Written by Ashley Leung and edited by Dimos Galatakis
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. However, that does not change my thoughts or opinions in the post. Everything said is my real and true opinion of the product
Looking for your next summer read? Do you want to experience the adventure of a lifetime? Are self-deprecating, charming guys kind of your thing? Mothers and daughters with secrets intrigue you? Is learning to love your own body sometimes hard?
If you answered yes to any (but probably all, let’s be real) of these questions, then may I suggest reading Jennifer Weiner’s The Breakaway?
This is the third book (and first to review!) I’ve read by the Philadelphia-based “Queen of the Beach Read”. As usual, she didn’t disappoint!
Cuddle up with your tea and soft blankets, my dear Cozy Cats, for my spoiler-free review of The Breakaway: A Novel.
The Breakdown
- The Vibes: Cozy summer camping read
- Genre: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary
- Spice Level: Mild. A few tasteful scenes but nothing too graphic.
Why You’ll Love The Breakaway
- Abby is a strong plus-size heroine
- Complex romance, full of emotional depth
- You’ll meet a cast of intriguing and unique characters
- A story of self-discovery, family dynamics, and finding your path
- Set during a scenic cycling trip through New York State
A Quick Summary (Spoiler Free)
One thing I love about Jennifer’s writings is that her leading women are always different, special, and intriguing. The main protagonist of The Breakaway, Abby, is a 30-something stuck at a crossroads in her life, and to give herself space to decide, she takes a job leading a group of cyclists on a nearly two-week trip through New York State. Unfortunately (or fortunately), she not only bumps into Sebastian, a man she had a passionate one-night stand with years before, but her mother has also decided to come along for the ride. On top of everything else, Abby is responsible for the safety and well-being of a group of total strangers for the first time ever! Not exactly what you call plenty of space to clear your head. The adventure follows Abby through the cycling trip and some of her painful/joyful memories as she tries to decide what she will do next.
What Stood Out to Me
The book resonated with me and what I’m going through personally
I borrowed this book from the library because I felt like it was time to crack open a book that would get me in the mood for warmer weather. As I stated above, I’ve heard other reviews refer to Jennifer Weiner as “Queen of the Beach Read.” While the book doesn’t take place on the seaside, it does take place during summer in New York State, and as a former New Jersey girl myself, something about that brought back childhood memories and feelings of riding my bike in the summer months. However, I didn’t expect to resonate so heavily with a book I picked up on a whim. The messages of being who you are unapologetically, being ok with where you are in life, and not letting others dictate your path forward were just what I needed to hear as an almost 30-year-old.
Abby feels like a real person
In less than 72 hours, I plowed through this 388-page book. While I’m sure that’s slow for some, it was extremely fast for me. My partner couldn’t believe I couldn’t put down the book each evening. I was captured by the incredible settings, cycling through woods, over bridges, and cityscapes. I just couldn’t get away from Abby Stern, the plus-size role model every girl or woman needs. While I think in some of Jennifer’s other books, the main character can get lost, in a sea of POVs from different characters, Abby is a captivating young woman who stands out against a cast of incredibly interesting and unique characters (I’m looking at you Spok’n Four). The moments when Abby questions herself, feeling so far behind in life, it felt like my own feelings were being poured onto the page in front of me. Abby is full of real emotion. She’s nervous inside but forces a brave smile. She has struggles with her body image while walking out with her head held high. She believes that no one could truly want her while still pursuing romantic ventures. Abby is like any of us, confused and scared while still trying to be self-assured and brave. I think a lot of writers forget to round out their characters to make them feel real. Many just follow one note, a moody character is always moody, a funny character is always funny. Sure, sometimes, those characters have moments of light-heartedness or serious tones, but Abby feels real. She is complicated! Abby feels like a friend retelling you a story about a summer trip.
A cast of bright and quirky characters to capture your heart
Another thing I enjoy about this book is the voice Jennifer writes in. The other two books I’ve read by her felt a bit somber, like the entire book had a shade of sadness looming over it, with little to no time for levity moments as we hurdle towards a bright, uplifting high point. In The Breakaway, while some parts feel a bit sad or anxious, there were bits of the story that had me smiling or laughing out loud. A huge part of that is some of the background characters that join Abby on her cycling trip. This group is eclectic, consisting of families, friends, and a group of elderly cyclists. They all help facilitate funny moments that penetrate the sometimes super serious tone that the book can take on. It helps drive you towards the uplifting and hopeful sections between the uncomfortable and sad moments of the book.
Is This the Right Story for You?
- Great for fans of Emily Henry, Elin Hilderbrand, or Sophie Kinsella
- You love character-driven stories with introspection and humor
- You’re in the mood for a hopeful, emotional journey
- The story does touch on some themes from the pandemic era
Final Thoughts and Rating
This is what I would consider a cozy summer camping read, and if that’s what you’re looking for, then look no further.
Sometimes, even after speeding through a book and even if I liked it, I don’t always give it full marks. Many times, I finish a one-off book and while I feel satisfied with the ending, it doesn’t leave me wanting more. I don’t find myself wondering what happened to the characters next, because while I liked them during the story, by the end, I am done with the characters and I don’t care what happens next. The Breakaway feels different. While I felt satisfied when Abby’s adventures were done and we got an ending that left me feeling happy, I wanted more. I want more of Abby, I miss her. I want to know what happens next in her life. Heck, it has inspired me to buy a bike and start riding it myself so I can have my own Breakaway story. That, to me, is a sign of a book that has captured my heart and deserves the full 5 Cozy Cats.
Read on, Cozy Cat Club! You can find a link to pick up and read The Breakaway: Novel down below!
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