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Elevating Overman
ELEVATING OVERMAN is a funny and painful story of redemption that explores the complex ramifications of what it means to get a second chance. The novel follows the journey of Ira Overman, veteran of multiple botched careers and a singularly botched marriage, as he makes one last attempt to rise above the guilt, weakness, and self-hatred that have been hard-wired into his soul since birth. Through an unlikely side effect from a seemingly routine surgery, Overman suddenly finds himself trying to reconcile newfound powers with the man he used to be, determined not to repeat the poor choices of his past. Overman succeeds at righting some of his former wrongs, fails miserably at others, but, most importantly, gains a small yet significant window into a life that matters.
318 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2012
10 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Ferber
10 books22 followersBruce Ferber is an Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated comedy writer and producer whose credits include Bosom Buddies, Growing Pains, Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, Coach, and Home Improvement, where he served as Executive Producer and showrunner. In addition to being recognized by the Television Academy, his work has received the People’s Choice, Kid’s Choice and Environmental Media Awards. Ferber lives in Southern California, with his wife, children, large dog, and assorted musical instruments.
Elevating Overman is his first novel.
Elevating Overman is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 16, 2012
This book was funny if you like dry sarcastic humor. Ira Overman is an ordinary 55 yr. old divorced Jewish car salesman whose life starts to become exciting after having Lasik surgery. As a presumed super-hero, he sets out to right a past wrong, rekindle relationships with estranged family members, and brings his best friend's family back together. Really liked it.
August 31, 2015
It's funny. Really. I wouldn't lie to you.
September 4, 2012
*** Thanks to the author for providing the book to be reviewed
Thanks to the unexpected effects from an ordinary surgery, Ira Overman gets a second chance at life, discovering "powers" within himself that he never knew he had. It has a well executed plot, is well written, and personally, I found the novel to be pretty funny, although some scenes were more crude than what I am used to. If you enjoy a more dry, sarcastic sense of humor (like I do), then this is a book for you to read. The language is direct and to the point, simple and easy to read, which allows the novel to progress at a nice pace, though I think the writing is marketed toward an audience with a specific type of sense of humor.
I was initially wary there was a chance that the premise of getting a second chance at life and revisiting the past would be written in an obvious way--that Ira Overman would literally receive a second chance at life, or that it would be like the Christmas Carol where a scrooge-esque character shows Overman what life could be like. As it turns out this book is not like that at all. In short, I had no idea what to expect and found myself pleasantly surprised and constantly amused. All of it is very subtle: the new life, the new attitude, the encountering and correction of past mistakes, such that I did not recognize his newfound powers and his path of redemption as such right away. It is well disguised in a manner that makes sense. There are references and terminology from the Jewish culture, however, that I am not familiar with, which impeded the flow of the writing at certain times. But overall, it was not a problem and it didn't take away from the story.
The main character is not your typical fifty-five year old stuck in a mid-life crisis. Instead of feeling like he has lost everything in his middle age, instead he is faced with the opportunity to gain everything. The best way to describe Ira Overman is that he is the middle-aged, ordinary superhero. As it turns out, the comparisons that the novel makes between Ira Overman and the comic book greats are not that far-fetched and the characters in the novel justify it in a way in which the reader can accept Overman as a superhero character. He doesn't necessarily acquire supernatural powers, though in one scene, he describes being able to split Los Angeles traffic, which is basically a superpower. But the overarching superhero theme is an interesting spin to the "elevated Overman" and it holds its relevance throughout the course of the novel. I found him to be a very likable character. Even though he is a fifty-five year old Jewish man, some of the things he experiences are relateable to many people at any stage in life, and that is a characteristic that author Bruce Ferber was able to implement well. As for the other characters, each had a very distinct personality and were full of character. The best friend from childhood, the ex-wife, the crazy boss, and the friends/classmates from the past, and more all make an appearance in this novel. It's fun, it's believable, and the entire novel plays with a very interesting question:
What would you do if you had a second chance at life?
