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Meet the Newmans
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Niven, a novel about America’s favorite TV family, whose perfect façade cracks, for fans of Lessons in Chemistry and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
"I loved Meet the Newmans!" —Judy Blume, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"[A] witty and moving novel." —People
For two decades, Del and Dinah Newman and their sons, Guy and Shep, have ruled television as America’s Favorite Family. Millions of viewers tune in every week to watch them play flawless, black-and-white versions of themselves. But now it’s 1964, and the Newmans’ idealized apple-pie perfection suddenly feels woefully out of touch. Ratings are in free fall, as are the Newmans themselves. Del is keeping an explosive secret from his wife, and Dinah is slowly going numb—literally. Steady, stable Guy is hiding the truth about his love life, and the charmed luck of rock ‘n roll idol Shep may have finally run out.
When Del—the creative motor behind the show—is in a mysterious car accident, Dinah decides to take matters into her own hands. She hires Juliet Dunne, an outspoken, impassioned young reporter, to help her write the final episode. But Dinah and Juliet have wildly different perspectives about what it means to be a woman, and a family, in 1964. Can the Newmans hold it together to change television history? Or will they be canceled before they ever have the chance?
Funny, big-hearted, and deeply moving, Meet the Newmans is a rich family story about the dual lives we lead. Because even when our lives aren’t televised weekly, we all have a behind-the-scenes.
"I loved Meet the Newmans!" —Judy Blume, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"[A] witty and moving novel." —People
For two decades, Del and Dinah Newman and their sons, Guy and Shep, have ruled television as America’s Favorite Family. Millions of viewers tune in every week to watch them play flawless, black-and-white versions of themselves. But now it’s 1964, and the Newmans’ idealized apple-pie perfection suddenly feels woefully out of touch. Ratings are in free fall, as are the Newmans themselves. Del is keeping an explosive secret from his wife, and Dinah is slowly going numb—literally. Steady, stable Guy is hiding the truth about his love life, and the charmed luck of rock ‘n roll idol Shep may have finally run out.
When Del—the creative motor behind the show—is in a mysterious car accident, Dinah decides to take matters into her own hands. She hires Juliet Dunne, an outspoken, impassioned young reporter, to help her write the final episode. But Dinah and Juliet have wildly different perspectives about what it means to be a woman, and a family, in 1964. Can the Newmans hold it together to change television history? Or will they be canceled before they ever have the chance?
Funny, big-hearted, and deeply moving, Meet the Newmans is a rich family story about the dual lives we lead. Because even when our lives aren’t televised weekly, we all have a behind-the-scenes.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2026
994 people are currently reading
29547 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Niven
22 books15.2k followersJENNIFER NIVEN is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of All the Bright Places, Holding Up the Universe, and Breathless. Her books have been translated in over 75 languages and have won literary awards around the world.
An Emmy-award winning screenwriter, she co-wrote the script for the All the Bright Places movie— currently streaming on Netflix and starring Elle Fanning and Justice Smith. She is also the author of several narrative nonfiction titles and the Velva Jean historical fiction series.
Her latest YA novel, When We Were Monsters, was published September 2, and she has an adult novel-- Meet the Newmans-- releasing January 6, 2026.
Jennifer divides her time between coastal Georgia and Los Angeles with her husband and literary cats.
An Emmy-award winning screenwriter, she co-wrote the script for the All the Bright Places movie— currently streaming on Netflix and starring Elle Fanning and Justice Smith. She is also the author of several narrative nonfiction titles and the Velva Jean historical fiction series.
Her latest YA novel, When We Were Monsters, was published September 2, and she has an adult novel-- Meet the Newmans-- releasing January 6, 2026.
Jennifer divides her time between coastal Georgia and Los Angeles with her husband and literary cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews
December 8, 2025
When I heard that Marin Ireland was going to be the audiobook narrator, I knew that I was going to enjoy the story. She is one of my favorites and she did an incredible job making this family come to life.
If you go into Meet the Newmans expecting a story that has a lot of excitement and a fast paced plot line, you might be disappointed. This is a slow burn similar to Lessons in Chemistry. It also reminded me of Taylor Jenkins Reid. Taylor would have loved to tell this story!
We get to know each memory of the family and what is happening in the present day. While I didn’t grow up in this era of the 1950-1960’s, for me personally though from what I understand, it felt true to the time period of women’s rights and other political happenings. We get family drama, coming of age, women’s rights, love triangles, and movie drama and tv show behind the scenes. I could absolutely visualize this story in my mind!
