Discovering Self-Acceptance: ‘The Breakaway’ by Jennifer Weiner – Book Review

The Breakaway takes readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery and unexpected connections as Abby Stern navigates love, identity, and memories.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Atria Books and Edelweiss + for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

Thirty-three-year-old Abby Stern has made it to a happy place. True, she still has gig jobs instead of a career, and the apartment where she’s lived since college still looks like she’s just moved in. But she’s got good friends, her bike, and her bicycling club in Philadelphia. She’s at peace with her plus-size body—at least, most of the time—and she’s on track to marry Mark Medoff, her childhood summer sweetheart, a man she met at the weight-loss camp that her perpetually dieting mother forced her to attend. Fifteen years after her final summer at Camp Golden Hills, when Abby reconnects with a half-his-size Mark, it feels like the happy ending she’s always wanted.

Yet Abby can’t escape the feeling that some­thing isn’t right…or the memories of one thrilling night she spent with a man named Sebastian two years previously. When Abby gets a last-minute invi­tation to lead a cycling trip from NYC to Niagara Falls, she’s happy to have time away from Mark, a chance to reflect and make up her mind.

But things get complicated fast. First, Abby spots a familiar face in the group—Sebastian, the one-night stand she thought she’d never see again. Sebastian is a serial dater who lives a hundred miles away. In spite of their undeniable chemistry, Abby is determined to keep her distance. Then there’s a surprise last-minute addition to the her mother, Eileen, the woman Abby blames for a lifetime of body shaming and insecurities she’s still trying to undo.

Over two weeks and more than seven hundred miles, strangers become friends, hidden truths come to light, a teenage girl with a secret unites the riders in unexpected ways…and Abby is forced to reconsider everything she believes about herself, her mother, and the nature of love.

My Thoughts:

In “The Breakaway” by Jennifer Weiner, we’re immersed in the world of Women’s Fiction as the author fearlessly tackles modern themes. The story revolves around Abby Stern, a 33-year-old woman navigating her way through the pressures of society’s beauty standards. Abby’s struggle to accept herself is at the heart of the story, as she finds refuge in cycling for both physical and mental well-being. We learn that Abby perceived her mother’s desire to “fix” her, which adds depth to her journey.

The book introduces us to Abby’s life from various angles, focusing on her relationship with Mark, an old flame, and a brief encounter with Sebastian that sparks self-discovery. Abby’s decision to lead a bike group trip brings unexpected surprises, including meeting fifteen-year-old Morgan, who carries a hidden secret that adds to the tale’s depth.

Jennifer Weiner dives into important topics such as body image, the impact of social media, and life-changing choices, while emphasizing personal growth and self-confidence. “The Breakaway” invites readers to join Abby’s transformative journey, offering a chance for self-reflection and understanding.

While people’s connection to the story may differ, the book’s honest approach is its charm. Fans of Women’s Fiction will appreciate its courage and relatable themes, making “The Breakaway” a compelling read for those who enjoy thought-provoking stories. There are content warnings surrounding pro-choice so readers please be advised.

Some Of The Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Jennifer Weiner:

The Summer Place

That Summer

Big Summer