We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman

About the Book

We All Want Impossible Things is a beautifully written novel that explores the deepest kind of friendship and what it costs us to truly love someone. Written with warmth, sharp humor, and profound emotional intelligence, this book reminds readers that grief and joy can live side by side.

From the Back Cover

When your best friend is running out of time, how do you say what words can never say? Catherine Newman captures the heartbreak and dark humor of watching someone you love slip away, in a story that will stay with you long after the last page.

About the Author

Catherine Newman is the bestselling author of Waiting for Birdy and Catastrophic Happiness. She has been a beloved humor and parenting writer for decades, with essays featured in major publications. With We All Want Impossible Things, she brings that same wit and warmth to a deeply personal work of literary fiction.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is perfect for adult readers who love emotionally rich, character-driven fiction. If you have ever held a friend’s hand through something hard, laughed when you probably should have cried, or loved someone you knew you would lose, this story will speak directly to your heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is We All Want Impossible Things about? A: The novel follows Ash, a woman who steps away from her everyday life to spend the final weeks with her terminally ill best friend Edi at a hospice. It is a story about love, loss, grief, and the kind of friendship that does not flinch. Despite its subject, the book is filled with warmth and real humor that makes it completely readable and deeply touching.

Q: Is We All Want Impossible Things a sad book? A: Yes and no. While the book deals honestly with terminal illness and grief, Catherine Newman balances the sadness with genuine humor and moments of joy. Many readers describe it as a book that made them laugh and cry at the same time. It is emotionally honest without ever being overwhelmingly dark.

Q: Who would enjoy reading this book? A: This book is ideal for fans of contemporary literary fiction, especially those who enjoy stories centered on female friendship, emotional depth, and real human experiences. If you loved books like A Little Life, The Year of Magical Thinking, or Tiny Beautiful Things, this novel will resonate strongly with you.

Q: Is this book part of a series or is it standalone? A: We All Want Impossible Things is a complete standalone novel. You do not need to read any other books before it. The story is self-contained and works perfectly as a single, satisfying reading experience from start to finish.