I hope you decide to give Meet the Newmans a chance!
If you go into Meet the Newmans expecting a story that has a lot of excitement and a fast paced plot line, you might be disappointed. This is a slow burn similar to Lessons in Chemistry. It also reminded me of Taylor Jenkins Reid. Taylor would have loved to tell this story!
We get to know each memory of the family and what is happening in the present day. While I didn’t grow up in this era of the 1950-1960’s, for me personally though from what I understand, it felt true to the time period of women’s rights and other political happenings. We get family drama, coming of age, women’s rights, love triangles, and movie drama and tv show behind the scenes. I could absolutely visualize this story in my mind!
I hope you decide to give Meet the Newmans a chance!
December 15, 2025
4-4.5 stars, i enjoyed this SO much! this is out in Jan and will deff be a buzzy read. so many readers will enjoy this book & learning about the Newman’s!
read if you liked: LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY, THESE SUMMER STORMS and TJR’s writing style.
this is a fam drama following a family w a famous tv show and is set in the 1960s. basically there’s a big accident and it causes everything in the Newman family to change. it also explores the roles women have in society and how it’s all starting to shift. deff had some eye opening moments for me especially when i realized the 1960s weren’t even THAT long ago… it was also so fun seeing each character come into their path and figure out what they wanted.
i love this authors work and writing style so much. she has historically dabbled with YA plots but this is deff an adult novel and she killed it!
my only critique is the pacing—i felt like the middle was a bit long and that made the ending feel quick to me but that’s a minor issue.
this was a very entertaining family drama and is fab on audio—Marin Ireland narrates and does amazing per usual!
thanks to Macmillan audio for the gifted early ALC get excited for this to come out come Jan 💙✨🎧
read if you liked: LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY, THESE SUMMER STORMS and TJR’s writing style.
this is a fam drama following a family w a famous tv show and is set in the 1960s. basically there’s a big accident and it causes everything in the Newman family to change. it also explores the roles women have in society and how it’s all starting to shift. deff had some eye opening moments for me especially when i realized the 1960s weren’t even THAT long ago… it was also so fun seeing each character come into their path and figure out what they wanted.
i love this authors work and writing style so much. she has historically dabbled with YA plots but this is deff an adult novel and she killed it!
my only critique is the pacing—i felt like the middle was a bit long and that made the ending feel quick to me but that’s a minor issue.
this was a very entertaining family drama and is fab on audio—Marin Ireland narrates and does amazing per usual!
thanks to Macmillan audio for the gifted early ALC get excited for this to come out come Jan 💙✨🎧
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5⭐️
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy of one of my most anticipated reads!
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy of one of my most anticipated reads!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Niven, a novel about America’s favorite TV family, whose perfect façade cracks".
Meet the Newmans is a historical family saga about a television family who has been dominating the airwaves for two decades. Del and Dinah have an idyllic life with their sons Guy and Shep. One night, Del is involved in an accident leaving the rest of the family to step up. In order to do so, they will need to stretch and be willing to change or the network will replace them.
As the story unfolds, we learn that everyone has been keeping secrets and they will need to reconcile their public life with their personal life and the shifting values of 1960s America.
This is such a fun, yet thought-provoking novel. The characters are fully fleshed out and the reader becomes invested in them. The political landscape of the 1960s, love, loss and women's rights are threaded into the novel without being preachy. I do agree that this is reminiscent of Lessons in Chemistry meets Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing style. I highly recommend adding this to your TBR.
The audiobook performance by Marin Ireland and Tim Campbell is outstanding and brought the characters to life. Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.🎧
Meet the Newmans is a historical family saga about a television family who has been dominating the airwaves for two decades. Del and Dinah have an idyllic life with their sons Guy and Shep. One night, Del is involved in an accident leaving the rest of the family to step up. In order to do so, they will need to stretch and be willing to change or the network will replace them.
As the story unfolds, we learn that everyone has been keeping secrets and they will need to reconcile their public life with their personal life and the shifting values of 1960s America.
This is such a fun, yet thought-provoking novel. The characters are fully fleshed out and the reader becomes invested in them. The political landscape of the 1960s, love, loss and women's rights are threaded into the novel without being preachy. I do agree that this is reminiscent of Lessons in Chemistry meets Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing style. I highly recommend adding this to your TBR.
