I like Jennifer Weiner. I’ve read quite a few of her novels and a short story collection, and either liked each one, really liked it, or loved it. Once you have that kind of familiarity with an author, you pretty much know what you are going to get when you read one of their books. That can be good, but it also can get a little old (for example, if you “discover” an author and read 4 or 5 backlist titles back to back to back that knowing what to expect quickly comes to feel predictable).
Fly Away Home is Jennifer Weiner’s latest novel. It surprised me, by seeming fresh and original, and yet also gave me exactly what I’ve come to expect from Weiner’s writing — women characters who are still figuring themselves out and don’t necessarily fit any certain mold involved in a story arc that is sure to get me invested in at least one character’s life and motivations.
And I always cry. I cry at the complicated yet ordinary lives that the characters lead. I cry at their good choices and their bad. I laugh too, because Jennifer Weiner has a wry sense of humor that comes through in her books, but at some point in the book, though they would not be classified as tear-jerkers, my throat catches and my eyes well up. In fact, I remember sobbing at the end of Certain Girls, a book that I think I loved so much because it was about a mom and her 13-year-old daughter and it resonated with me so much, both remembering my own early teen years and looking to the not-to-distant future with my daughter.
Fly Away Home is the story of a family of women who are each facing a crisis of some sort, causing them to evaluate who they are. Sylvie Woodruff always thought that she was happy with her role of Senator’s wife, but as she’s gotten older, she begins to wonder what she’s compromised. All her doubts are brought to the forefront when her husband’s affair is uncovered by the media.
Sylvie’s eldest daughter Diana has always tried to create the secure homelife she missed out on. She is a doctor, a mom, a wife. She seems to have it all, so why is she having an extramarital affair of her own?
In contrast to her mom and her big sister, Lizzie is finally getting her life together. She’s just out of recovery, and getting ready to embark on a promising new photography career. But can she gain others’ trust?
If you like Jennifer Weiner, I think you’ll like Fly Away Home as a fresh new offering. If you’ve never read her books, or you read one and didn’t like it (which I can’t imagine), give this one a try.
We have one copy of this hardcover novel to give away to one of you (U.S. only). Please leave a comment and we’ll announce the winner in the July 26 5 Minutes for Books column right here.
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The winners of Once Upon a Time in the Kitchen are #61 Jaimie K, #72 Terry Mac, and #26 Marj McClendon. You should have received an email, but if not, please send your shipping info to 5minutesforbooks (AT) gmail.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy and hosting the giveaway.
I have been looking at this book to read! Thank you for the chance to win it!
This looks great, thanks for the chance.
I’d love to read this book – please count me in! Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks for this great giveaway!
I would love to read this.
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net
I can identify with this book, great review, thanks.
I’d love to win a copy of this novel. I need some summer reading material!
I’ve enjoyed Weiner’s other books that I’ve read. This one sounds like something I would enjoy.
michelejudd@gmail.com
I would love to win FLY AWAY HOME.
teakettle58@yahoo.com
This would be a good read for myself and then my 15 year old granddaughter who also loves to read.
I love Jennifer Weiner and I’m glad to hear that this book is as good as her others, but also seems fresh and new.
Would love to read this book. Thanks for the opportunity.
This book looks good. I LOVE Jennifer Weiner’s books!
I’ve only read one of her books (Little Earthquakes, I think), and I enjoyed it. I’d love to give this one a try. Thanks for the chance!
I love her books as well! This sounds like a great read! Thanks for the chance to enter.
I haven’t had the chance to read any of Jennifer Weiner’s books yet, but I’ve heard they are wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of her latest!
I’m an avid reader…awesome prize!
I have loved all of her books and would love to read this one!
I love Jennifer’s books. Would love to read this book, please enter me!
dancealert at aol dot com
I just adore her books, I’d be thrilled to win!
My mom really likes Jennifer Weiner’s books; I’d love to win this for her.
Sounds like a wonderful book. Love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!
I would love to win this book. I do enjoy her books. Thanks for the giveaway!
accoupons at gmail dot com
Oh I would love to win a book, plus I am due to have a baby that day and it would be a great push present=)
I’d like to read this book. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hi – book sounds great! Thanks so much for the review… Sincerely, Maureen (jnomaxx at hotmail dot com)
I’ve been hearing about this author and book – have never read anything by her, but I’ll have to check it out, thanks!
I love her books 🙂 Sounds like another great one by Jennifer!
I would love a good book to read!
So glad you posted this review and giveaway. I love Jennifer’s books, haven’t missed one yet. However, I had no idea she had a new one out. Thanks!
I love Jennifer Weiner! Thanks for the chance.
Please enter me in this giveaway – Thanks!
seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com
I’d love to read this!
I would love to get a hold of this book!
I love Jennifer Weiner’s books, & haven’t read this one yet. I’d love a chance to do so.
I’d like a chance to win this book. Thanks!
From the looks of it, this seems to be a great book! Thanks for sharing. Now I know what i can read over the summer.
I LOVE Jennifer Weiner and would love to read this!
I haven’t read book by Jennifer Weiner yet – would love to win!
Thanks!
I’d like to read this!
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
Thanks for a chance to win a great book!
I’d love to add this book to my TBR pile… 😉
i’d love to try a new author!
I love to read, have never read her books but would love to try.
please enter me, i LOVE jennifer’s books!!
I have never read Jennifer Weiner’s books but I’ve heard she’s a great writer. I’d love to add this book to my summer reads!