Catherine Newman’s Sandwich is a heartfelt and engaging novel that beautifully captures the essence of family life, middle age, and the changes that cCatherine Newman’s Sandwich is a heartfelt and engaging novel that beautifully captures the essence of family life, middle age, and the changes that come with time. Set during a summer vacation in Cape Cod, the story delves into the complexities of being caught between aging parents and growing children, with plenty of humor and heart.
The protagonist, Rocky, always looks forward to the family’s annual beach retreat. This year, though, she’s dealing with menopause, her half-grown kids, and her aging parents. As she navigates these changes, memories from past summers resurface, filled with both joy and sadness. Rocky must face her family’s history and the future, learning to let go and embrace the present.
Newman’s writing shines in this charming slice-of-life novel. The characters are wonderfully flawed and deeply human, each dealing with their own issues while holding on to the love that binds them. Rocky’s journey, especially her hormonal ups and downs, is depicted with humor and empathy, making her a relatable and endearing character.
The Cape Cod setting adds a nostalgic element to the story. Newman’s descriptions of the beach, the cottage, and the family’s traditions create a vivid backdrop. The theme of food, particularly Rocky’s delicious sandwiches, symbolizes the nurturing and care she provides for her family, despite her own struggles.
Sandwich is more than just a family vacation story; it’s a deep exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. The book balances humor and heartache, capturing the messy, beautiful reality of family life. It’s a novel that will resonate deeply with readers, especially those navigating similar life stages.
For those who enjoy character-driven stories about family dynamics, Sandwich is a must-read. It’s a gorgeous little book that offers wisdom, warmth, and a generous dose of reality. While it’s already a touching read, it’s likely to resonate even more as readers enter motherhood or middle age, making it a timeless addition to any bookshelf.
Thank you to Harper and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this lovely novel. Sandwich is set to be published on June 18, 2024, and is sure to be a favorite among fans of contemporary and literary fiction....more
Elyssa Friedland’s "Jackpot Summer" offers a humorous and heartfelt exploration of what happens when a dysfunctional family suddenly finds itself wealElyssa Friedland’s "Jackpot Summer" offers a humorous and heartfelt exploration of what happens when a dysfunctional family suddenly finds itself wealthy. The story revolves around the four Jacobson siblings who, despite being raised to respect the value of a dollar, find their lives in financial and personal disarray.
As the siblings reunite to pack up their Jersey Shore childhood home following their beloved mother's death, they each bring their own drama. Matthew is struggling with his corporate law job and distant relationship with his son, Laura's marriage is falling apart, Sophie’s art career is stagnant while her boyfriend's career is on the rise, and Noah is still living at home doing tech repair gigs. When they pool their money to buy a Powerball ticket and actually win, the unexpected cash brings more problems than solutions, exposing deep-seated family issues and rivalries.
Friedland’s portrayal of the Jacobson family is both relatable and entertaining, as each sibling's journey reveals the pitfalls of sudden wealth. The dynamics among the siblings are well-drawn, with moments of humor and heartbreak as they navigate their new reality. The character development is solid, though some readers might find certain arcs a bit predictable.
The setting, primarily at the Jersey Shore, adds a nostalgic touch that complements the themes of family and memory. The narrative's pacing keeps the reader engaged, though there are moments where the story drags slightly, making it feel longer than necessary.
Overall, "Jackpot Summer" is a light, enjoyable read that delves into the complexities of family relationships and the age-old adage that money can’t buy happiness. It’s perfect for fans of contemporary family dramas looking for a mix of humor and heart. I struggled to feel invested, but you might love these characters! I'd recommend for a breezy, summery read you aren't expecting too much from.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
“I am a reader. I am intelligent. I have something worthy to contribute.”
Monica Wood's "How to Read a Book" is a charming and heartfelt novel about se“I am a reader. I am intelligent. I have something worthy to contribute.”
Monica Wood's "How to Read a Book" is a charming and heartfelt novel about second chances, unlikely friendships, and the transformative power of books. The story follows three central characters whose lives intersect in surprising ways, all centered around a bookstore in Portland, Maine.
Violet Powell is a 22-year-old woman freshly released from prison after serving time for a drunk-driving crash that killed a local kindergarten teacher. Struggling with guilt and isolation, Violet seeks solace in the familiar comfort of books, specifically trying to finish a novel she started in the prison book club.
Harriet Larson, a retired English teacher who runs that very book club, faces the emptiness of her own life with her niece moving out. Harriet's passion for books and helping others gives her life purpose, even as she grapples with her own regrets and the feeling of being undervalued.
