The author and screenwriter Andrew Kaufman discusses his new novel, Born Weird (Random House, 2012), with Joseph Planta.

Born Weird by Andrew Kaufman (Random House, 2012). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Born Weird

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver at TheCommentary.ca.

Andrew Kaufman, the author of four novels and one short story collection joins me now to talk about his latest, Born Weird. The Weird family has five grandchildren, and each of them has been cursed by their grandmother. They call it ‘blursed,’ which is an amalgam of blessing and curse. Richard always keeps safe, Abba always has hope, Lucy is never lost, Kent can beat anyone in a fight, and Angie, she forgives instantly. These blessings end up ruining their lives, and now that their grandmother Annie is dying—she knows the date and time on which she’ll pass on—she wants them all to assemble before her so she can lift these curses. What follows is a journey across the country to her deathbed. It’s described as funny, quirky, hopeful and imaginative. It’s been compared to the worlds depicted in the films of Wes Anderson. Andrew Kaufman’s previous books include All My Friends Are Superheroes, The Tiny Wife, and The Waterproof Bible. He was born in Wingham, Ontario and is its second-best writer. He is a screenwriter as well. Visit www.severalmomentslater.com for more. Born Weird is published by Random House. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, in Vancouver today, Andrew Kaufman; Mr. Kaufman, good morning.

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