I can’t remember the last time I read a Jennifer Weiner book. It’s probably been twenty years! She’s not exactly my current cup of tea (murder, murder, kidnapping that leads to murder, mystery, murder, etc). I think I heard her getting interviewed on npr and the topic just spoke to my soul, so I knew I had to read this book.
The gist of this book is about a girl who lives in a larger body, has some issues with that body (both in her head and external), and relationships with mothers. Man did that tick all of my boxes. I am also someone who lives in a larger body! I struggle daily with both my perception of myself and others perception of me. Aaaand, like most of us, I’ve struggled with my relationship with my mother related to this topic!
I loved that the main character Abby was an active (mostly) confident woman who didn’t take crap from people. At the beginning of the book, she’s in a relationship that seems “perfect” on paper, but she’s just not fully in. She’s offered a job as a leader of a two week bike ride, and it sounds like just the thing for her to figure out her life.
There are so many topics covered in this book aside from the biggest one (literally seriously no pun intended). Like I mentioned, there are mother / daughter relationships and dynamics, but it’s not just the main character. There are a bunch of supporting characters that are actually given some backstory and range and I liked that. They’re dealing with their own things. There’s also a side story about abortion and abortion access. I’m the most socially liberal person, and I’m 300% pro-choice, so I liked this part. There’s also some romance, which I wasn’t really prepared for. None of it is over the top though. Oh and bike riding. There’s a crap ton of bike riding!
I loved that the main character was flawed and caring and didn’t just end up with the guy in the end. I thought the ending was satisfying in an earned way.
