A Paper Orchestra

By: Michael Jamin

Narrated by: Michael Jamin

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2024 Michael Jamin (P)2024 Michael Jamin

Critic reviews

“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

An Exceptional Audiobook

I usually enjoy books more than audiobooks, but A Paper Orchestra is the exception. I read the book first & loved it, but then I listened to it, I discovered new layers to the stories. The authenticity will surprise you & move you. It’s not an author just reading & it’s more than a beautiful performance, It’s what honesty sounds like. Give it a listen.

Honest and SO funny!

I loved every story! I loved that Michael was so honest and his humor was self deprecating. I listened to it often in my car. People driving by me must have thought I was crazy because I frequently was laughing out loud! I highly recommend this touching, funny book.

So Powerful!

Every story is impactful. Michael performs his essays with raw emotion. I laughed and cried, and felt so many emotions in between. I recommend this audiobook to everyone.

I laughed, I cried, I might even have snorted!

I ordered the book, but I couldn't wait for it to get here, so I've been listening to the audio book.

Guys, you have to get the audio book!

These stories are incredible on their own, but hearing Michael tell them is a whole new experience. The humor, the sarcasm, the pain and heartbreak are so potent that I found myself on an emotional roller-coaster snickering, scoffing, crying, and laughing out loud again before the tears could dry. It's so well-written. It reminds me of everything I love about the craft of telling a great story and how powerful they can be when we have the courage to share them with others.

I found Michael's Facebook page after looking at a few writing webinars. I hate my soul-sucking desk job, and I've been trying to revive the creative passion that I had before life was just a cycle of working and changing diapers. I've watched nearly a dozen "professionals" promise to give life-changing instruction just to waste an hour sitting through an infomercial for an overpriced online course. Michael uses his years of real experience as a professional writer to guide with brilliant and often blunt advice. He provides a generous amount of free content, and after watching a few of his webinars and experiencing the quality material he shares in 45 minutes, I have no doubt his paid course is more than worth it.

But more than the advice and the much needed laugh (and cry), I'm so thankful for how Michael has inspired me to embrace my creativity, dig deep to find the stories that only I can tell, and be brave enough to share them with the world.

Geez, this was long! We'll call it the first of many books to come.

Thank you, Michael!

Fun, entertaining, enthralling call it what you will.

What a great fun book and awesome listen. I don’t think I’ve ever listened to another book and thought “aw it’s over.” It truly left me wanting more. Even the “behind the scenes” end on this audio book was entertaining. I hope he included an audio cd with the behind the scenes commentary in the paper book. It was that good. Listening to his approach to writing this book brought it all together wonderfully.

The Validation I Needed To Hear

The deep honesty in his vulnerability is something that I hope catches on faster and bigger than the pandemic itself. What a remarkable human being and example to follow.

Beautiful Read on Every Level

Paper Orchestra's is made with careful craft that weaves it all together. The tone is liminal and graceful with each story while allowing for the differences in each story. The performance felt like truth and draws you in with empathy for all the awkwardness and joy we've all experienced. And the ssmall stories are gorgeous like cameos, carved from seashells, with every detail
is tiny but perfect. I loved the musical interludes that are lovely and graceful .

A great listen! Highly recomend!

Storytelling at its best

Such a touching collection of personal essays…put aside your preconceived notions of what a book should be and be in the moments. Enjoy the journey!

a great laugh

the short stories were filled with clever jokes and thoughtful insights. I would recommend this as a all time favorite!

Captivating!

A collection of personal essays, “A Paper Orchestra” is a fun, witty and, ultimately, deep reflection of one man’s personal journeys through life, loves and self-discovery. It’s his stories, but I felt a lot of my own reflected in them. I highly recommend it!