Reviews

The Breakdown Lane by Jacquelyn Mitchard

carrolk3's review against another edition

5.0

I very much enjoyed "Breakdown Lane". Jacquelyn Mitchard is a local author. I first read her columns in the local papers many years ago and then have read several of her novels. She hit the national spotlight as Oprah's first bookclub choice with her first novel, "Deep End of the Ocean". Over time, some of her books have been very good and some only so-so. I thought this one was one of her best. Her main character, Julieanne, is left with 3 children when her middle age lawyer husband decides he needs to "find himself". She soon discovers that not only is she a single mom of 2 teenagers and a toddler, she also has MS. There is plenty of anger to go around with her situation and that of her teenagers but there is also lots of humor. The story is told from her point of view alternating with her 15 year old son's "journal". I think most of the characters are well developed. I'm sure Mitchard drew from her own experiences. Her first husband died of cancer in his 40's leaving her with several children. She struggled as a single mom, has since re-married and had a couple more kids but has seen highs and lows in her life. I thought the book was a bit slow at the start but by the end, I found myself pulling for most of the characters. Not always an easy book to read but there's enough humor - especially dealing with the teenagers and the runaway "husband" to keep it from being depressing.

knitter22's review against another edition

2.0

This book began as an average, if a bit disjointed and rambling, story, but devolved into a maddening and unrealistic read, due in large part to the ludicrous ending. It was bad enough that I preferred listening to staticky radio on some recent long drives in frustrating traffic rather than plug my ipod in to listen to this.

micki1961's review against another edition

4.0

great!

pepper1133's review against another edition

5.0

Yep, Mitchard is amazing. The descriptions of MS are so detailed that reading this really helped me to better understand one of my friend's own struggles with this condition.

gkaltam's review against another edition

3.0

I liked the different point of views of each. Though the way her crush came back was a bit unrealistic.

bookthia's review against another edition

3.0

Sept 28/05. I loved this book. The story itself was average, but the characters were like real people I know. The main character -- Julianne -- was so worthy of empathy and yet so flawed. Parts of her reminded me of me and shook me up a bit (ok, not the skinny dancer parts...). The son -- Gabe -- I haven't felt that way about a character since Houlden Caulfield. I really wanted to reach in and rescue this kid from the pages of his life. The daughter was also very believable and I know so many young girls like that. My only "problem" was with the husband/ex husband who was, in my humble opinion, just a little too easy to hate. I'd have found it more believable if he'd had maybe one redeeming character trait. That being said it was a lovely story... it broke my heart and then put it all together again. Yeah, it had a bit of a 'fairy tale' ending, but sometimes that's ok. For me, this time, it was ok.

yangyvonne's review against another edition

1.0

Julieann and Leon Steiner are having trouble in their marriage. When their third child is born, Leon seems to hit the pinnacle of his "hippie crisis". Within a few years, he leaves in search of fulfillment, with the promise of a return. Then, Julieann is diagnosed with MS and Leo can't be found. the two oldest, Gabe and Caroline, go in search of Leo and find him with a new family (woman, baby and another on the way) at a commune. Leo must come back and deal with his family, but he is not the hero they had hoped for. In the end, Julieann finds her prince in a wealthy doctor and each of the kids find their own identity.

The book has a good style, with alternating "journal" entries of Julieann and Gabe. I like how Leo didn't save the day, but Julieann marrying her old boyfriend doctor was a bit cheesy. Aurora (the youngest) could have been a dog - she never said or did anything. I also felt the the author threw-in all kinds of "extras" (Gabe having a learning disability, Julieann's best friend being a lesbian - who adopts an Asian baby, etc.). I'm not sure of the message here.

agrant614's review against another edition

3.0

At the beginning of this book, I had a hard time following the writing style. But around page 100, I really got into it and cannot put it down! I am sooo hoping for a happy ending (and NO I haven't peeked!) The family dynamics are so infuriating, but so real. Really looking forward to seeing the author at the Women Against MS reception and discussing with the group!

Post-finish:
I liked the book, although it isn't a iterary classic. I was really happy with the realistic ending.

jeanetterenee's review against another edition

3.0

I'm kind of hit-or-miss with Mitchard, but this is one of her better novels.

virginiareads's review against another edition

4.0

A book about a family falling apart did not sound promising, but I heard that it was worth a read. And the lead character had MS. I got the audio-book from the library. I thought it was well-written (well-read) as it kept me engaged and listening, and ready for the next disc. There were uncomfortable moments, when I thought she was not very likable. But aren't we all unlikable sometimes? I know I am!

I was able to relate to some things more than others, but that's the way it is with MS. We all find a different path through our illness. I guess that is true for life in general too. Anyone who reads this book will relate to parts of the story. Hopefully not Leo's life though....