Sandwich isn't written like a diary, but it most certainly reads like one. Rocky's character is so three-dimensional it hurts, and being privy to her inner thoughts felt like being inside my mother's head. Catherine Newman is exceptional at detailing the conflicts and deep, deep love of motherhood, and I'm so glad to have read something so raw and real. So many people like to gloss over how hard being a parent is, but Newman isn't afraid to peel back the nuanced layers.

I do have a reason behind rating this book 4.25 though. It's clear here that Rocky is a deeply flawed character, but she seems to spend more time making excuses for her behavior than apologizing to her family for her narcissistic tendencies. The epilogue also felt too wrapped up in a bow for me to really connect with it.

Read this if:
-you want to understand your mother
-you love family dynamics more than fast-paced plots
-you need a good beach read
-you aren't afraid to cry a little