Catherine Newman, author of Sandwich, in conversation with Laura Zigman [06/27/24]

Porter Square Books is thrilled to welcome Catherine Newman for the release of her latest novel Sandwich! Laura Zigman will join Newman in conversation. This event will take place on Thursday, June 27 at 7pm at Porter Square Books (25 White St. Cambridge, MA 02140).

RSVP below to let us know you're coming and to receive event updates!

ABOUT SANDWICH

From the beloved author of We All Want Impossible Things, a moving, hilarious story of a family summer vacation full of secrets, lunch, and learning to let go.

For the past two decades, Rocky has looked forward to her family’s yearly escape to Cape Cod. Their humble beach-town rental has been the site of sweet memories, sunny days, great meals, and messes of all kinds: emotional, marital, and—thanks to the cottage’s ancient plumbing—septic too.

This year’s vacation, with Rocky sandwiched between her half-grown kids and fully aging parents, promises to be just as delightful as summers past—except, perhaps, for Rocky’s hormonal bouts of rage and melancholy. (Hello, menopause!) Her body is changing—her life is, too. And then a chain of events sends Rocky into the past, reliving both the tenderness and sorrow of a handful of long-ago summers.

It's one precious week: everything is in balance; everything is in flux. And when Rocky comes face to face with her family’s history and future, she is forced to accept that she can no longer hide her secrets from the people she loves.

PRAISE FOR NIGHT FLYER

"Sandwich is joy in book form. I laughed continuously, except for the parts that made me cry. Catherine Newman does a miraculous job reminding us of all the wonder there is to be found in life." — Ann Patchett, New York Times bestselling author of Tom Lake

“Newman imbues Rocky’s internal struggles with importance and gravity, all while showcasing her very funny observations about life and parenting. She examines motherhood with a raw honesty that few others manage—she remembers the hard parts, the depths of despair, panic, and anxiety that can happen with young children, and she also recounts the joy in a way that never feels saccharine. She has a gift for exploring the real, messy contradictions in human emotions . . . . A moving, hilarious reminder that parenthood, just like life, means constant change.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Newman . . . returns with a story about a woman coming to terms with life over 50. As her family gathers for the annual vacation on Cape Cod, Rocky is worn out by menopause and nostalgia . . . . she is within the sandwich generation, torn between past and present. Readers in this age group will relate to Rocky’s woes, and as the novel’s tone becomes more serious, they may identify with Rocky’s history as well. This is a quick yet moving read that will stay with readers long after the last page.” — Booklist (starred review)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine Newman is the author of the memoirs Catastrophic Happiness and Waiting for Birdy, the middle-grade novel One Mixed-Up Night, the kids’ craft book Stitch Camp, the best-selling how-to books for kids How to Be a Person and What Can I Say?, the novel We All Want Impossible Things, and the forthcoming novel Sandwich (Harper 2024). She has been a regular contributor to the New York Times, Real Simple, O, The Oprah Magazine, Cup of Jo, and many other publications. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Laura Zigman is the author of Separation Anxiety, Animal Husbandry, Dating Big Bird, Her, and Piece of Work. She has been a contributor to the New York Times and the Washington Post, and was the recipient of a Yaddo residency. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Event date:

Thursday, June 27, 2024 - 7:00pm

Event address:

Porter Square Books

25 White St.

Cambridge, MA 02140

RSVP Form:

RSVP to attend our event with Catherine Newman!

Catherine Newman, author of Sandwich, in conversation with Laura Zigman

Share this event

Sponsored events

Affordable Spanish Classes in Boston (in-person and online courses) | BASE