Picture an American storyteller who spins tales of family, friendship, and the messy beauty of life with a wit that’ll make you laugh through your tears—meet Catherine Newman! Born in 1968, this Amherst-based author has carved a niche with her heartfelt memoirs, children’s books, and novels that feel like a warm hug from a wise friend. From her breakout memoir to her latest bestseller, Newman’s work captures the universal in the everyday, making her a beloved voice in contemporary literature.
The Making of Catherine Newman
Born in New York City, Catherine Newman grew up in the Bronx, attending Fieldston High School before earning a degree from Amherst College in 1990 and a Ph.D. in Literature from UC Santa Cruz. Her early career in hospice care shaped her empathetic lens, while her love for Adrienne Rich’s poetry fueled her lyrical style. Newman began writing with a parenting blog, Ben and Birdy, which evolved into her first memoir, blending humor with raw honesty about motherhood.
Catherine Newman’s Unforgettable Stories
Newman’s writing is a tapestry of humor, heart, and keen observation, often exploring the chaos and joy of human relationships. Her memoir Waiting for Birdy: A Year of Frantic Tedium, Neurotic Angst, and the Wild Magic of Growing a Family (2005) earned rave reviews for its candid, laugh-out-loud take on parenting. Publishers Weekly called it “honest, tender, and funny.” Her second memoir, Catastrophic Happiness (2016), dives into the bittersweet years of raising tweens, balancing grief with joy in a voice Kirkus dubbed “benignly wacko.”
For adults, Newman’s novels shine. We All Want Impossible Things (2022), a New York Times notable book, follows best friends navigating hospice care with humor and heartbreak, earning praise for its “hilarious and warm” tone. Her 2024 bestseller Sandwich, set during a family vacation on Cape Cod, weaves menopause, aging parents, and family secrets into a poignant, funny narrative Ann Patchett called “joy in book form.” For kids, books like How to Be a Person (2020) and What Can I Say? (2022) offer practical, playful guides to life skills, cementing her versatility.
Why Catherine Newman Matters
Catherine Newman’s impact lies in her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, making readers feel seen in their struggles and joys. Her work resonates across generations, from parents nodding along to her memoirs to kids learning empathy through her guides. As a regular contributor to The New York Times and editor of the nonprofit kids’ cooking magazine ChopChop, she amplifies voices and fosters connection. Her blend of humor and compassion has made her a literary beacon for navigating life’s complexities.
About Catherine Newman
- Born: 1968, New York City
- Key Works: Waiting for Birdy, Catastrophic Happiness, We All Want Impossible Things, Sandwich
- Notable Role: Editor, ChopChop magazine
- Fun Fact: She’s an etiquette columnist for Real Simple!
Snag Sandwich or We All Want Impossible Things and dive into Catherine Newman’s warm, witty world—your heart will thank you!