at a live event, I knew I was in for a treat. I was not disappointed, even upon re-reading those stories I had heard live. Michael has a true gift for crafting amusing analogies and infusing his unique humor into his personal and often relatable life events. I found myself laughing out loud and even felt a pull on my heartstrings with these memoirs. The stories felt like a close friend sharing vulnerable life events while simultaneously being crafted in a way that highlighted the theme and in a way we could examine it. I often found hope, human insight, encouragement, or even reassurance within these stories. Even the parts of the stories that highlighted Michael's idiosyncrasies were great. Hey, we're all a little bit weird - aka normal! The stories are also very accessible, with just the right length to read and reflect upon daily. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt and entertaining read.

[Susan Waitkus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Paper Orchestra was a multimedia experience for me. I started watching Jamin's Facebook videos during the writer's strike and learned about the process of writing for a sitcom and what a show runner was. I enjoyed this speaking style, his humorous interjections, and his self deprecating comments. When he shared his book, I purchased it and moved it to the top of my to-be-read list. It did not disappoint.

Jamin's narrative style was entertaining, at times moving, even raw when what must have been deeply person and painful memories were shared. Whether chuckling or feeling the ache, each story was a pleasure to read. Because I have a voracious appetite for behind the scenes information, I especially appreciated the Epilogue and Jamin's sharing of his writing process for the book. It's been a lot of years since I was part of a "theme" discussion of a narrative, so, "Thank you, Michael," I loved that part too. He mentions a future book, I look forward to that. Such a pleasure, Michael Jamin, Writer.

[Aileen Ruli McCready · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first couple of essays in “A Paper Orchestra” feel like episodes of Seinfeld, with stories of dates gone wrong and little annoyances that turn into dealbreakers.
As the book progresses, however, Michael Jamin’s stories dig a little deeper. He invites the reader into his head, which is filled with anxieties and insecurities.

I like how you can hear his voice throughout the book, especially if you’ve watched his instagram reels. His stories have the same kind of intimate, familiar tone. This also makes sense considering he gives stage performances of “A Paper Orchestra.”

Jamin is a writer’s writer. At the end of the book, he lets you peek behind the curtain, offering insight on how he constructed his essays and discovered themes to connect his memories.

Not every story was a home run. There were some where the theme felt a little forced, but the majority of the book resonated with me or at least entertained me.

[Lauri Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Hope Carrubba · Rating 5 out of 5]

After engaging with his Tik Tok content for over a year and a half now, I was more than excited to buy Michael Jamin's memoir. If anything, I was ecstatic. After an impulse buy at 2 in the morning, let me just say that my anticipation was certainly worth it. Jamin takes you on such a journey with so many twists and turns, causing you to become disoriented before he hits you with the final blow. Then, as you regain your stability, he offers you some empathy and some words of wisdom before leaving you to lick your wounds on your own. This is not a novel to binge. Don't do what I did. You'll be emotionally overwhelmed. However, definitely take your time with this memoir, and don't miss out on picking it up! I wish I could read it for the first time all over again.

[Christopher Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books I have read in recent memory. I saw an ad for or post about it on some social media platform (likely Instagram) and while I’m not sure why the Almighty Algorithm decided I would be interested in it, I’m glad it did (and slightly put off by the effectiveness of the Almighty’s effectiveness — Praise It). Not only do author Michael Jamin’s perspectives on himself, and his place in the world seem eerily familiar to me (I feel seen), his writing flows so smoothly that it is nearly impossible to put down once immersed in one of the 17 stories that comprise this collection. Aspiring writers or screenwriters would be well advised to not only read the book, but pay particular attention to the epilogue, which is a mini master class in story structure.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of A Paper Orchestra, and found it to be a refreshing and in-depth examination Michael Jamin's life and psyche. Michael has faithfully translated his TV writing style to print, so fans of his work should be particularly pleased by the book. Those who don't know about Michael will quickly get to know him as his essays not only share his thoughts and experiences, but reveal his character in ways that readers, and perhaps even the author, might not have expected. By the end of the book, I truly felt like I got to know who Michael Jamin really is, and, of course, had plenty of laughs along the way. A Paper Orchestra is certainly worth the read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael’s writing takes you by the hand through his memories, smashing a joke when you’re down and hitting you in the gut with deep emotions while you’re still laughing. The twists and turns bring out the unexpected in familiar situations making it impossible not to relate, laugh, and cry all in the same 12 pages story. To everyone who wants to laugh, feel, or learn from a master I say to you: this is the book for you.
I received an advance copy and just finished it. I ate through it like a ripe fruit on a desert island. Fresh, juicy, the kind of lifeline that keeps you from withering in the sun.

