Wreck, Catherine Newman (Review by Molly Wells)

It took me awhile to get to this one because I had to read Sandwich first! I really don’t like reading series out of order, and, although Wreck could be read as a standalone novel, I am so glad I read Sandwich first as I definitely needed the backstory going into Wreck. It took me awhile to get used to Newman’s writing style. It’s very hard to describe! A bit short and choppy? Also very short chapters. Once I got into both Sandwich and Wreck though I so enjoyed it! I felt so connected to Rocky in Sandwich and I was so glad to “see” her again in Wreck. I really identify with some of the things she is going through although her children are much older than mine. Loss of identity in motherhood, marriage issues, and female health issues all felt so relatable to me. I loved the focus on Rocky’s father in Wreck. He is so heartfelt, poignant, and funny. I cackled at some of his one liners and age-related anecdotes. They definitely reminded me of my own mother (love ya mom!)! Wreck was not a long novel, it read similar to a short story. A quick, easy follow-up to Sandwich. A great one to add to your end of the year TBR. If you loved Sandwich, pick-up Wreck, re-meet all of your of your favorite characters and I guarantee you’ll fall even more in love with Rocky and her family!