The audiobook performance by Marin Ireland and Tim Campbell is outstanding and brought the characters to life. Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.🎧
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
4.5 rounded to 5 stars
This was a very good book!! Set in the 60s,it is about an all American family that portrays themselves on TV. They suddenly find themselves without their patriarch and each character has to expand their horizons. They discover that they need to push the boundaries and have themselves, and possibly the country, grow along with them.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
This was a very good book!! Set in the 60s,it is about an all American family that portrays themselves on TV. They suddenly find themselves without their patriarch and each character has to expand their horizons. They discover that they need to push the boundaries and have themselves, and possibly the country, grow along with them.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
September 3, 2025
I'm still trying to come up with the right words to describe this fabulous book. It was unexpected, witty, charming and heart wrenching all at once. I adored the main cast of characters, I loved reading a book set in the 60s and it reminded me of a Taylor Jenkins Reid novel in the way it was just so wonderfully unexpected. Highly recommend! Thank you to Pan Macmillan for sending me an advance copy.
January 12, 2026
I loved this retrospective of being a woman in the 60s and all of the dreaming and yearning that came along with it. I fell in love with the Newman family and all of the supporting characters - I could picture them so vividly. This is a slow burn with lovely character growth. Read patiently- the payoff is worth the wait. This is a must listen on audio. Marin Ireland is so good at what she does.
Thank you to Macmillan audio for a complimentary audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Macmillan audio for a complimentary audiobook. All opinions are my own.
January 10, 2026
4.25 stars.
November 30, 2025
ARC for review. To be published January 6, 2026.
4 stars
What life MIGHT have been like (but wasn’t) behind the scene for Ozzie and Harriet. Here are the Newmans, Del and Dinah (perfect 50s names) and adult sons Guy and Shep also pretty spot on) who have been on a show, first radio, now TV, for twenty years. However it’s now the mid 1960s so their square, family-friendly comedy isn’t what America is interested in anymore in the age of the Beatles, the Pill and the death of JFK. Plus all the Newmans have secrets (oh, you just knew they were gonna.) Looks like their charmed existence is going to come to an end until the fickle finger of fate intervenes and Dinah and a local female reporter for a Los Angeles daily have a chance to change everything.
I mostly enjoyed this female empowerment story, though it’s all a little pat, I say that, realizing I’m glossing over how HARD women had to work in the 50s and 60s (and, um, any time) to be taken seriously, to not get treated as the secretary, regardless of job title, to make any strides forward. The author maybe tried to shoehorn in a few too many social issues, which I guess is better than ignoring them, but sometimes it felt like none of them really got their due. Overall, though, recommended if the description appeals.
4 stars
What life MIGHT have been like (but wasn’t) behind the scene for Ozzie and Harriet. Here are the Newmans, Del and Dinah (perfect 50s names) and adult sons Guy and Shep also pretty spot on) who have been on a show, first radio, now TV, for twenty years. However it’s now the mid 1960s so their square, family-friendly comedy isn’t what America is interested in anymore in the age of the Beatles, the Pill and the death of JFK. Plus all the Newmans have secrets (oh, you just knew they were gonna.) Looks like their charmed existence is going to come to an end until the fickle finger of fate intervenes and Dinah and a local female reporter for a Los Angeles daily have a chance to change everything.
I mostly enjoyed this female empowerment story, though it’s all a little pat, I say that, realizing I’m glossing over how HARD women had to work in the 50s and 60s (and, um, any time) to be taken seriously, to not get treated as the secretary, regardless of job title, to make any strides forward. The author maybe tried to shoehorn in a few too many social issues, which I guess is better than ignoring them, but sometimes it felt like none of them really got their due. Overall, though, recommended if the description appeals.
January 10, 2026
It's 1964, and the CBS TV sitcom Meet the Newmans has become outdated. The show, featuring the antics of married couple Del and Dinah and their two sons, Guy and Shep, has seen a decline in ratings due to its failure to adapt to changing times. Behind the scenes, the sons seek lives far from their on-screen characters. When Del is in a car accident and hospitalized, Dinah and her sons need to salvage the final episodes of the season. Juliet, a young newspaper reporter whose initial meeting with Dinah led to a tough exchange about the TV mom's outdated portrayal, is recruited to assist in writing the script for the final episode.