Elevating Overman is a warming story about self-reflection and getting the chance to start with a clean slate. Funnily written, and light hearted, I would recommend this book, particularly if sarcasm fits within the realm of your sense of humor. Ultimately, it is a story that tells us that we have the power within ourselves to get what we want out of our lives and make the best of it.
***
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the unexpected effects from an ordinary surgery, Ira Overman gets a second chance at life, discovering "powers" within himself that he never knew he had. It has a well executed plot, is well written, and personally, I found the novel to be pretty funny, although some scenes were more crude than what I am used to. If you enjoy a more dry, sarcastic sense of humor (like I do), then this is a book for you to read. The language is direct and to the point, simple and easy to read, which allows the novel to progress at a nice pace, though I think the writing is marketed toward an audience with a specific type of sense of humor.
I was initially wary there was a chance that the premise of getting a second chance at life and revisiting the past would be written in an obvious way--that Ira Overman would literally receive a second chance at life, or that it would be like the Christmas Carol where a scrooge-esque character shows Overman what life could be like. As it turns out this book is not like that at all. In short, I had no idea what to expect and found myself pleasantly surprised and constantly amused. All of it is very subtle: the new life, the new attitude, the encountering and correction of past mistakes, such that I did not recognize his newfound powers and his path of redemption as such right away. It is well disguised in a manner that makes sense. There are references and terminology from the Jewish culture, however, that I am not familiar with, which impeded the flow of the writing at certain times. But overall, it was not a problem and it didn't take away from the story.
The main character is not your typical fifty-five year old stuck in a mid-life crisis. Instead of feeling like he has lost everything in his middle age, instead he is faced with the opportunity to gain everything. The best way to describe Ira Overman is that he is the middle-aged, ordinary superhero. As it turns out, the comparisons that the novel makes between Ira Overman and the comic book greats are not that far-fetched and the characters in the novel justify it in a way in which the reader can accept Overman as a superhero character. He doesn't necessarily acquire supernatural powers, though in one scene, he describes being able to split Los Angeles traffic, which is basically a superpower. But the overarching superhero theme is an interesting spin to the "elevated Overman" and it holds its relevance throughout the course of the novel. I found him to be a very likable character. Even though he is a fifty-five year old Jewish man, some of the things he experiences are relateable to many people at any stage in life, and that is a characteristic that author Bruce Ferber was able to implement well. As for the other characters, each had a very distinct personality and were full of character. The best friend from childhood, the ex-wife, the crazy boss, and the friends/classmates from the past, and more all make an appearance in this novel. It's fun, it's believable, and the entire novel plays with a very interesting question:
What would you do if you had a second chance at life?
Elevating Overman is a warming story about self-reflection and getting the chance to start with a clean slate. Funnily written, and light hearted, I would recommend this book, particularly if sarcasm fits within the realm of your sense of humor. Ultimately, it is a story that tells us that we have the power within ourselves to get what we want out of our lives and make the best of it.
***
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2012
Armed with a coupon from the Pennysaver, Ira Overman - despite his astigmatism and family history of glaucoma - haggles with a surgeon over the cost per eye for Lasik surgery. You can't make this stuff up. Oh, wait a minute! Yes, you can. In fact Bruce Ferber has in his absolutely delightful novel Elevating Overman. And he's done better, drawing a story of a man who starts out believing he's a "miserable soul" and that life doesn't hold anything better for him, only to find that he has the power to bring reconciliation into the lives of people he loves. You don't get more elevated than that. Ferber's writing style flows like a fast moving river, bringing the reader along for the ride with a giggle or at least a broad smile for every page. A worthwhile story of humanity in a fun, fun package.
August 20, 2012
It took a little while for me to really get into this book, but then I did, and I enjoyed it. It was a freebie for awhile, which is when I got it, and I don't know if I would have enjoyed it as much at full price, but definitely worth it on sale.
