Sidney Karger takes us on the trip of a lifetime...plus a book giveaway

Credit: Josh Towvim

We're pleased to welcome Sidney Karger to CLC. His sophomore novel, The Bump, released this week. It sounds like a whole lot of fun, and we are loving the cover. Thanks to Berkley, we have one copy to give away!

Sidney Karger is an award-winning screenwriter for film and television. He is a former writer/director with Comedy Central, MTV and AMC, among other networks, and contributing writer for Saturday Night Live, Billy On The Street, and McSweeney's. He currently lives in New York City with his partner and their Australian Labradoodle, Zelda. Visit Sidney at his website, and on Twitter and Instagram.

Synopsis:

Wyatt Wallace is a practical, super organized director of TV commercials. Biz Petterelli is a child-actor-turned-magazine-writer who thrives on spontaneity. Though polar opposites, they are fully committed to their relationship and their life in Brooklyn with their dog, Matilda. They’re also about to have a baby together.

And they’re freaking out.

They’ve both dreamed of becoming parents, but now that it’s happening, they’re doubting everything. Their baby is due in a few weeks and instead of flying to California just before the birth as planned, Biz has a better idea. They could use one last hurrah, along with some serious “us-time” to mend the issues they’ve been having lately—before they get tied down by fatherhood and its impending responsibilities. So the daddies-to-be load up their 1992 Volkswagen Cabriolet and embark on an epic cross-country babymoon. They attempt to recharge at the beach in Provincetown, stumble through their impromptu baby shower in Chicago, and endure a Star Wars-themed wedding in Colorado before heading west for the baby.

 

But when they take several unexpected detours, old wounds are reopened and secrets spill out that could change their relationship for better or for worse, forcing the couple to reexamine the meaning of family while building their own. After all, what’s a road trip without a few bumps along the way? (Courtesy of Amazon.)

"With a fresh mix of Little Miss Sunshine and Planes, Trains and Automobiles, The Bump takes us on a laugh-out-loud and moving adventure. Wyatt and Biz are such vivid, relatable characters to root for as they navigate love and family with tears and hilarity. It's another sweet book from Sid and I didn't want this fun ride to end!"

—Molly Shannon, New York Times bestselling author, comedian, and actress

"The Bump is a journey. And like the best road trip novels it's an exploration of destinations beyond its characters' itinerary. Karger gives us a tender and humorous look at the evolving nature of gay relationships in an era of marriage equality and family. Fans of Best Men will welcome this follow-up."

—New York Times bestselling author Steven Rowley

“Filled with laughter and love, the hysterical Sidney Karger does it again, giving us Wyatt and Biz on their bumpy cross country adventure to start the family they have always wanted. A gem! Perfect for fans of Steven Rowley!”

—Jane L. Rosen, author of Nine Women, One Dress

What is something you learned from writing Best Men that you applied to The Bump?
I kind of knew this before writing both books but it really hit home when writing The Bump and that lesson is don’t be precious with your writing. No matter what draft I’m on, I’m never afraid to throw things out and start over. Having this rule under my belt is liberating and always allows me to keep my writing fresh and crisp. While writing The Bump, I went through several drafts experimenting with different ways into the characters and story until I felt like it was working. Starting over is your friend!
 
What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
My favorite compliment is when I hear my writing has made someone laugh out loud or cry. To make someone openly emotional with words feels like such an accomplishment. One reader said they were annoying their partner in bed at night while they were reading Best Men because they were laughing out loud so much. That’s the highest compliment. It also makes me so happy when readers thank me for writing a book they so deeply connect to with characters that make them feel seen.
 
If The Bump were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
Jake Gyllenhaal as Wyatt and Ryan Gosling as Biz. Is that asking too much?
 
What is the last book you read that you would recommend?
I keep recommending Yellowface by R.F. Kuang to everyone who will listen. After writing two rom-coms back to back, I wanted to read something dramatic, a little darker and thrilling and this book really delivers on every level. It’s a wickedly satirical story about the book world and what lengths people go to in order to become an author. I couldn’t put it down.
 
If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it? 
I love this question. Maybe someone like Brian Cox who could really give the story of my life some much needed gravitas and the occasional witty wink. Or someone surprising like Meryl Streep could narrate. Mrs. Streep could do various accents depending on her mood and then win all of the audiobook awards.
 
What is your favorite summertime activity?
Swimming! My parents taught me how to swim at a very early age so I turn into a fish whenever I hit the water and I never want to leave. Also, summer never feels complete unless we make s’mores over an open fire at least once. Swimming and s’mores is the perfect summer day.

Thanks to Sidney for chatting with us and Berkley for sharing his book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends May 28th at midnight EST.

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