Meet the Newmans is author Jennifer Niven's tribute to the bygone era of 1950s and 60s television shows. Among the many family-centered sitcoms, the one most comparable is The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952-1966), starring the Nelson family, including son Rick, who performed on the show and went on to have a successful music career. The changing culture of the 1960s is depicted through many references, including all the restrictions women had at the time, the publication of The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan, and civil rights protests. This book, with its eye-catching cover art, offers an enjoyable slice of nostalgia.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Meet the Newmans is author Jennifer Niven's tribute to the bygone era of 1950s and 60s television shows. Among the many family-centered sitcoms, the one most comparable is The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952-1966), starring the Nelson family, including son Rick, who performed on the show and went on to have a successful music career. The changing culture of the 1960s is depicted through many references, including all the restrictions women had at the time, the publication of The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan, and civil rights protests. This book, with its eye-catching cover art, offers an enjoyable slice of nostalgia.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
September 7, 2025
I knew I would greatly enjoy this book because there has never been a Jennifer Niven book that I didn't like, but just wow I loved this book SO much
The Newman's - America's favourite TV family - have been in the spotlight for two decades, but now it's 1964, TV is making the change to colour and the world is changing, and suddenly it doesn't seem like the perfect family fit into the new world, now seeming woefully out of touch.
After Del, the father of the family and runner of the show, ends up in a car crash, Dinah, who has always just been the perfect housewife, hires a young, outspoken news reporter, Juliet, to help her write the final episode of the show. But Dinah and Juliet have very different ideas of what it means to be a woman in the 60's, and Dinah is left questioning if they can bring themselves into the modern times or will the show will be cancelled forever?
Behind the scenes, oldest son Guy is hiding a secret about his love life, and Shep, the younger son and a rock n' roll star, has gotten himself into big trouble and doesn't know how he'll possibly get out of it this time.
This book dealt with so many important issues, from the Civil Rights movement, to feminism, to gay rights. Each character finds themselves slowly finding out more about the world and the issues that plague people every single day.
The characters were beautifully written, feeling so tangible and real.
The book had many truly funny moments that had be laughing out loud, while also being totally heartwarming and gut wrenching all at the same time.
This book was so enjoyable, I absolutely adored it, I'm so excited for it to come out in January so that everyone can Meet the Newman's
The Newman's - America's favourite TV family - have been in the spotlight for two decades, but now it's 1964, TV is making the change to colour and the world is changing, and suddenly it doesn't seem like the perfect family fit into the new world, now seeming woefully out of touch.
After Del, the father of the family and runner of the show, ends up in a car crash, Dinah, who has always just been the perfect housewife, hires a young, outspoken news reporter, Juliet, to help her write the final episode of the show. But Dinah and Juliet have very different ideas of what it means to be a woman in the 60's, and Dinah is left questioning if they can bring themselves into the modern times or will the show will be cancelled forever?
Behind the scenes, oldest son Guy is hiding a secret about his love life, and Shep, the younger son and a rock n' roll star, has gotten himself into big trouble and doesn't know how he'll possibly get out of it this time.
This book dealt with so many important issues, from the Civil Rights movement, to feminism, to gay rights. Each character finds themselves slowly finding out more about the world and the issues that plague people every single day.
The characters were beautifully written, feeling so tangible and real.
The book had many truly funny moments that had be laughing out loud, while also being totally heartwarming and gut wrenching all at the same time.
This book was so enjoyable, I absolutely adored it, I'm so excited for it to come out in January so that everyone can Meet the Newman's
January 11, 2026
When I started Meet the Newmans, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t reread the synopsis first so I went in kind of blind, just knowing it was about a family TV show set in the 60’s. What I got was so much more than I thought. I loved this book!!
The story is being tauted as Lessons in Chemistry and/or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. If you enjoyed either, you are sure to enjoy Meet the Newmans.
In 1964, the TV show Meet the Newmans is about a real life family but on TV they’re portrayed as the perfect funny family and have been for over a decade. But behind the scenes, everything is far from perfect. They’re all hiding secrets. The show’s ratings have gone down, sponsors are cancelling, and the TV executives are pushing for the Newmans to turn it around.
The real life history of those days is weaved behind the scenes throughout the story, Civil Rights, Martin Luther King, feminism, the arrival of the Beatles, the coming Vietnam War…
I loved Dinah Newman and her character arc. And the arc of both of her sons, Shep the rock star, Guy the straight laced perfect son…
The ending of each character’s arc was exactly what I needed and I closed the book feeling deeply content.