At first I didn't love the characters, I think, was the problem, but then I met a few that I really did like a lot, and Overman himself grew on me, and I enjoyed watching his life transform (and because I've run across way too many freebies that turn out to be religious books, I'll say that this change was NOT that kind and that people swear and, well, much more).
At first I didn't love the characters, I think, was the problem, but then I met a few that I really did like a lot, and Overman himself grew on me, and I enjoyed watching his life transform (and because I've run across way too many freebies that turn out to be religious books, I'll say that this change was NOT that kind and that people swear and, well, much more).
July 17, 2015
I loved this book. I picked it up because I knew Bruce as a showrunner on "Sabrina The Teenage Witch". Elevating Overman is a terrific read. This book follows the tradition of great humorists like SJ Perlman and Chris Moore who are so rare to find.
A wonderful premise about the loser schlub who starts having good things happen to him. The book manages to be crazy, dark and satirical and carry a positive life affirming message to boot. Whats not to like?
A wonderful premise about the loser schlub who starts having good things happen to him. The book manages to be crazy, dark and satirical and carry a positive life affirming message to boot. Whats not to like?
May 4, 2015
Very well written. Keeps your interest and not predictable. At some points in the story it struck me about what an odd story it is, one that I would not want to try to explain to someone who asks what I am reading. But overall very good, very enjoyable. I would recommend that you read it if the summary sounds interesting to you. I don't give 5 stars to very many books, but this one deserves it.
June 24, 2012
This book evokes so many emotions which is surprising to me as I know Bruce Ferber for his comedy writing. I loved this novel. I would recommend it to everyone. I sympathized with the main character;yet, I could see his many flaws. Just a really good read.
April 10, 2015
A Heartening Tale of People
Humorous tale of people's effects on each other from childhood to late middle-age - including personalities, motivations, marriages, parent-child relationships. Beneath the humorous surface is a deeper meaningful message as well.
Humorous tale of people's effects on each other from childhood to late middle-age - including personalities, motivations, marriages, parent-child relationships. Beneath the humorous surface is a deeper meaningful message as well.
September 2, 2015
Not the type of book I usually read, but enjoyed it. Amazing for a first time novel. Ferber's vocabulary is impressive and his dialogue is realistic. Would make for a hilarious movie starring Albert Brooks.
April 20, 2015
Fun
I enjoyed this read very much. Made me cry and laugh, think and reflect on my own life my own super powers we all have in one form or another
I enjoyed this read very much. Made me cry and laugh, think and reflect on my own life my own super powers we all have in one form or another
February 25, 2020
This book was ridiculous, but in a reasonable sort of way. By the time I realized how weird things had gotten it was too late; I was already entertained.
January 25, 2017
This book is funny and has many true-to-life lessons. The main character gets a second chance at life, aided by unexpected "super-powers" that he acquires as a side effect of Lasik eye surgery. But it's what he does with his new-found skills that makes the book particularly meaningful: he rights wrongs, restores relationships, and rises above his previously mundane life. A fun and worthwhile read.
August 28, 2012
Ira Overman is a born loser; life is just humdrum; his best friend beats him at tennis; he’s has little or no relationship with is kids and life just sucks. He decides to get Lasik surgery and after negotiating a price with the doctor, he finds that he may have superpowers. And the world changes as he tries to make life right.
Starts out slow, and Overman is not really a likeable character. His friend and soon to be sidekick Jake Rosenfarb is certainly not likeable. It is an interesting concept and it is fun to watch how Overman deals with his superpowers and trying to right the wrongs and make life not only for himself but others around him better. I didn’t find it hysterical as other readers have.
Starts out slow, and Overman is not really a likeable character. His friend and soon to be sidekick Jake Rosenfarb is certainly not likeable. It is an interesting concept and it is fun to watch how Overman deals with his superpowers and trying to right the wrongs and make life not only for himself but others around him better. I didn’t find it hysterical as other readers have.
July 5, 2012
I really can't decide if I loved it or hated it....
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews