Many new books are hitting store shelves and becoming available for online shipping today, but only one book dares to publish the essays, stories and scripts that no one else wanted. That book, naturally, is called "Rejected: Tales of the Failed, Dumped & Canceled," and it's edited by comedian Jon Friedman, who has hosted a monthly Rejection Show of written and broadcasted performances in New York City for some time now (read: I'm not sure how long, but long enough to turn it into a book). Friedman has even more reasons to celebrate this week, as he just started a new job as a writer/blogger for NBC's upcoming Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. So tonight's free book release party at The Bell House in Brooklyn's Gowanus neighborhood should be quite the hoot, with live performances from book contributors David Wain, David Rees, Mike Albo, Dave Hill, Todd Levin, Odd Todd, Sara Schaefer, Tom McCaffrey, Katina Corrao, plus live music from Rejection Show house band The Defibulators and Adira Amram.
UPDATED! This just in from Friedman via email: "My dad is doing a duet with Adira Amram. Also, free cupcakes."
Videos and book info after the jump.
I don't have my hands on the book just yet, but I can show you this short promotional video Friedman put together for it, plus link to an interview he did with Back Stage.
Of course, as it turns out, I probably won't be able to make tonight's book release party because my comedy dance card is already booked. Please don't look at this as a rejection, though. I've been to plenty of Rejection Shows since moving to New York City and they're always a delight.