*Thanks so much to Jennifer Niven, Flatiron Books, and to @thebookishcamper for the gifted ARC and goodies!*
The story is being tauted as Lessons in Chemistry and/or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. If you enjoyed either, you are sure to enjoy Meet the Newmans.
In 1964, the TV show Meet the Newmans is about a real life family but on TV they’re portrayed as the perfect funny family and have been for over a decade. But behind the scenes, everything is far from perfect. They’re all hiding secrets. The show’s ratings have gone down, sponsors are cancelling, and the TV executives are pushing for the Newmans to turn it around.
The real life history of those days is weaved behind the scenes throughout the story, Civil Rights, Martin Luther King, feminism, the arrival of the Beatles, the coming Vietnam War…
I loved Dinah Newman and her character arc. And the arc of both of her sons, Shep the rock star, Guy the straight laced perfect son…
The ending of each character’s arc was exactly what I needed and I closed the book feeling deeply content.
*Thanks so much to Jennifer Niven, Flatiron Books, and to @thebookishcamper for the gifted ARC and goodies!*
December 2, 2025
A feminist/historical fiction/family drama set in the 1960’s. The story is well crafted with interesting characters. There are lots of social/societal issues of the times addressed throughout the novel. There may have been a few too many of those issues for me and they were all wrapped up a little too neatly to be plausible in 1964. I did enjoy the story though. I think fans of Lessons in Chemistry will love this one. The narration on the audiobook by Marin Ireland and Tim Campbell is excellent.
3.5/5
3.5/5
January 6, 2026
I completely devoured MEET THE NEWMANS. I had the best time reading about this fictional family that has their own TV show!
The writing was brilliant and kept me rooting for the characters from start to finish.
I loved getting a glimpse into both the on-air and off-air dynamics with The Newman family. Niven created realistic characters with hopes and dreams, struggling to come to terms with their place in society.
🎧 The audiobook was fantastic and I’d highly recommend going that route! It really brought the story alive. I always love audiobooks narrated by Marin Ireland, and Tim Campbell was a new-to-me narrator!
I really loved how the last chapter wrapped up the book—it was so great seeing where the characters are five years in the future!
The writing was brilliant and kept me rooting for the characters from start to finish.
I loved getting a glimpse into both the on-air and off-air dynamics with The Newman family. Niven created realistic characters with hopes and dreams, struggling to come to terms with their place in society.
🎧 The audiobook was fantastic and I’d highly recommend going that route! It really brought the story alive. I always love audiobooks narrated by Marin Ireland, and Tim Campbell was a new-to-me narrator!
I really loved how the last chapter wrapped up the book—it was so great seeing where the characters are five years in the future!
January 13, 2026
I am a big fan of this historical fiction book about a television show about a real life family hitting the feminist revolution of the 1960’s. I love books set in this time period and the warning they give us today. Dinah is a compelling lead and her character arc was frankly inspiring. A perfect book for me.
December 6, 2025
••• ALC REVIEW •••
📖 Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Do I recommend: Yes!
***Available January 6***
Ohhhh I really liked this one, y’all. It truly had something for everyone, and it had so much heart.
It is 1964, and the Newman family (Del and Dinah and their sons Guy and Shep) are stars of their very popular TV show. But as the world changes, the Newmans can sense that their reign as America’s favorite family is coming to an end. Just as they’re grappling with this, lots of big things begin to happen for each of them individually and they are left to determine how to share it on their show - perhaps for the last time.
THIS WAS SO UNEXPECTEDLY CHARMING AND DELIGHTFUL. I found myself rooting for these characters, likely because they had *such* good character development. Once I got into the story it moved quickly and I was having so much fun back in the 60s. Along with the fun did come the reminder of how life was for anyone who wasn’t a straight, white male - relevant topics then and now.
This was narrated BRILLIANTLY by Marin Ireland - she brought the perfect balance of levity and depth in all the right places.
I think fans of Lessons in Chemistry or The Book Club for Troublesome Women will enjoy this one! Thank you to MacMillan Audio for the free copy as part of the Early Listeners program in exchange for my honest review!
#MacAudio2025
📖 Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Do I recommend: Yes!
***Available January 6***
Ohhhh I really liked this one, y’all. It truly had something for everyone, and it had so much heart.
It is 1964, and the Newman family (Del and Dinah and their sons Guy and Shep) are stars of their very popular TV show. But as the world changes, the Newmans can sense that their reign as America’s favorite family is coming to an end. Just as they’re grappling with this, lots of big things begin to happen for each of them individually and they are left to determine how to share it on their show - perhaps for the last time.
