“Catherine Newman sees the heartbreak and comedy of life with wisdom and unflinching compassion. The way she finds the extraordinary in the everyday is nothing short of poetry. She’s a writer’s writer—and a human’s human.” New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center_“A riotously funny and fiercely loyal love letter to female friendship. The story of Edi and Ash proves that a best friend is a gift from the gods. Newman turns her prodigious talents toward finding joy even in the friendship’s final days. I laughed while crying, and was left revived. Newman is a comic masterhand and a dazzling philosopher of the day-to-day.” Amity Gaige, author of Sea Wife_“The funniest, most joyful book about dying—and living—that I have ever read.”—KJ Dell'Antonia, author of the New York Times bestselling The Chicken Sisters_For lovers of Meg Wolitzer, Maria Semple, and Jenny Offill comes this raucous, poignant celebration of life, love, and friendship at its imperfect and radiant best. Edith and Ashley have been best friends for over forty-two years. They’ve shared the mundane and the momentous together: trick or treating and binge drinking; Gilligan’s Island reruns and REM concerts; hickeys and heartbreak; surprise Scottish wakes; marriages, infertility, and children. As Ash says, “Edi’s memory is like the back-up hard drive for mine.” But now the unthinkable has happened. Edi is dying of ovarian cancer and spending her last days at a hospice near Ash, who stumbles into heartbreak surrounded by her daughters, ex(ish) husband, dear friends, a poorly chosen lover (or two), and a rotating cast of beautifully, fleetingly human hospice characters. As The Fiddler on the Roof soundtrack blasts all day long from the room next door, Edi and Ash reminisce, hold on, and try to let go. Meanwhile, Ash struggles with being an imperfect friend, wife, and parent-with life, in other words, distilled to its heartbreaking, joyful, and comedic essence. For anyone who’s ever lost a friend or had one. Get ready to laugh through your tears.
A Moving and Honest Exploration of Loss and Friendship
Catherine Newman's debut novel, "We All Want Impossible Things," is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about love, loss, and the power of friendship in the face of death. The book follows the story of Ash, a woman whose life is turned upside down when her childhood best friend, Edi, is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Newman's writing is both raw and tender, capturing the complex emotions of grief and loss with stunning accuracy. She doesn't shy away from the difficult realities of Edi's illness, but she also manages to find moments of humor and joy amidst the darkness. This delicate balance is what makes the book so impactful and moving.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its portrayal of the relationship between Ash and Edi. Their friendship is deep and genuine, and it forms the heart of the story. Witnessing their connection unfold is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as we see them laugh together, reminisce about their past, and face the challenges of Edi's illness together.
In addition to Ash and Edi, the novel features a cast of well-developed supporting characters. Each person who enters Edi's life during her final days adds a unique perspective to the story, enriching the overall narrative. Whether it's Edi's quirky roommate, her supportive family, or the hospice workers who care for her, each character contributes to the emotional depth and richness of the story.
"We All Want Impossible Things" is not just a story about death and dying; it's also a story about life, love, and the human spirit's resilience. It's a reminder to cherish our loved ones, to live each day to the fullest, and to never give up hope, even in the face of the most impossible circumstances.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- The novel's narrative style is unique and engaging, alternating between Ash's present experiences and flashbacks to her past with Edi. This structure allows the reader to better understand both characters and the depth of their bond.
- The book deals with sensitive topics such as death and grief, but it does so in a sensitive and respectful manner. Newman's writing is never exploitative, and she always treats her characters with dignity and compassion.
- "We All Want Impossible Things" has been praised by critics and readers alike for its emotional honesty and powerful storytelling. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
If you are looking for a moving and thought-provoking read, I highly recommend "We All Want Impossible Things." It is a beautifully written novel that will touch your heart and make you appreciate the preciousness of life.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Catherine Newman, Author 
Author and Columnist
Catherine Newman, born in 1968, is a versatile American author known for her contributions to literature, especially in the realms of memoirs, novels, and children's books. Beyond her writing, she has made notable appearances in various publications and served as an editor for a kids' cooking magazine.
Biography:
- Catherine Newman attended Fieldston High School in the Bronx and graduated from Amherst College in 1990. She further pursued a Ph.D. in Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
- In addition to her literary pursuits, Newman has worked in hospice care, showcasing her diverse experiences and interests.
- She currently resides in Amherst, Massachusetts, with her family, embracing her Jewish heritage.
Writing Career:
- Newman's writing spans across genres, including memoirs, fiction, and children's books. Notable works include "Waiting for Birdy" (2005), a memoir that received acclaim for its honesty, tenderness, and humor. Her second memoir, "Catastrophic Happiness" (2016), explores finding joy in the messy years of childhood.
- Her adult fiction debut, "We All Want Impossible Things" (2022), delves into the poignant story of two friends, one battling ovarian cancer. The novel received praise for capturing the complexities of caregiving with warmth and humor.
- In the realm of children's literature, Newman co-wrote "Stitch Camp: 18 Crafty Projects for Kids & Tweens" (2017) and authored skill-building books such as "How to Be a Person" (2020) and "What Can I Say?" (2022), offering valuable social skills for young readers.
Editorial and Consulting Roles:
- Catherine Newman served as the etiquette columnist at Real Simple for a decade, showcasing her ability to balance wit and practical advice.
- She edits the non-profit kids' cooking magazine ChopChop, contributing to culinary education for children.
Reception and Recognition:
- Newman's works have received starred reviews from publications like Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, highlighting her ability to blend humor, honesty, and sentiment in her storytelling.
- "We All Want Impossible Things" was praised for its moving portrayal of caregiving, earning a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.
Personal Insights:
- Catherine Newman has been vocal about her favorite book, Adrienne Rich's "The Dream of a Common Language," reflecting her appreciation for literary works that delve into common human experiences.
Catherine Newman's rich and diverse body of work reflects her commitment to exploring the complexities of life, relationships, and personal growth through the lens of various literary genres.
About when I bought it, I struggled a little reading the first several chapters …. However, as I got further into the story , I truly began to appreciate the way the subject was being told , and how completely relatable the emotions were being depicted…. This is a Very Good, sincerely written, and touching little book. Glad to have read it !😊
A solid read/listen - especially if you've had experiences with loved ones passing.
