On the surface, The Breakaway, is a sweet story about a group of people who go on a journey of self-exploration while on a long distance cycling trip. However, this book is more than meets the eyes. It addresses body acceptance, mother-daughter relationships, women's rights, self-esteem, parenting, and more. I appreciated what each of the characters brought to the story and the journeys they went on.

A light, enjoyable, fast read. It definitely wasn’t my favorite of Jennifer Weiner though. I much prefer her older books.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for the chance to review this book.

I was given this book from NetGalley - thank you!

I felt like this was really two stories in one and the author was trying to touch on too much. There's a side story, that's rather serious, but not really treated that way.

And I had a hard time rooting fir the main character.

Overall, I enjoyed it but didn't love it.

Thought this was going to be a different read than it was and I didn't like it at all - actually skimmed a good bit. I think Weiner's writing hey day is over. Her early books were so good - her latest is quite boring.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

Loved this. As someone who is also 34, it was nice to see a real accurate viewpoint around feelings dealing with weight and dating. Cute and sweet as well as real.

Jennifer Weiner’s newest release The Breakaway is not her typical beach read that I am used to reading. Instead of love and scandal on a cape setting, The Breakaways is based off Abby Stern, her love to ride her bike, and what happens when she accidentally runs into her one-night stand.
This takes place in New York and Abby is in charge of leading a bike group from New York City all the way to Niagra Falls. This is her first bike trip that she has ever led and is a little self-conscious because she is not your typical “athletic girl.” Abby decides to take on the challenge especially since it will be good for her to clear her head, since she is not sure why she does not feel “right” with her perfect boyfriend Mark. Things all get a little more complicated when she runs into the best one night stand, she has ever had, Sebestian.
Like I said earlier, this is quite different than the typical Jennifer Weiner novels I enjoy reading. To be honest, I almost DNF’d it halfway through. Luckily, I stuck with it, and I am glad I did because the ending did get more enjoyable. It was hard for me to get into it because I did not connect with the bike theme, and I did not enjoy any of the characters. In the end it was a three-star book for me.

An engaging timely read told from various perspectives. Abby Stern gets a job guiding a bike tour throughout New York State, just as her boyfriend asks her to move in. The trip is an opportunity for her and and as we learn the other riders to think about what is next.

Note: Mild spoilers are ahead.

I liked this book. I wanted to like this book a lot more because I"m in a similar place to the FMC. I don't have a terrible relationship with my mother, and I run 8 miles every weekend rather than biking, but just about everything else is spot on.

Then there was the cheating. Not just once, but twice. The first time, I did the while "Oh, she'd only been on a few dates with the first guy. They hadn't had the 'what are we' talk," blah blah blah. But the second time, she straight up cheated. Even though he was as dry and crusty as the feet with which he worked, Mark definitely deserved better. Abbey is her own antagonist. You won't change my mind, and her teaching at risk girls who to cycle and care for themselves mind, body and soul doesn't make up for the fact that she cheated.

Abby’s only in her thirties but has endured a lifetime of extra helpings of shame and ridicule for her weight. She’s learned to settle for what she thinks she deserves in love, career, family and friends. An emotional, timely, uplifting, heartbreaking yet hopeful perspective on body shaming. I’m from the generation when being “twiggy” skinny was the norm. It had nothing to do with health or well-being, just where, who or what being thin got you. The subjects tackled in Abby’s story introduced me to many interesting viewpoints. The well written observations and examples were thought provoking and reflective for me. I’m still rolling over thoughts and feelings from the many relevant issues addressed.
The organized, lengthy bike route in upstate NY was fun to follow along, as were the diverse types and ages of the participants. Abby’s mother was a deeply layered woman and I enjoyed insights into her life. The more mature group of riders were a hoot, I liked them a lot. Abby’s one night stand was also a great twist with an unexpected outcome. There are many more great characters and situations – just read it!
Of course I had a very simple plain bike as a kid, never rode or knew anything about the fancy stuff available now (preferred riding my horse and later motorcycles). I still see no need to punish oneself for miles, but admire those who enjoy the challenge. Many of the historical stops and such were quite interesting since I know little about upstate NY. Would have liked even more about the area, what’s the point of all those miles if you don’t see new things and places?
I knew of the author’s first-class reputation but hadn’t read any of her books before. It was wonderful having the opportunity to finally read one. The story is easy to follow, with surprising depth, meaningful topics, romance and love. Abby is a character that will stay with me, her message is important.
A digital advance reader copy of “The Breakaway” by Jennifer Weiner, Atria Books, Simon & Schuster, was provided to me by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without any compensation.

On its surface, this is the story of a plus-sized woman in her early thirties who has no direction in life, aside from struggling with society's (and her mother's) perceptions of weight. Beneath that, though, you have Jennifer Weiner's plea that we see health, not weight, and not assume we understand someone based on the number on their scale.

You know that expression about everyone struggling with something you know nothing about? That's a big thing in this book. Abby, our heroine, has always sort of drifted, not committing to anything except avoiding her mother. Weiner prods Abby's background, which is a little too predictable for a Jennifer Weiner book, helping us understand Abby's motivations, or lack thereof. She plumbs some depths in other characters, too, yet it all feels, again, predictable.

Abby isn't the only one who can't commit, though. She meets Sebastian, to later discover that he, too, can't stick with something (or someone). Her boyfriend Mark, on the other hand, is VERY committed, and he shares the object of that focus with her mother. Then there is Morgan, a teenage girl who goes on a bike ride Abby leads. It took me a minute to figure out the purpose of Morgan's story arc because it doesn't seem to fit, but upon further review, I think Weiner is saying something about the power of womanhood and friendships. Relationships, of which there are several varieties in this book. We need to find our support system, Weiner seems to say, in whatever form this takes.