THIS WAS SO UNEXPECTEDLY CHARMING AND DELIGHTFUL. I found myself rooting for these characters, likely because they had *such* good character development. Once I got into the story it moved quickly and I was having so much fun back in the 60s. Along with the fun did come the reminder of how life was for anyone who wasn’t a straight, white male - relevant topics then and now.
This was narrated BRILLIANTLY by Marin Ireland - she brought the perfect balance of levity and depth in all the right places.
I think fans of Lessons in Chemistry or The Book Club for Troublesome Women will enjoy this one! Thank you to MacMillan Audio for the free copy as part of the Early Listeners program in exchange for my honest review!
#MacAudio2025
December 5, 2025
It was fine. Family drama set in a unique way as we follow a traditional family on a reality show about themselves living life. I was excited for the 1960’s time period but I think what made it not work well for me was 2025 thinking regarding social aspects and character opinions and voice. It doesn’t ring true to me set in a historical context. 60 years ago I don’t think they would be as “forward” thinking as posed in this book. This is a beef I have with some historical fiction.
More character driven as we followed each pov and their struggles. Could have used more plot.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC.
More character driven as we followed each pov and their struggles. Could have used more plot.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC.
January 19, 2026
Uplifting and a lot of fun, this book deftly combines the story of a famous family in crisis with the changing atitudes of the 1960s.
The Newmans are a TV family on the brink of cancellation, but throughout their love for each other shone through, and I really rooted for Del and Dinah to find a way to connect again. I loved that this wasn't the story of "Husband Bad" but a man who was just as lost in the prison of masculinity as Dinah was in feminity.
This did suffer a little from showing the problems of gender, race and sexuality through a modern day lens, and sometimes (quite often) I had to suspend disbelief to believe that characters could be easily so progressive. But I loved the characters so much I wanted them to have their happily ever after.
The Newmans are a TV family on the brink of cancellation, but throughout their love for each other shone through, and I really rooted for Del and Dinah to find a way to connect again. I loved that this wasn't the story of "Husband Bad" but a man who was just as lost in the prison of masculinity as Dinah was in feminity.
This did suffer a little from showing the problems of gender, race and sexuality through a modern day lens, and sometimes (quite often) I had to suspend disbelief to believe that characters could be easily so progressive. But I loved the characters so much I wanted them to have their happily ever after.
Review of advance copy
Meet the Newmans is one of those quiet slow burns that sneaks up on you and then sits with you long after the last page. Set in 1960s it peels back the polished image of America’s perfect TV family and shows the cracks underneath as each Newman carries secrets shaped by gender roles, identity, ambition, and the pressure to perform. I especially appreciated how layered and human the characters felt, with Dinah at the center as a woman navigating expectation, sacrifice, and change while the world around her is shifting fast. The story touches on several themes, sometimes a bit heavy handed, but the emotional core kept me invested. Thoughtful, character driven, and reflective, this landed solidly at four stars and could easily stretch to four point five.
Book releases 1/6/26 be sure to get a copy!
ARC received from Book People for my honest review.
@debesbooknookwit
Book releases 1/6/26 be sure to get a copy!
ARC received from Book People for my honest review.
@debesbooknookwit
November 9, 2025
A beautiful, big hearted book, full of love and family. I loved this from the first chapter, Dinah reeled me in with her quiet smile and strong character. The narrative of telling the story almost in reverse was such a brilliant idea, I was hooked on what would happen to Del and the rest of his family. Shep, Guy, Juliet, Kelly and all the side characters were written so well and with so much emotion.
