We All Want Impossible Things

"Catherine Newman observes life's tragedies and comedies with insight and unwavering compassion. Her ability to see the remarkable in the commonplace is really poetic. She is a human being as well as a writer.— Katherine Center, a New York Times bestselling author "A passionately devoted and hilarious love letter to female friendship."A best friend is a godsend, as shown by Edi and Ash's tale.In order to find happiness even in the latter days of their friendship, Newman uses her extraordinary abilities.I felt revitalized as I laughed and sobbed.Newman is a brilliant daily philosopher as well as a comedy master.—Sea Wife author Amity Gaige "The funniest, happiest book I've ever read about dying and living"—KJ Dell'Antonia, the writer of the #1 New York Times book The Sisters of Chickens This lively, heartfelt celebration of life, love, and friendship at its flawy and brilliant best is for fans of Meg Wolitzer, Maria Semple, and Jenny Offill. For more than 42 years, Edith and Ashley have been the closest of friends. They've experienced both the commonplace and the extraordinary together: surprise Scottish wakes, REM concerts, Gilligan's Island marathons, heartache and hickeys, marriages, infertility, and kids. "Edi's memory is like the backup hard drive for mine," adds Ash. However, the unimaginable has now occurred. With ovarian cancer, Edi is spending her last days in a hospice close to Ash, who experiences heartache in the company of her kids, her ex-husband, close friends, a mismatched partner or two, and a revolving ensemble of endearing but transient hospice characters. Edi and Ash cherish their memories as The Fiddler on the Roof music plays nonstop from the next room. They also attempt to let go of the past. In the meanwhile, Ash battles with being a flawed spouse, father, and friend—that is, with existence reduced to its most painful, happy, and humorous aspects. For everyone who has ever had or lost a buddy. Prepare to chuckle despite your tears.