We All Want Impossible Things is a heartfelt contemporary literary fiction novel by Catherine Newman that explores friendship, grief, love, and the complicated beauty of end-of-life moments. Written with warmth, humor, and emotional honesty, the book focuses on how people cope when life becomes both deeply painful and unexpectedly tender at the same time.
The story centers on the long-standing friendship between two women as they navigate one of life’s most difficult experiences: watching a loved one approach death. As they spend time together in a hospice setting, the novel captures conversations, memories, and small everyday moments that reveal the depth of human connection. Rather than focusing only on sadness, the narrative highlights laughter, resilience, and the strange comfort that can exist even in grief.
SEO-wise, We All Want Impossible Things is commonly searched with phrases like “Catherine Newman grief book,” “books about friendship and loss,” “hospice fiction novels,” “emotional contemporary literary fiction,” and “books similar to The Friend or modern grief novels.” It appeals strongly to readers who seek character-driven stories that explore emotional truth rather than plot-heavy drama.
The novel is known for its conversational style and deeply relatable emotional tone. Catherine Newman blends humor with sorrow in a way that reflects real human experience, where grief and joy often coexist. The characters feel authentic and grounded, making the story resonate with readers who have experienced loss or care deeply about intimate portrayals of friendship.
Perfect for readers who appreciate emotionally rich literary fiction, We All Want Impossible Things offers a compassionate look at mortality, love, and the bonds that sustain people through life’s hardest transitions.