Although set in the 60s, this book has so much relevance, from the love stories to the fight for women’s rights. This felt like such a heavy book, both to read and to write. I can tell that so much research went into this, and as a result I really felt enveloped by this world and its characters. There were several times where I felt myself tearing up reading this, rooting for the women, Guy, Kelly, and all the other underdogs in this story, who are real examples of those who fought for the rights we have now. I loved this book, it was a pleasure and joy to read, one of my favourites for sure. I’m so happy to have Met the Newmans, the real Newmans.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #MeetTheNewmans #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Although set in the 60s, this book has so much relevance, from the love stories to the fight for women’s rights. This felt like such a heavy book, both to read and to write. I can tell that so much research went into this, and as a result I really felt enveloped by this world and its characters. There were several times where I felt myself tearing up reading this, rooting for the women, Guy, Kelly, and all the other underdogs in this story, who are real examples of those who fought for the rights we have now. I loved this book, it was a pleasure and joy to read, one of my favourites for sure. I’m so happy to have Met the Newmans, the real Newmans.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #MeetTheNewmans #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
October 16, 2025
[2.5] i’ve seen other reviews saying this felt like a ‘taylor jenkins reid’ book, and while i don’t necessarily disagree with that, i can’t say it’s anywhere close to being on the same scale as the former’s writing for me. i think potentially the author was trying too hard to create a book in the style of another author and it just lacked a bit of direction as a result. i can definitely see the potential of a story like this, and i did enjoy hearing about the tv show - but so much more could have been done like this!! we got one chapter of a ‘script’ format, and considering the finale and the tv show was one of the main plot points, i though this would have been such a fun way to show more of that. i didn’t find many of the other characters very likeable, but i did enjoy shep, as well as guy and kelly ❤️🩹.
thank you to netgalley and pan macmillan for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
thank you to netgalley and pan macmillan for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2026
Rough Draft - don’t judge me 😂😂
“…despite the chaos and noise of the world, there was peace to be found in the company of someone else,” (p. 55).
The Newmans are picture perfect and America is over it. They want something real not curated. They want to see Dinah lose her temper, her sons to be themselves. Because all TV shows are merely a facade. Life isn’t perfect and neither are people. We’re messy, complicated, and complex.
After so many years things are coming to a head.
Life is not black and white anymore; it’s full of color and it’s time the Newmans change with the times.
Secrets to a good marriage - FK THAT SHIT!! Do you hear me yall - FKKKKKKK THATTTTT SHITTTTTTTT!!
The women team up, each tired of how the world works and determined to change it. Even if they have different visions of what that looks like. When the husband is put into a coma it’s their chance to take over the TV show scripts.
Loved this one. It was a fun read but also explored important themes and how generations view things so differently and how fitting into one box is never good for anyone.
“…despite the chaos and noise of the world, there was peace to be found in the company of someone else,” (p. 55).
The Newmans are picture perfect and America is over it. They want something real not curated. They want to see Dinah lose her temper, her sons to be themselves. Because all TV shows are merely a facade. Life isn’t perfect and neither are people. We’re messy, complicated, and complex.
After so many years things are coming to a head.
Life is not black and white anymore; it’s full of color and it’s time the Newmans change with the times.
Secrets to a good marriage - FK THAT SHIT!! Do you hear me yall - FKKKKKKK THATTTTT SHITTTTTTTT!!
The women team up, each tired of how the world works and determined to change it. Even if they have different visions of what that looks like. When the husband is put into a coma it’s their chance to take over the TV show scripts.
Loved this one. It was a fun read but also explored important themes and how generations view things so differently and how fitting into one box is never good for anyone.
December 31, 2025
If you loved Lessons in Chemistry or The Mad Wife, this one is absolutely worth picking up. Meet the Newmans is a sharp and emotionally rich historical fiction set in 1964, at a moment when America’s idea of the perfect family was starting to crack. I was completely invested in the Newmans, television’s squeaky clean all American family, watching their carefully curated image unravel as secrets, shifting social values, and personal struggles come to light. The characterization is where this book truly shines, and each family member felt fully realized, flawed, and deeply human, like people you might actually recognize rather than characters on a page. While the story occasionally leans a little too heavily into the social issues of the time and ties some threads up more neatly than the 1960s might realistically allow, I was still all in and couldn’t stop turning pages to see how it would all end.
January 18, 2026
A clever and compelling narrative that examines a family navigating the tension between their public personas and private lives. At its core, the novel is deeply thought provoking, an exploration of family, fame, and feminism that explores change, agency, and the reclamation of one’s own narrative, while thoughtfully balancing women’s roles as wives, mothers, and professionals.
Each character is richly developed, facing distinct dilemmas that feel authentic and multifaceted. They leap vividly from the page, making it effortless to become fully invested in their journeys.
Nivens succeeds brilliantly in crafting a story that resonates on multiple levels. Empowering and deeply heartfelt, this is a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
Each character is richly developed, facing distinct dilemmas that feel authentic and multifaceted. They leap vividly from the page, making it effortless to become fully invested in their journeys.
