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The Breakdown Lane
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Deep End of the Ocean and Twelve Times Blessed comes a novel of the breakdown of a family and of healing after a loss Giving advice is what Julianne Ambrose Gillis does for a living―every Sunday she doles it out to clueless people she doesn’t know, in a column in her local Wisconsin paper. But when it comes to her personal life, Julie seems to have no insight whatsoever. She has worked hard to keep her marriage fresh and to be a good mother, so it’s a mystery when Leo, her husband of twenty years, decides to defect from their life together and their three Gabe, Caroline and Aury. In his absence, Julie is diagnosed with a serious illness, which drives her children to undertake a dangerous journey to find Leo―before it’s too late. But what they discover about their father is even more devastating than their mother’s deteriorating health. As the known world sinks precariously from view and leaves them all adrift, the Gillis clan must navigate their way through the trenches of love, guilt and betrayal, back to solid ground and a new definition of family.
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 28, 2006
289 people are currently reading
2379 people want to read
About the author
Jacquelyn Mitchard
80 books1,227 followersJacquelyn Mitchard’s first novel, The Deep End of the Ocean, was named by USA Today as one of the ten most influential books of the past 25 years – second only to the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (but second by a long shot, it must be said.)
The Deep End of the Ocean was chosen as the first novel in the book club made famous by the TV host Oprah Winfrey, and transformed into a feature film produced by and starring Michelle Pfeiffer.
Most of Mitchard’s novels have been greater or lesser bestsellers – and include The Most Wanted, A Theory of Relativity, Twelve Times Blessed, The Breakdown Lane, The Good Son, and Cage of Stars. Critics have praised them for their authentic humanity and command of story. Readers identify because they see reflected, in her characters – however extreme their circumstances – emotions they already understand.
Mitchard also has written four novels for young adults.
The first, Now You See Her, from HarperTeen, is the story of a pampered, driven young actress who fakes her own abduction.
All We Know of Heaven told the story of lifetime best friends Bridget and Maureen, who are just sixteen when a fatal crash on an icy road and a poignant case of mistaken identity divide their small Minnesota town forever.
The Midnight Twins was the first in a trilogy of teen mysteries about identical twin sisters born on New Year’s Eve – one a minute before and a minute after midnight – Meredith and Mallory Brynn learn on the night they turn thirteen that their psychic abilities will force them to intervene in dire events, although one twin can see only the future and one can see only the past. The Midnight Twins is in development as a TV series by Kaleidoscope Entertainment.
Mitchard's newest novel for adult, A Very Inconvenient Scandal, out in November 2023 from Mira/HarperCollins, is the story of an acclaimed young underwater photographer whose famed marine biologist father shatters their family by marrying her best friend., a woman 35 years his junior.
At the local coffee shop, Mitchard is best-known as the mother of Rob, Dan, Marty, Francie, Mia, Will and Atticus , as the grandma of Hank and Diana and the wife of handsome Chris Brent.
Her favorite color is periwinkle blue; her favorite holiday is Halloween; her favorite flower is freesia; her favorite word is "smite," and her second favorite is "Massachusetts"; her lucky number is 119 (anyone who can guess where that comes from wins free first editions of her novels for life). She lives in her favorite place on earth, Cape Cod, summering in a villa on the Amalfi Coast. (Guess which part of that sentence is fiction.)
Her essays have appeared in publications including the New York Times, Chicago Tribune Magazine and Reader's Digest, and are widely anthologized and used in school curricula. She has taught in MFA programs in Vermont, Ohio, and Massachusetts, and is part of the faculty at the Summer Writers Institute at Yale University. She is a member of the Tall Poppies Writers and has been a fellow at the MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, and the Ragdale Foundation.
Her pet peeves are known authors and editors who cannot and will not learn the difference between “lie” and “lay” and family signs pluralized with apostrophes.
She would love to appear on just ONE episode of any incarnation of ‘Law and Order,’ as has everyone else in America. She still is willing to play the role of a murder victim – except one found by earth-moving equipment in a landfill – though she would do that in a pinch.
Mitchard would like to have a swimming pool, because, although she lives near the ocean, she is afraid of the dark water and hates sand. She would love to have a clawfoot tub, or any tub.
She believes that stories are the ways that human beings make sense of life and that our stories will save us.
The Deep End of the Ocean was chosen as the first novel in the book club made famous by the TV host Oprah Winfrey, and transformed into a feature film produced by and starring Michelle Pfeiffer.
Most of Mitchard’s novels have been greater or lesser bestsellers – and include The Most Wanted, A Theory of Relativity, Twelve Times Blessed, The Breakdown Lane, The Good Son, and Cage of Stars. Critics have praised them for their authentic humanity and command of story. Readers identify because they see reflected, in her characters – however extreme their circumstances – emotions they already understand.
Mitchard also has written four novels for young adults.
The first, Now You See Her, from HarperTeen, is the story of a pampered, driven young actress who fakes her own abduction.
All We Know of Heaven told the story of lifetime best friends Bridget and Maureen, who are just sixteen when a fatal crash on an icy road and a poignant case of mistaken identity divide their small Minnesota town forever.
The Midnight Twins was the first in a trilogy of teen mysteries about identical twin sisters born on New Year’s Eve – one a minute before and a minute after midnight – Meredith and Mallory Brynn learn on the night they turn thirteen that their psychic abilities will force them to intervene in dire events, although one twin can see only the future and one can see only the past. The Midnight Twins is in development as a TV series by Kaleidoscope Entertainment.
Mitchard's newest novel for adult, A Very Inconvenient Scandal, out in November 2023 from Mira/HarperCollins, is the story of an acclaimed young underwater photographer whose famed marine biologist father shatters their family by marrying her best friend., a woman 35 years his junior.
At the local coffee shop, Mitchard is best-known as the mother of Rob, Dan, Marty, Francie, Mia, Will and Atticus , as the grandma of Hank and Diana and the wife of handsome Chris Brent.
Her favorite color is periwinkle blue; her favorite holiday is Halloween; her favorite flower is freesia; her favorite word is "smite," and her second favorite is "Massachusetts"; her lucky number is 119 (anyone who can guess where that comes from wins free first editions of her novels for life). She lives in her favorite place on earth, Cape Cod, summering in a villa on the Amalfi Coast. (Guess which part of that sentence is fiction.)
Her essays have appeared in publications including the New York Times, Chicago Tribune Magazine and Reader's Digest, and are widely anthologized and used in school curricula. She has taught in MFA programs in Vermont, Ohio, and Massachusetts, and is part of the faculty at the Summer Writers Institute at Yale University. She is a member of the Tall Poppies Writers and has been a fellow at the MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, and the Ragdale Foundation.
Her pet peeves are known authors and editors who cannot and will not learn the difference between “lie” and “lay” and family signs pluralized with apostrophes.
She would love to appear on just ONE episode of any incarnation of ‘Law and Order,’ as has everyone else in America. She still is willing to play the role of a murder victim – except one found by earth-moving equipment in a landfill – though she would do that in a pinch.
Mitchard would like to have a swimming pool, because, although she lives near the ocean, she is afraid of the dark water and hates sand. She would love to have a clawfoot tub, or any tub.
She believes that stories are the ways that human beings make sense of life and that our stories will save us.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
November 18, 2013
This was a very good read, and it probably would have gotten 5 stars if the ending wasn't so out of left field.
The book is told through the journals of Julieanne and her son, Gabe, a teenager who has problems with school-learning but has a gift of writing. When we meet Julieanne, she has quite the enviable life--a posh pedigree, a handsome, high-earning husband, loving in-laws, and two great kids, plus another one on the way. But then her husband Leo, tells her he needs to go on a hiatus to "find himself," and his sporadic contact soon turns to no contact as he disappears from their lives. The family is stunned, of course, but they're dealt an even bigger blow as Julieanne is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
I liked this book because the author didn't feel the need to make Julieanne into a saint because she was sick. She was haughty, arrogant, and a bit self-centered before she was diagnosed, and her flaws remained after she got the doctor's news. So because of this, her kids' reactions seemed very real, not just the actions of spoiled teenagers. Leo, on the other hand, seemed very one-dimensional to me--pretty much the exact definition of a cad. I couldn't see any redeeming qualities in him.
My only issue with the book was that the ending didn't do it justice. The book is about struggle, hardship, and reality. And not to give anything away, but the ending deviated just a bit too much from that for my liking.
Still, I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to trying the author again.
The book is told through the journals of Julieanne and her son, Gabe, a teenager who has problems with school-learning but has a gift of writing. When we meet Julieanne, she has quite the enviable life--a posh pedigree, a handsome, high-earning husband, loving in-laws, and two great kids, plus another one on the way. But then her husband Leo, tells her he needs to go on a hiatus to "find himself," and his sporadic contact soon turns to no contact as he disappears from their lives. The family is stunned, of course, but they're dealt an even bigger blow as Julieanne is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
I liked this book because the author didn't feel the need to make Julieanne into a saint because she was sick. She was haughty, arrogant, and a bit self-centered before she was diagnosed, and her flaws remained after she got the doctor's news. So because of this, her kids' reactions seemed very real, not just the actions of spoiled teenagers. Leo, on the other hand, seemed very one-dimensional to me--pretty much the exact definition of a cad. I couldn't see any redeeming qualities in him.
My only issue with the book was that the ending didn't do it justice. The book is about struggle, hardship, and reality. And not to give anything away, but the ending deviated just a bit too much from that for my liking.
Still, I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to trying the author again.
May 4, 2022
Review originally published July 2005
Jacquelyn Mitchard again highlights love, marriage, parenting, and life in her newest novel, The Breakdown Lane. It’s always interesting to read a book that takes place in your home state, seeing familiar town names in print, but the author did change some school names.
Julieanne writes an advice column for her local Wisconsin paper, but seems to have missed some clues when it comes to her own life. During her twenty-year marriage to Leo, she has tried to keep things fresh. She is caught completely by surprise when Leo tells her he needs to go on a “sabbatical” from their life together.
When it becomes evident that this separation is meant to be permanent, the succeeding months are filled with sadness, frustration, confusion, and financial difficulties. Things become worse when Julieanne is diagnosed with a serious illness and her two older children embark on a dangerous journey.
Julieanne and her son Gabe tell the story. His journal sounds exactly like a teenage boy would talk. He speaks so honestly, and from his gut. All of the teen angst and feelings about his family and his own school-related troubles come pouring out in his journal. Supporting characters also greatly contribute to the story. Leo’s parents and Julie’s best friend, Cathy, are strong and memorable while helping Julie with life’s events.
Jacquelyn Mitchard always has characters in her books that are so well-developed you can picture them and The Breakdown Lane (perfect title) is no exception. The novel is written with humor and poignancy, causing me to both chuckle and almost cry while reading on the same page.
Two other of Mitchard’s books that I especially liked are Twelve Times Blessed and A Theory of Relativity. These are all available at one or more of the County Library branches.
Find these books and other titles within our catalog.
Jacquelyn Mitchard again highlights love, marriage, parenting, and life in her newest novel, The Breakdown Lane. It’s always interesting to read a book that takes place in your home state, seeing familiar town names in print, but the author did change some school names.
Julieanne writes an advice column for her local Wisconsin paper, but seems to have missed some clues when it comes to her own life. During her twenty-year marriage to Leo, she has tried to keep things fresh. She is caught completely by surprise when Leo tells her he needs to go on a “sabbatical” from their life together.
When it becomes evident that this separation is meant to be permanent, the succeeding months are filled with sadness, frustration, confusion, and financial difficulties. Things become worse when Julieanne is diagnosed with a serious illness and her two older children embark on a dangerous journey.
Julieanne and her son Gabe tell the story. His journal sounds exactly like a teenage boy would talk. He speaks so honestly, and from his gut. All of the teen angst and feelings about his family and his own school-related troubles come pouring out in his journal. Supporting characters also greatly contribute to the story. Leo’s parents and Julie’s best friend, Cathy, are strong and memorable while helping Julie with life’s events.
Jacquelyn Mitchard always has characters in her books that are so well-developed you can picture them and The Breakdown Lane (perfect title) is no exception. The novel is written with humor and poignancy, causing me to both chuckle and almost cry while reading on the same page.
Two other of Mitchard’s books that I especially liked are Twelve Times Blessed and A Theory of Relativity. These are all available at one or more of the County Library branches.
Find these books and other titles within our catalog.
April 7, 2009
If you are a person angry at any man in your life, this might not be the right time to read this book because my overriding sense was that I was so infuritated with the husband/father character I wanted to strangle him.
The Breakdown Lane, in my opinion, is a story of a 15-year old boy who has to grow up quickly to care for his quickly deterioriating family. I felt every emotion imaginable for this young man, Gabe. I wanted to reach through the pages of the story and give him a hug. His normal teenage angst of girlfriends, school and acne are buffers to what he endures as caretaker of his baby sister and ill mother. When he's angry, I was angry, when he was glib, I would smile wryly at his self-deprecating humor. When he stood up for his family, I was as proud of him had he been my own son.
The story, too, centers around a woman unexpectedly facing a life-altering disease and her frustrations at suddenly having limits on her physical and mental capabilities. It is about a friend, who stays by her side, without question, without being asked. Strong characters, strong emotions, a strong story, very well-written. Quite the ending, too. I recommend it.
The Breakdown Lane, in my opinion, is a story of a 15-year old boy who has to grow up quickly to care for his quickly deterioriating family. I felt every emotion imaginable for this young man, Gabe. I wanted to reach through the pages of the story and give him a hug. His normal teenage angst of girlfriends, school and acne are buffers to what he endures as caretaker of his baby sister and ill mother. When he's angry, I was angry, when he was glib, I would smile wryly at his self-deprecating humor. When he stood up for his family, I was as proud of him had he been my own son.
The story, too, centers around a woman unexpectedly facing a life-altering disease and her frustrations at suddenly having limits on her physical and mental capabilities. It is about a friend, who stays by her side, without question, without being asked. Strong characters, strong emotions, a strong story, very well-written. Quite the ending, too. I recommend it.
September 12, 2009
I enjoyed Mitchard's writing style and some of the character development much of the way thru the book, but as far as I am concerned it fell apart with the unrealistic arrival of her Prince Charming. I couldn't finish it. For once I would like to see women going thru tough times prevail on their own. Authors, give me material showing that women dumped and sick as well have the courage to enjoy life without the rescuing super-men. A surgeon yet.
August 23, 2007
I just started listening to this one for my commute. So far I am drawn in and intrigued by the main character's children more than by her or her cheating husband Leo.
Since I am listening to this book, I won't be able to critique the writing style...but I will be forced to pay attention to the details of the story.
I am at the end of disk two and honestly, I am not really that in to the book. Normally, even novels that I would have difficulty reading, I listen to with great attention and enthusiasm. None of the characters, not even the kids, jump out as me as intriguing or worth caring about.
If I were not stuck in teh car with a long commute and sick to death of the radio, I would return the book to the library.
I hope it gets better.
The book did get better and I did learn to love each of the characters. NOt sure I would completely recommend the book; it was not my favorite but it was ok.
Since I am listening to this book, I won't be able to critique the writing style...but I will be forced to pay attention to the details of the story.
I am at the end of disk two and honestly, I am not really that in to the book. Normally, even novels that I would have difficulty reading, I listen to with great attention and enthusiasm. None of the characters, not even the kids, jump out as me as intriguing or worth caring about.
If I were not stuck in teh car with a long commute and sick to death of the radio, I would return the book to the library.
I hope it gets better.
The book did get better and I did learn to love each of the characters. NOt sure I would completely recommend the book; it was not my favorite but it was ok.
Read
September 4, 2023Don’t read this if you have any tendencies towards depression. I don’t need this kind of realness. I’m not giving it a rating because many people have enjoyed this book, just not me.
May 30, 2022
So many spoilers ahead. 4 stars.
This book has so many trainwrecks it's hard to keep track!
Hubs is in the midst of a full-blown extreme mid-life crisis. He wants to ditch his pedestrian middle-class life with all of the usual trappings to live a simpler life off the land instead. He quits his job and plans a lengthy solo trip (not really solo, we come to learn), but he actually doesn't plan to return. That last bit he kept to himself.
The h is caring for 3 children, one of whom is a still a baby when Leo does a runner. Simultanesouly, the adolescent son has significant learning differences that impact his academic performance and make life generally difficult for him socially. The adolescent daughter is typically portrayed as selfish, bratty, demanding, and a daddy's girl. The baby is snuggly and sweet, but also a huge complication to her new status as a single parent. Because you see, Leo has also liquidated the family's assets and taken them for his own use, leaving the family high and dry.
h is diagnosed with MS, which can be such an ass-kicking illness in so many ways. I thought the author did a great job of describing the h's personal experience of this illness and how it impacted her performance, her relationships, her cognition. Leo has left them high and dry throughout all of it, with no health insurance to support this very expensive illness. As is often the case with MS, mom is incapacitated, leaving the adolescent kiddos to largely fend for themselves. She is cranky, disoriented, upset, abandoned, and at wit's end, plus she is dealing with a mysterious illness with a dizzying array of symptoms. The kids are pissed as hell at their MIA dad and plan a trip to find him.
They find him, alright. Living with much younger woman Joyous and their infant baby. Leo keeps explaining to oldest son Gabe that he'll understand one day why Leo had to abandon his family for the new one.
Leo was such a shit that as a reader, I knew the h and the family was much better off without him. The adolescent daughter jumps ship and heads for dad's new family where life is more hippy-dippy and there are fewer rules to restrict her behaviors. Mom feels abandoned because she kind of was. Gabe falls in love. Our h rekindles an old relationship and ultimately finds a happier ending. She still pines away for Leo - what the hell is that about?! That part was a bit pat for me, but I did love the angst generated by boneheaded Leo and his self-absorbed actions. I also loved the comeuppance generated by his boneheaded decisions!
All in all, this was a good messy angsty novel with a HEA/HFN.
This book has so many trainwrecks it's hard to keep track!
Hubs is in the midst of a full-blown extreme mid-life crisis. He wants to ditch his pedestrian middle-class life with all of the usual trappings to live a simpler life off the land instead. He quits his job and plans a lengthy solo trip (not really solo, we come to learn), but he actually doesn't plan to return. That last bit he kept to himself.
The h is caring for 3 children, one of whom is a still a baby when Leo does a runner. Simultanesouly, the adolescent son has significant learning differences that impact his academic performance and make life generally difficult for him socially. The adolescent daughter is typically portrayed as selfish, bratty, demanding, and a daddy's girl. The baby is snuggly and sweet, but also a huge complication to her new status as a single parent. Because you see, Leo has also liquidated the family's assets and taken them for his own use, leaving the family high and dry.
h is diagnosed with MS, which can be such an ass-kicking illness in so many ways. I thought the author did a great job of describing the h's personal experience of this illness and how it impacted her performance, her relationships, her cognition. Leo has left them high and dry throughout all of it, with no health insurance to support this very expensive illness. As is often the case with MS, mom is incapacitated, leaving the adolescent kiddos to largely fend for themselves. She is cranky, disoriented, upset, abandoned, and at wit's end, plus she is dealing with a mysterious illness with a dizzying array of symptoms. The kids are pissed as hell at their MIA dad and plan a trip to find him.
They find him, alright. Living with much younger woman Joyous and their infant baby. Leo keeps explaining to oldest son Gabe that he'll understand one day why Leo had to abandon his family for the new one.
Leo was such a shit that as a reader, I knew the h and the family was much better off without him. The adolescent daughter jumps ship and heads for dad's new family where life is more hippy-dippy and there are fewer rules to restrict her behaviors. Mom feels abandoned because she kind of was. Gabe falls in love. Our h rekindles an old relationship and ultimately finds a happier ending. She still pines away for Leo - what the hell is that about?! That part was a bit pat for me, but I did love the angst generated by boneheaded Leo and his self-absorbed actions. I also loved the comeuppance generated by his boneheaded decisions!
All in all, this was a good messy angsty novel with a HEA/HFN.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2013
I mostly liked this. It does lose it right at the end with the appearance of Matt. Just way too convenient.
Before that, was a very good book similar to a Jodi Picoult.
I have to admit, I could kind of understand why Leo left. He had been trying to tell Julianne how unhappy he was with his lifestyle and over working, so she pulls an "oops, pregnant " on him to make him stay. I could never have too much sympathy for a woman who intentionally does that.
However, what happened to Julianne with the MS was horrible. Very compelling reading, though. I did feel sorry for her trying to deal with her illness, and thankfully she does grow as a person.
Gabe is a good character, as is Carolyn. Typically self absorbed for a young girl her age! I also liked the Inlaws and Cathy.
It's worth reading, but the twist at the end is unnecessary and I think I would have liked it more if Matt hadn't come to save the day. It's not overly realistic, and it would have been more inspiring for Julianne to find her own strength.
Before that, was a very good book similar to a Jodi Picoult.
I have to admit, I could kind of understand why Leo left. He had been trying to tell Julianne how unhappy he was with his lifestyle and over working, so she pulls an "oops, pregnant " on him to make him stay. I could never have too much sympathy for a woman who intentionally does that.
However, what happened to Julianne with the MS was horrible. Very compelling reading, though. I did feel sorry for her trying to deal with her illness, and thankfully she does grow as a person.
Gabe is a good character, as is Carolyn. Typically self absorbed for a young girl her age! I also liked the Inlaws and Cathy.
It's worth reading, but the twist at the end is unnecessary and I think I would have liked it more if Matt hadn't come to save the day. It's not overly realistic, and it would have been more inspiring for Julianne to find her own strength.
December 9, 2014
3 STARS
"Every family has its catastrophes . . .
Julieanne Gillis's family collects them. An advice columnist for a local newspaper, Julie dispenses wisdom to her readers, but somehow missed the signs that something was wrong in her own home. Devoted to being a good mother and keeping her twenty-year marriage fresh and exciting, she is shocked by her husband's surprise announcement that he needs a "sabbatical" from their life together -- and devastated when he disappears, leaving Julie with no funds to raise two teenagers and a small daughter alone. But it is the discovery that Julieanne suffers from a serious illness that truly crumbles her family's foundation -- setting her children on a dangerous, quixotic journey to locate their missing father . . . before it's too late." (From Amazon)
I liked this well-written novel.
"Every family has its catastrophes . . .
Julieanne Gillis's family collects them. An advice columnist for a local newspaper, Julie dispenses wisdom to her readers, but somehow missed the signs that something was wrong in her own home. Devoted to being a good mother and keeping her twenty-year marriage fresh and exciting, she is shocked by her husband's surprise announcement that he needs a "sabbatical" from their life together -- and devastated when he disappears, leaving Julie with no funds to raise two teenagers and a small daughter alone. But it is the discovery that Julieanne suffers from a serious illness that truly crumbles her family's foundation -- setting her children on a dangerous, quixotic journey to locate their missing father . . . before it's too late." (From Amazon)
I liked this well-written novel.
July 21, 2016
Maybe 2 1/2? MS was an interesting problem. Add to that a dissolving marriage and there could have been a good story. But, a clueless protagonist, a tidy, unlikely ending, and some unrealistic and unresolved characters weakened this book a lot. Additionally, too much effort to make the story seem "true" when that was not necessary.
May 9, 2025
*audiobook
August 12, 2009
I really enjoyed Jacquelyn Mitchard's other books. And "Breakdown Lane" starts out wonderfully, as Mitchard sets up the family of characters, weaving little bits of information and vital images together. It's the plot that disappoints here. It's not so much the flood of terrible and challenging things that happens to Julieanne--her illness, her feckless, faithless husband, her colorful children and the lengths they go to, to get their father to return. It's the miracle rescue that set my teeth on edge. Just as Julieanne starts sorting things out in her own quirky way, along comes a plot twist right out of a Harlequin Romance. The writing is wonderful--but the rest, not so much.
January 9, 2009
I thought the story was captivating. It was so realistic that you wanted to know how JulieAnne would come to terms with her illness (MS) and her husband Leo who walked out on her. You just wanted to shake Leo for being so insensitive by disrupting the family unity to embark on his idealistic and unbelievable trek into a commune lifestyle. It was pure escapism from responsibility!
The stress JulieAnne endured acerbated the MS symptoms. Not only does she have to deal with the grief of a husband leaving and the progression of MS she has the burden to take care of two teenage children and a baby. Her son Gabe has severe learning disabilities and her daughter, Caroline is running away from the realities of home by becoming involved with a young man who does not have Caroline's best interest in mind. On top of this JulieAnne is a newspaper columnist who has to work to provide for her family since Leo is not interested in working anymore.
JulieAnne is a strong minded woman, but she is truly being tested. All she wants is her dignity and is amazed that another man can love her as a woman with MS. You can not help celebrate her marriage to Matthew. This marriage does not have a fairy tale end, as Matthew has his love of drink, but he is a good man, who JulieAnne can rest in comfort that he is and will be with her to the end.
