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. Bruce Ferber is an Emmy-nominated writer, and his talent shines in his first novel. Elevating Overman is a brilliantly written novel with a cast of full-bodied characters that are so ridiculous, they come across as truly authentic. -- San Francisco Book Review ...Frailty abounds in this searing examination of our lesser selves. With hints of Philip Roth, the cultural byplay will bring out the self-hatred in us all - and turn it on its head. Elevating Overman deserves a place in the Jewish-American canon. --Roy Teicher, former Tonight Show writer, LA Times columnist. Ira Overman knew his world was narrow and petty, but after a dramatic Lasik surgery, he sensed "it was about to become narrow and petty in bold new ways." It's well worth going along with him for the ride. Elevating Overman is funny, sad, and very, very engaging. -- Charlie Hauck, author, Artistic Differences. "If Woody Allen, SJ Perelman, and Philip Roth had a son...that son and his three fathers would love this book! A great read! Outrageous, funny, sad, and wildly original!" --Billy Van Zandt, TV writer-producer, playwright "Bruce Ferber has come out of the gate with balls...Loaded with laughs, Elevating Overman makes you read late into the night when you have a court appearance the next morning...funny, sexy, and utterly original." --Dwight Slade, standup comedian, Winner Boston Comedy Festival Elevating Overman is about a middle-aged Jewish guy who gets a second chance in life. It is what he does with this second chance that "elevates" Overman. Now unlike Ira Overman, I am a Gentile. But like Ira Overman, I was given the gift of a second chance and elevate me, it did! My second chance in life gave me the opportunity to befriend the author. Bruce Ferber was our head writer on Home Improvement, and albeit a short man, he is a very clever, insightful and funny fellow indeed. That alone gives me the confidence to say, "Congratulations, Bruce -- you've done it again." -- Tim Allen , actor, author and comic------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In Elevating Overman , Bruce Ferber has achieved the highly unusual -- a first novel that glows with sharp, but unpredictable insight. Ira Overman confidently joins a long literary line of middle-aged anti-heroes who have been knocked down and have to learn how to walk all over again. But before Overman can learn to walk, he must attempt to fly. And see through women's clothes all the way to their souls. And travel through time. Ferber's triumph is that it's funny because it's true. -- Neal Marlens , creator, The Wonder Years Used Book in Good Condition