Nivens succeeds brilliantly in crafting a story that resonates on multiple levels. Empowering and deeply heartfelt, this is a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
January 7, 2026
This enjoyable historical family drama is set in 1964. The Newman family of the title have been on a tv show playing fictional versions of themselves for 12 years - think Ozzie and Harriet, I Love Lucy, Leave It to Beaver etc. But now viewers, reviewers, and advertisers alike are all losing interest and the show is on the verge of cancellation. The whole book is set in a period of a month or two leading up to the season (or will it be series finale), as mom Dinah, dad Del, and sons Gus and Shep all grapple with their roles on the show and in life and what they want from the future, while young journalist Juliet gets involved as well.
This novel works on many levels - a dysfunctional family drama, a behind the scenes look at old Hollywood, a portrait of a changing America, a feminist critique, and more! Jennifer Niven has written many books but this is the first one I read - I’ll definitely be checking out her backlist now too.
I was lucky enough to get an advanced physical and audio copy of this one (thanks Flatiron and Macmillan Audio) and did about half and half, and this is one I actually preferred reading with my eyes. As wonderful as Marin Ireland’s narration is, with shifting perspectives between 5 main characters and the occasional other person in the Newmans’ orbit for a chapter or two, I think I would have preferred a full cast audio.
This novel works on many levels - a dysfunctional family drama, a behind the scenes look at old Hollywood, a portrait of a changing America, a feminist critique, and more! Jennifer Niven has written many books but this is the first one I read - I’ll definitely be checking out her backlist now too.
I was lucky enough to get an advanced physical and audio copy of this one (thanks Flatiron and Macmillan Audio) and did about half and half, and this is one I actually preferred reading with my eyes. As wonderful as Marin Ireland’s narration is, with shifting perspectives between 5 main characters and the occasional other person in the Newmans’ orbit for a chapter or two, I think I would have preferred a full cast audio.
dnf
January 15, 2026DNF Idk how far I made it because audible doesn’t give a percentage. Somewhere between 25-35% if I had to guess. I was bored and I don’t care.
January 9, 2026
Joining in the reviews comparing this favorably to Taylor Jenkins Reid. I've actually been sour on the last TJR books, so this was even more of a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed seeing the golden age of television from the inside, even if I'm fairly sure they wouldn't have gotten away with some of the things they did toward the end (although it would've been awesome if they tried).
December 22, 2025
Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven is a heartfelt, endearing, and often funny character driven story about a modern American family navigating enormous change in the 1960s. I loved the unique setup of a beloved black and white TV family whose carefully curated public image begins to crack behind the scenes—it’s such a compelling lens for exploring identity, truth, and belonging. Niven weaves in meaningful depth as she tackles sexuality, feminism, race, and societal expectations of the era, all while keeping the story warm, charming, and deeply human. Though firmly historical, the themes feel strikingly relevant today, making this a relatable and emotionally resonant read for just about everyone.
November 29, 2025
Many thanks to @macmillian.audio and @flatiron_books for my copies. I was super excited to read this one. I love the timeframe, and I always enjoy Niven’s YA books.
Talk about all the I Love Lucy vibes!!! This book was incredible and extremely uplifting. Taking place during a time when the 50s perfection is changing and society wants a more accurate portrayal of life, we literally Meet the Newmans. Each character is so fleshed out and layered..even the side characters! Their growth, dynamics and evolution throughout the novel was empowering, thought provoking and heartwarming.
I did a combo of reading with my eyeballs and my ears, and the audio was really well done. Each character had a voice, it really brought the story to life and made me connect with the characters on a different level. I really loved Dinah and the character path she grew into.
This book has it all. Its funny, brings up important issues, will make you tear up and fall in love. Is it too early to have a favorite of 2026 because I may have already found it.
Talk about all the I Love Lucy vibes!!! This book was incredible and extremely uplifting. Taking place during a time when the 50s perfection is changing and society wants a more accurate portrayal of life, we literally Meet the Newmans. Each character is so fleshed out and layered..even the side characters! Their growth, dynamics and evolution throughout the novel was empowering, thought provoking and heartwarming.
I did a combo of reading with my eyeballs and my ears, and the audio was really well done. Each character had a voice, it really brought the story to life and made me connect with the characters on a different level. I really loved Dinah and the character path she grew into.
This book has it all. Its funny, brings up important issues, will make you tear up and fall in love. Is it too early to have a favorite of 2026 because I may have already found it.
December 8, 2025
loved!! highly recommend if you liked lessons in chemistry!
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