Have you ever found yourself, a woman of a certain age, to be second-guessing life decisions? And then wondering to yourself, “Is this menopause, or is this a mid-life crisis?”
For Dinah Newman, it’s likely both.
In Jennifer Niven’s “Meet the Newmans,” readers are welcomed into the 1960s era of family television by way of the Newman clan — Del, Dinah and their two sons Guy and Shep. The family is a black and white television treasure, along the lines of “Leave It To Beaver.” But as we often learn, it’s what is behind the scenes that is so much more riveting.
Del and Dinah, both Hollywood stars in the own right, have written, directed and starred in a TV sitcom based on their own family. The boys, Guy and Shep, have for all intents and purposes, grown up on TV. But times are changing, color TV is coming, and the studio heads can’t see the future as clearly as they should.
So when Del wraps his car around a tree and lands in a coma, it’s time for Dinah to show them the way.
With no warning, Dinah has to save her family’s beloved show (and sole source of income) from caricature-ish-like bosses and agents, all while plugging financial holes and managing both her sons’ growing frustrations with not being able to really live their own lives.
Thankfully, she finds a compatriot in Juliet Dunne, a reporter at the L.A. Times that has her own dreams too — namely, to graduate from writing for the Lifestyle page to the front page. Juliet is the catalyst for Dinah to dream for herself, even if it’s at the most challenging moment in her life.
There are a bunch of themes packed into this almost-400 page read — civil rights, gay rights and womens’ rights being some of the most profound. Dinah and Juliet are trying to navigate some of society’s darkest moments, all while trying to learn to trust someone besides themselves.
If it sounds heavy, it’s really not — “Meet The Newmans” is fast-paced, at times very funny and also very touching. You’ll find yourself rooting for Dinah, Guy and Shep as they move forward with a season (or series?) finale even as Del is trying to find his way back to the land of the living. It’s a little predictable, sure — but that feels right given their show is the kind that solves any problem in 22 minutes.
“Meet The Newmans” is a fun read and would make for a great book club discussion for anyone thinking about their second act. Don’t pass it up!
LitzyDitz 