A Paper Orchestra

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; breaks up with a woman because she can't stop saying "just kidding"; gets caught lying during a Hollywood power meeting; takes advantage of the pandemic lockdown to repair his relationship with his daughters.

An audaciously funny yet achingly poignant memoir, 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

"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

"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

"Brisk, engaging storytelling and dialogue…. A Paper Orchestra offers as many heart-tugging moments as laughs."

—BookLife 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 

"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

"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

"An honest, sometimes excruciatingly so, collection of personal essays, which is also incredibly witty and made this reader laugh out loud."

—Reedsy

"Along with being laugh-out-loud funny, the stories are keenly observed and, just when you least expect it, achingly honest."

—Air Mail Weekly