As a resolute fan of Jennifer Weiner's books, I can't say this one cracks my top five. It's good--I kept reading and wanted to find out what happens--but I also skimmed parts. I never quite invested in Abby the way I wanted to, and most of the secondary characters were so one-note that I never felt like giving them much attention.

I liked THE BREAKAWAY, even if I can't say I fully invested in it.

I have read all of Weiner’s novels, and this is one of her best. The main character is Abby, who is leading a bicycle trip through upstate New York. Weiner’s characters are always so relatable, and it is as if you know them. The inspiring story is told in chapters from different points of view. Sensitive and timely issues are handled sympathetically and with common sense. Highly recommended!

What I know about Jennifer Weiner books as a long-time reader is, she always, I mean always, holds true to two things: body image and her personal politics. The Breakaway is no exception. Abby, an avid cyclist that doesn't look like a athlete, takes on the leadership of a biking group set to ride a multi-day trek through New York.
Along the way we learn Abby has left behind her serious boyfriend whom she met in her youth at a weight loss camp. Mark, is physically fit and handsome as the weight loss camp has worked its magic on his mind and body (harrumph). We also get to meet as a rider of the biking group, Abby's one and only one-night-stand, Sebastian. Sebastian has always been gorgeous and to Abby, out of her league. Body image is such a strong theme in The Breakaway, I was a bit disappointed at the end of the book as Abby was still surprised and lucky to have snagged a guy that was gorgeous by any standard. She was still valuing who she can be with romantically based on her looks and those of the potential man.
Another strong theme was abortion. Though the premise on how to include it within the ride felt a bit contrived, the message was clear. This, in turn, lead to some real growth in Abby's character. Extrapolating what young girls might need in life to help them thrive, Abby finally starts to get an idea of what she can do to better focus her own life and to mentor those in need of female leadership and a sense of can-do. Biking becomes a conduit to that end.

Thank you to Atria for access to an early e-copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner is different that other books I have read of hers. While completely enjoyable, it wasn't exactly what I was hoping it would be. I understand that is just my opinion. I think I couldn't relate to the characters or situations.
I still recommend this as it well written (obviously, since Jennifer is a word genius), an enjoyable read and fun characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the Advanced Copy of The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner. This is another strong outing from Weiner, I look forward to patrons picking it up

This was a cute read! A little corny for me but cute! I had never read a story surrounding biking, but I did love our curvy queen main character!

This book has a lot to offer: it's a light read with a refreshing point of view. I loved that it was told from the point of view of a fat cyclist who is constantly battling against her own impostor syndrome as a Fitness Person. There were a lot of themes crammed into this book - abortion, expectations of the modern thirty-something woman, generational trauma. It was a little too saccharine for me at certain points - every single conflict gets resolved in the neatest, most convenient way possible and there are a lot of touchy-feely conversations. Overall though, it was cute.

I really enjoy how Weiner is able to effortlessly weave real important topics into a fictional narrative. I really loved the story of Abby but my heart broke and I was really invested in Morgan’s storyline. This was perfect from start to finish.

I really enjoyed this book! Abby, our plus sized protagonist, is feeling lost in life and leads a bike trip that could spark a change in her life.

At first, I felt Abby was a little too in her head about her body and how she presented to others, but then I sadly realized it’s the voice most of us have in our heads too. While I was annoyed at her tearing herself down, I realized I was rooting for her. Sebastian, the guy who throws her off her game, is a good dash of chaos for her - I don’t know how realistic he is, but I liked him. ◡̈

Some people might take issue with some topics presented and supported in this book, but I think they are important, timely, and well done.

As for the writing - I don’t always love multiple perspectives, but I felt they served the plot well and I liked hearing others perspectives. Overall this was an enjoyable read!

{This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.}

The Breakway by Jennifer Weiner is a timely novel, with themes that are resonant in 2023. It is published by Atria Books and will be available on August 29th. It takes place during a two week bike ride from New York City to Niagara Falls and includes an eclectic cast of characters, a couple of macho men, two older couples, a mother-daughter pair, a family of four and the group leader Abby and her mother Eileen.
An avid bike rider, Abby is tricked into spending those two weeks on the trail with her mother in an attempt to reconnect. Eileen was always hounding her daughter about her weight, and as a result a rift had formed in between the two women. However, her mother is not the biggest surprise guest. Unbeknownst to her, an old one night stand happens to be there as well. Sebastian, one of those aforementioned macho men, who can’t seem to get Abby out of her head, is surprised to see her there and attempts to rebuild the connection that they had shared. Throughout the two weeks journey the two attempt to bridge the chemistry between them, but it is undeniable.
The remaining cast of characters also have their own tales to tell and they bring additional richness to the tale as well. Throughout the two week journey, the reader gets to know the ups and downs of these people’s lives and the hurdles they have had to overcome to get to this place. A truly unique novel, Weiner has once again presented us with an entertaining tale, with some surprising attributes. It takes place in the present, and deals with modern themes which may be triggering to some, such as abortion and the effect that social media has on people’s long-term lives. Although there is some Jewish content, it is not an important part of the story and lends itself to a broader audience. I highly recommend this book to book clubs as the characters’ rich backstories lend themselves to much discussion.

I really enjoyed this book! I'm not even remotely a bike person, but this book made me want to get on a bike. I loved all of the characters, and I feel like there are timely stories being told. Part of me wishes that there was more on the other people on the bike trip, however I understand why there's not. I think there are so many important things said in this book, and also it's a fun book to read. I've already recommended this book to friends and I look forward to continuing to recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC.