Wreck

The New York Times bestseller by the beloved author Catherine Newman, known for works like "We All Want Impossible Things" and "Sandwich," has received high praise for its charm and wit. Marian Keyes admires Newman's writing for its cleverness and comforting nature, describing it as a much-needed antidote for challenging times. Alison Espach, author of "The Wedding People," likens the book to a heart-to-heart with a friend who embraces your flaws. Nussaibah Younis, author of "Fundamentally," and a starred review by Kirkus Reviews, highlight the book's humor and poignant exploration of life's fragility.In "Wreck," we meet the quirky and relatable family of Rocky, Nick, Willa, and Jamie. Rocky has an interesting approach to potential disasters, assessing them with three possibilities: "This could happen to us," "This couldn’t happen to us," and a secret third slot, "This could happen to us unless I am very careful/superstitious/grateful…” The story takes a turn when Jamie's former classmate dies unexpectedly, prompting Rocky to become engrossed in the implications while dealing with her persistent medical issue. Despite these challenges, she remains the vibrant spirit of her family. Her father is uniquely outspoken, her daughter, Willa, struggles with existential dread, and her husband, Nick, is logical yet occasionally exasperating. The book probes whether it's truly safe to love when accidents are inevitable.The narrative of "Wreck" is both comedic and deeply moving, encapsulating the rollercoaster year in the life of Rocky and her family. Praises for Newman's previous works, "Sandwich" and "We All Want Impossible Things," are equally enthusiastic. Marian Keyes compares her style to a blend of Nora Ephron's humor and a hospice memoir’s tenderness. Fearne Cotton regards "Sandwich" as one of the funniest books, while Rachel Joyce and Bonnie Garmus commend Newman's ability to blend humor with profound emotion. Ann Patchett celebrates "Sandwich" as a joyful experience that balances laughter and poignant moments, highlighting the wonder of life. Newman's gift for portraying complex emotions in an insightful and eloquent manner is acknowledged across reviews, affirming her position as a master of her craft.