[Scuffed Granny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Jamin's collection of personal essays is a tour of his life in many ways which has elements of memoir in its self-examination but is also full of humour throughout. In some ways, it reads like a performance so I wasn't surprised when I got to the end and discovered that Jamin is actually doing a talkback to coincide with this book so my impression was apt. As someone whose occupation is screenwriter, it perhaps is not surprising that there is awareness of theatricality present.

When I started reading, I knew that I was going to enjoy it from Jamin's writing style. His voice is clear and, immediately in my mind, from the flow and the ideas and the tone, I decided that it would be a four star read. You will see however that I have given it five stars and this is because something shifted as I read it. I felt like the early chapters were sometimes a little glib, maybe more self-conscious and not in a way that felt sincere and so, they made me feel a little uncomfortable. I could probably put my finger on it more clearly if I revisited those chapters but it is of no real matter. Because from "The Ghoul" on, a story about a neighbour who dies who the author has never really known, my reading of the book became warmer. I devoured Jamin's book from this point onwards.

The book has been structured into essays and each essay covers an incident in the author's life. They have interesting and funny titles, filled with word play like "A Plague Upon Your House", about the pandemic and "Escape from Kelly Jelly Belly" which you can find out about for yourself, and Jamin's style is filled with jokes and lines that will make you laugh throughout. It is really fun to read.

However, it's not all about puns and wit; there is a lot of looking back into childhood, adolescence and young adulthood here as well as introspection and self-examination in adulthood. Jamin holds himself and others up for scrutiny and he admits himself, that some of the chapters are apologies for things that he has done, although he makes no apology for writing about them, merely stating that we all act horribly sometimes, which is very true.

I rarely laugh out loud at a book but this one definitely tickled me.

I read this book as an ARC and this is an unbiased representation of my opinion of the book.

[Wampus Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 3.5 star book for me. There are many LOL lines, especially near the beginning of the book. Some sharp observations too.

The author in the epilogue says he structured these essays like the three acts demanded by the tv shows and the films he’s written on. You can tell. But I think that’s a detriment to these essays. They give some pieces a cutesy button at the end.

Sometimes I feel Bono writes lyrics to get the biggest A in the class. I got that feeling with some of these essays. Hell, Bono is super successful and may Jamin achieve big success too. I just prefer stuff that the teachers don’t get.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting collection of personal essays by screenwriter, Michael Jamin. The essays are poignant and some can pull at your heartstrings, giving you food for thought from the point of view of the author, but I also enjoyed that they were peppered with wittiness, giving the reader a hint of the author's personality.

I liked the simplicity of how Mr. Jamin was self-deprecating when comparing himself to some of the characters in his narrative who possessed the same fears and insecurities that he also has. This memoir was recommended to me, and I'd like to do the same to anyone who likes to read memoirs. You'll truly enjoy it.

[Alex Keller]

While it seems like Jamin is a good guy, I do think this ends up being what he said he was trying to avoid. And that’s self-indulgent. Down to the hour long interview he does with his wife about making the book, rather than just letting the book speak for itself and allowing the interviews to come externally. The writing was overly poetic for my taste and the stories did not have enough variety to keep me as engaged as collections by John Green or David Foster Wallace did. Saying anymore feels weird because it almost makes me feel that I’m judging him, rather than just his book. Which is not what I want to do.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Paper Orchestra" by Michael Jammin is a captivating and enchanting collection of stories that took me on a nostalgic journey to places long forgotten. Through the pages of this book, I found myself transported to a place where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and where the beauty of art and creativity knows no bounds. Jammin's storytelling is both evocative and poignant, leaving a lasting impression that will stay with me long after the final page. "The Paper Orchestra" is a true gem that reminds me of the magic that can be found in the most unexpected places. -Greg Ray (Sserts)

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this because I enjoy Jamin's social media and wanted to support him but, honestly, these types of books normally don't really do much for me. This one is different.
Jamin ranges from hysterical to heart-rending and about every emotion in these essays. In the end I'm going to leave it as these stories are thought-provoking no matter which emotional blow he strikes.
I recommend this book. I recommend Michael Jamin's Instagram feed. He's not the voice of a generation but he speaks well enough to me. I'm glad he shared his stories.