Catherine Newman is an American author, memoirist, and food writer who has published works for both adults and children. Although her texts vary in subject and scope, Newman is particularly attuned to the micro-world of the nuclear family, and her writing evidences a keen interest in how family members both shape and are shaped by one another. Although her literary family portraits are complex, complete, and feature well-developed female and male characters, Newman’s insight into the gendered experience of women in families has garnered especially positive feedback from readers and critics alike. Sandwich (2024) is her second novel, following We All Want Impossible Things (2022), which was a critical and commercial success.

Newman’s interest in writing began early, and she obtained an undergraduate degree from Amherst College in 1990 followed by a PhD in literature from the University of Santa Cruz. Initially interested in food and lifestyle writing, Newman authored the blog Ben & Birdy and was a regular contributor to The New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Chop Chop, and many others. Although her novels focus on friendships and family relationships, her interest in food and the culinary arts remains evident in her writing.