Meet the Newmans

A Novel

By: Jennifer Niven

Narrated by: Marin Ireland, Tim Campbell

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. This program includes narration by actor and Audie Award–winning narrator Marin Ireland, who has appeared in The Irishman and Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.

"Narrator Marin Ireland delivers a standout performance in this historical fiction audiobook...Ireland engages listeners with her nuanced delivery in this audiobook that’s perfect for fans of Lessons in Chemistry." — Kirkus

“Marin Ireland offers a wonderfully nuanced narration from multiple points of view…She brings particular zing to the voice of Dinah...”—Library Journal (Starred Review)

“I loved Meet the Newmans!” —Judy Blume, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"Warm, witty, and wise." —Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, New York Times bestselling author

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.

"[Marin] Ireland, a veteran audiobooks reader....creates strong personas for each of the main characters." — The Valley Breeze


A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

Must-Read!

Entertaining and touching, and relevant as hell. I’d consider it a must-read for anyone.

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!

Meet the Newmans was such an unexpectedly powerful read. I was completely drawn in by the setting and the richness of the characters, but what stayed with me most were the deeper layers woven throughout the story. The feminist undertones, the thoughtful inclusion of influential women in history, and the exploration of LGBTQIA+ experiences added so much meaning and perspective.

What I appreciated most was how the book highlights the struggles women have faced to create opportunities and freedoms that many of us benefit from today. It doesn’t feel heavy-handed, but instead quietly reminds you of the resilience, courage, and persistence it has taken to get us where we are.

Reading it right now feels especially relevant. In a time when so many conversations are happening around women’s rights, identity, and equality, this story feels both grounding and empowering. It connects the past to the present in a way that makes you reflect, appreciate, and, honestly, feel a renewed sense of responsibility to keep moving forward.

It’s rare to find a book that feels both lighthearted and deeply meaningful at the same time, but Meet the Newmans does exactly that. Such an enlightening and timely read.

Yes.

This was my 3rd book of the year and it's going to be really tough to beat!! Great story, great narration. Reminded me of lessons in chemistry. 5+ stars

Uplifting and Enjoyable

Great fun perspective on an historically significant time period in the fight for women’s rights.

Just the best read in a long time!

This story had me at the start and I didn’t want it to end..although the ending was perfect. The performance by my favorite narrator, Ms. Ireland, has once again, brought the story to life! Although a “lighter” book, it tackles issues women still see today. 5 stars all around!