A review by coric
The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner

adventurous emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

4.0

 

This lovely story had multiple layers of complexity. First of all, I loved that the main story line centered on a group bike tour across New York state because it provided a fun cast of side characters. I also love biking so I adored how it inspires readers to consider cycling as a potential tool of empowerment for girls and women to move about in their worlds. Our main character Abby is at a crossroads and a bit uncertain with where she wants to take her life. For better or worse, agreeing to lead this bike tour complicates matters and seems to create more questions than answers. I also appreciate how Weiner often takes a frank and direct approach in examining the celebrations and struggles for fuller sized women around body positivity. This is often one characteristic of her main character, and she tends to not shy away from the complexities faced in seeking self-acceptance amidst societal and familial (in this case) messaging and expectations. Several different mother-daughter relationships are also explored in interesting ways. This does tackle reproductive rights as part of a story line, so some readers may struggle with how it is approached and resolved.