Sandwich
Sandwich ~ Catherine Newman
Rachel “Rocky” and her husband go on an annual vacation to Cape Cod with their 20-something children Jamie and Willa, along with Jamie’s girlfriend. Rocky’s parents visit. A vacation is had. A lot of sandwiches are eaten. Secrets are revealed.
Rocky is in what is called the Sandwich generation, between her elderly parents and her adult children. Knowing this, I expected the story to be a bit less about the children and a bit more about the parents, and was slightly disappointed about that. That is likely my only complaint about the book. I really enjoyed the meandering way the story unfolded, I liked Rocky and her pretty much perfect family. I don’t mean they are perfect in an ‘I hate those people, they’re too perfect’ fake way. I mean, I really liked all of the characters. I found myself relating to a lot of Rocky’s thoughts on menopause and aging. I don’t usually laugh out loud when reading/listening to a book, but I did a couple of times with this one. Recommended.
What’s with all the book reviews? I’m participating in NaBloPoMo this month, writing a post a day. I decided that I would write about the books that I have read this year. For more NaBloPoMo participants, check out San’s list.
22 Comments
Maya
Oh, finally a book I’ve read :)!
I adored this book, mostly because the easy, casual, loving relationship with her kids seemed like goals for those with adult kids. Also, I was really impressed with how much her kids cooked!
You’re right, the parents arrived late in the book, but they brought some laugh-out-loud lines…
J
I liked the parents, I guess I expected more drama from them aging and so on. Overall I really liked the book a lot. I’m glad I found one you have read!
Kyria @ Travel Spot
I have read this and it was a bit underwhelming to me. Of course, I prefer a book with a plot and this did not have one. It also reminded me of several other books about summer in Nantucket or thereabouts, and so I felt that it was nothing new.
J
That’s fair. It reminded me in some ways of Tom Lake, I don’t feel like a lot of things happened with that one either. More like, ‘time spent together, secrets come out…’
Jenny
Ah, another character driven novel! I’ve learned that they don’t work well for me. I know a lot of people liked this one though.
J
Yeah, I know a lot of people don’t care for character driven novels, so I try to call it out when I can. I don’t want to recommend a book people won’t like!
Ernie
I’ve not heard of this book. It sounds like a good book. I’ve never really paid attention to whether or not I like charachter driven books or not. I think I’m fine with them, because aside from super natural, sci-fi type books, I like most everything else.
J
Yes, I am with you. I like most genres, though I’m not into much sci-fi or mysteries, though sometimes a book comes along that challenges me on that. (Meaning, a sci-fi or mystery that I love).
Alexandra
Ha! Another book I’ve never heard of, or I should say, author … but then, that’s not unusual. There’s just so many books and so little time in which to read them all.
J
My book consumption has gone way up since I started listening to books. I get most of them through Libby, a library app where I can borrow a download. A few I buy. And some are even physical books, as shocking as that is.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
This is a book I’m currently having on hold at the library but have pushed forward because of our blogging frenzy and I just don’t have time. Now I’m wondering if it’s really a winter book or more Summer book. But I think I’m going to read it.
J
Maybe reading a book about summer vacation will make you feel warm in the cold winter months?
NGS
No, thanks. I’m reading a meandering book for book club right now and I’m resenting every second of it. WHY ISN’T ANYTHING HAPPENING? I literally texted that to someone in my book club yesterday in all caps.
J
Engie, LOL! I have felt that way before.
Margaret
It’s such an interesting premise and I’m definitely there in the sandwich generation. Getting squeezed.
J
Yeah, the one thing that surprised me about this book was I felt like she was going to be squeezed, and she really wasn’t. Mostly she just was in love with her children and adored her parents. A little bit of worry in there, but not a lot.
Nicole MacPherson
I absolutely loved that book, along with everything CN has ever written. She’s the whole reason I started a blog in the first place, back in 2008!
J
WHAT? That’s amazing. I have never read anything else from her.
Lisa's Yarns
I liked this book but I think I an not quite in the right stage to really appreciate it. I’m in the stage of life (parenting young kids) that she is nostalgic for… so while she’s missing cosleeping wiht her kids and being smothered by them, I’m more so just feeling smothered at times. But I did like it overall!
J
I remember that feeling! She’s so wistful for her children to be young, it’s sweet in a way.
Daria
Sandwich!!!!!! I blew through it over the weekend and loved it. I want Catherine Newman to be my friend :))
J
LOL, you and Nicole!