PBS Books invites audiences to a special Author Talk featuring New York Times bestselling author Catherine Newman, presented as part of the PBS Books Caregiving Initiative. Hosted by Heather-Marie Montilla, National Director of PBS Books, alongside Juliane Morian, Library Director at Rochester Hills Public Library, this live conversation will explore Newman’s novels Sandwich and Wreck—two deeply resonant stories that reflect the humor, tenderness, and emotional complexity of caring for others and navigating family life.
Newman’s work is celebrated for its ability to illuminate the everyday moments that shape our lives, blending warmth, wit, and honesty. During this conversation, she will discuss how Sandwich and Wreck examine the evolving dynamics of family, responsibility, and love, and how storytelling can offer comfort, recognition, and connection for caregivers at every stage of life.
The PBS Books Caregiving Initiative shines a light on the many aspects of caregiving. This program acknowledges that nearly everyone will be, has been, or is currently a caregiver, and aims to foster understanding, empathy, and support through shared stories and meaningful dialogue.
Support for the PBS Books Caregiving Initiative is provided by the generous support of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, and AARP Michigan, with additional support from The Library Network and Rochester Hills Public Library.
About the Books
SANDWICH: A Novel
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.
WRECK: A Novel
Following the success of her New York Times bestseller, Sandwich, Catherine Newman returns with her eagerly anticipated novel, WRECK a story filled with humor, heart, and the complicated truths about family, marriage, and the unexpected twists of life.
WRECK reunites readers with Rocky and her wonderfully quirky family two years after their Cape Cod vacation. Now living in Western Massachusetts, Rocky navigates the chaos of adult children moving back home, the daily complexities of marriage, and her father moving in under her roof. Everything seems ordinary until a local accident and a medical scare turn her world on its side.
With Newman’s signature wit and wisdom, WRECK masterfully portrays the challenges and joys of family while exploring the unspoken rules of relationships and self-discovery. J. Courtney Sullivan describes the novel as “a delight” with prose that’s “laugh-out-loud funny” and “profound.” Alison Espach praises it as “the kind of book that pulls up a chair, pours the wine, and dives deep—equal parts hilarious, sharp, and achingly sincere.” Perfect for fans of warm, witty, and deeply relatable storytelling, WRECK captures the humor and heartbreak of everyday life with unforgettable charm and wisdom.
About the Author
Catherine Newman
Catherine Newman is the New York Times bestselling 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? and the novels We All Want Impossible Things, Sandwich, and Wreck. 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 writes Crone Sandwich on Substack and lives in Amherst, Massachusetts.
About the Hosts
Heather-Marie Montilla
Heather-Marie Montilla, a dynamic integrative leader, is an educator and nonprofit manager. She has worked in the nonprofit sector and libraries for over two decades, making a positive impact in arts, cultural, educational, and community-building arenas.
Having joined the PBS Books team as their Library Bureau Chief in Fall 2018, Montilla is now the National Director of PBS Books and has interviewed more than 150 writers. In addition, she is a faculty member at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University for their Arts and Cultural/Entertainment Management Programs. Having been an Executive Director for 8 years, Heather has a wide range of experience in management, finance, strategic planning, marketing, and fundraising. Heather holds a MPA From Columbia University, a MLIS from Wayne State University, and a bachelor’s from Duke University. She lives in Chicagoland, and is married with four children, a dog, and a bird.
Juliane Morian
Juliane Morian is the Library Director at Rochester Hills Public Library.