Frank Daigle, a retired machinist and handyman at the bookstore, is still dealing with the loss of his wife—the very woman Violet killed. Meeting Violet and Harriet sets off a chain of events that force him to confront his grief and seek new meaning in his life.
The novel is beautifully written, with Wood's trademark insight into human emotions and relationships. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each grappling with their pasts and seeking redemption in their own ways. The narrative shifts between their perspectives, weaving a compelling story of forgiveness, self-acceptance, and the power of literature to heal and inspire.
However, for me, the book was almost too sweet at times. The story leans heavily into its heartwarming themes, which, while touching, occasionally felt a bit saccharine. Despite this, the book club scenes and the discussions about the books the characters read add depth and richness to the narrative, highlighting how literature can foster empathy and understanding.
Overall, "How to Read a Book" is a moving and hopeful story that will resonate with readers who appreciate tales of personal growth and the impact of books on our lives. It left me with a smile and a sense of optimism, even if it was a tad too sentimental for my taste. 3.75 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to Mariner Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own....more
"Long After We Are Gone" by Terah Shelton Harris presents a compelling exploration of family, secrets, and personal struggles. The story centers on th"Long After We Are Gone" by Terah Shelton Harris presents a compelling exploration of family, secrets, and personal struggles. The story centers on the Solomon siblings, who return to their ancestral home in North Carolina after their father's death to save their family's legacy from a development company.
The positives: The narrative has excellent character development, offering a rich portrayal of each sibling's life. Junior, secretly in love with another man despite being married to a woman; Mance, struggling with his temper and criminal past as he tries to be better for his newborn baby; CeCe, a lawyer who has dug herself into a hole with seemingly no way out; and Tokey, feeling out of place and filling the void with harmful behaviors. These complex characters provide depth and emotional resonance, making their individual and collective journeys engaging. While they aren't particularly likable, they are well-drawn and I had a great understanding of each.
However, the novel has, in my opinion, significant drawbacks. One major issue is the overabundance of seemingly unnecessary sex scenes. I am by no means a prude, but these moments often feel out of place and do not contribute to the advancement of the plot, instead distracting from the central narrative. Additionally, the pacing suffers in the last 30% of the book, where the plot goes off the rails, losing focus and coherence as it delves into increasingly dramatic and convoluted developments. This shift detracts from the fairly strong foundation laid earlier in the novel and leaves the reader feeling disconnected from the story's resolution. The story also spends a considerable amount of time detailing the characters' personal issues, which were intriguing, but majorly neglected the central plot—the fight to save their home. This imbalance makes the narrative feel sluggish, especially in the last third of the book, where the plot seems to lose momentum. I struggled to care about how the story would resolve.
Despite these flaws, the book does shed light on important topics, such as intergenerational trauma, family expectations, and the fight to preserve one's heritage. The portrayal of heir property and the challenges faced by the Solomon family in protecting their land is both educational and moving.
Overall, while "Long After We Are Gone" excels in character depth and emotional storytelling, its excessive focus on irrelevant sexual content and a plot that spirals out of control in the final sections undermine its potential. It remains a worthwhile read for those who appreciate intricate family dramas but may disappoint readers seeking a more consistent and focused narrative. This was not for me, but there are readers I think this can and will work for.
Thank you to Terah Shelton Harris, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
Thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Natalie Sue for the Advance Review Copy in exchange for my honest review.
Oh no... It's happened. I just read Thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Natalie Sue for the Advance Review Copy in exchange for my honest review.
Oh no... It's happened. I just read my favorite book of the year. What a sucker-punch. From the description, I had no idea that this book would make me feel so much, but by the end I was openly weeping. Pretty sure that's my first book-related cry of 2024? I really, really loved Jolene, Cliff, Rhonda, Armin, Miley... these characters totally took over my heart. What a beautiful portrait of isolation and anxiety (and over-reliance on alcohol) and trauma and grief, somehow coupled with humor and maybe the kindest love interest in a story I've ever read. This was such a joy and I'm going to be thinking about it for a long, long time....more
reading this book and thinking about the way my taste has evolved over the last several years really makes… a ton of sense. 4.5 stars, holds up for sureading this book and thinking about the way my taste has evolved over the last several years really makes… a ton of sense. 4.5 stars, holds up for sure. ...more
man. what? how do you even begin to find empathy for jen, an entirely unsympathetic character in every way. this book was not written by or for progreman. what? how do you even begin to find empathy for jen, an entirely unsympathetic character in every way. this book was not written by or for progressives and was so heavy-handed i thought my arm would break. entirely disappointing in every way. ...more
Loading...