The stress JulieAnne endured acerbated the MS symptoms. Not only does she have to deal with the grief of a husband leaving and the progression of MS she has the burden to take care of two teenage children and a baby. Her son Gabe has severe learning disabilities and her daughter, Caroline is running away from the realities of home by becoming involved with a young man who does not have Caroline's best interest in mind. On top of this JulieAnne is a newspaper columnist who has to work to provide for her family since Leo is not interested in working anymore.
JulieAnne is a strong minded woman, but she is truly being tested. All she wants is her dignity and is amazed that another man can love her as a woman with MS. You can not help celebrate her marriage to Matthew. This marriage does not have a fairy tale end, as Matthew has his love of drink, but he is a good man, who JulieAnne can rest in comfort that he is and will be with her to the end.
November 18, 2012
I actually picked up this book on the recommendation of--don't laugh!--Stephen King. As one of the ten books he recommended for late summer reads in an issue of Entertainment Weekly Magazine, the premise hooked me.
The book centers around a woman who not only loses her husband to a wacky desire to live a simpler and more-fulfilling life, but has to single-handedly raise two teenagers and a young daughter by herself, all while dealing with her diagnosis of MS.
THE BREAKDOWN LANE is women's fiction at its best. I actually enjoyed the two first-person accounts that make up the book (it's in the form of a journal belonging to the mother and one written by the son). Although it does end up with a rather happily-ever-after ending, this book details life in all its ups and downs--and you'll appreciate being along for the ride.
The book centers around a woman who not only loses her husband to a wacky desire to live a simpler and more-fulfilling life, but has to single-handedly raise two teenagers and a young daughter by herself, all while dealing with her diagnosis of MS.
THE BREAKDOWN LANE is women's fiction at its best. I actually enjoyed the two first-person accounts that make up the book (it's in the form of a journal belonging to the mother and one written by the son). Although it does end up with a rather happily-ever-after ending, this book details life in all its ups and downs--and you'll appreciate being along for the ride.
January 16, 2015
This is a book I can legitimitely say I would never ever have picked up to read if my mum had not gifted it to me. Recommending books to her is something I love to do and she'd given me some recommendations of her own. But never before did she actually BUY me the book in question, though. This made me read the Breakdown Lane before anything else I want to read this summer.
I am very glad I read this novel, since I identified with so many of its main characters (Julie, Gabe & Caroline) - for personal reasons. Even though my family is not Julie's, there are recognisable similarities within the struggles of each family member. Let's just say some revelations in their development taught me a lot or at least confirmed a lot.
Negative sidenote: I did think it had a rather naïve and romanticised ending, which made me disappointed and pathetically hopeful in equal measure.
I am very glad I read this novel, since I identified with so many of its main characters (Julie, Gabe & Caroline) - for personal reasons. Even though my family is not Julie's, there are recognisable similarities within the struggles of each family member. Let's just say some revelations in their development taught me a lot or at least confirmed a lot.
Negative sidenote: I did think it had a rather naïve and romanticised ending, which made me disappointed and pathetically hopeful in equal measure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2020
This was a rough read for me, although typical of Michard's heart hitting emotional books. I didn't like the ending at all.
September 2, 2024
Couldn't put it down.
June 30, 2024
This is one that has stuck with me after finishing it. This is one of those books that makes it hard to find something else to read because you know nothing else will stack up to it. I LOVED this book. I devoured it. The characters are realistically drawn. The emotions are palpable. The writing is exceptional.
June 2, 2021
Julieann and Leon Steiner are having trouble in their marriage. When their third child is born, Leon seems to hit the pinnacle of his "hippie crisis". Within a few years, he leaves in search of fulfillment, with the promise of a return. Then, Julieann is diagnosed with MS and Leo can't be found. the two oldest, Gabe and Caroline, go in search of Leo and find him with a new family (woman, baby and another on the way) at a commune. Leo must come back and deal with his family, but he is not the hero they had hoped for. In the end, Julieann finds her prince in a wealthy doctor and each of the kids find their own identity.
The book has a good style, with alternating "journal" entries of Julieann and Gabe. I like how Leo didn't save the day, but Julieann marrying her old boyfriend doctor was a bit cheesy. Aurora (the youngest) could have been a dog - she never said or did anything. I also felt the the author threw-in all kinds of "extras" (Gabe having a learning disability, Julieann's best friend being a lesbian - who adopts an Asian baby, etc.). I'm not sure of the message here.
The book has a good style, with alternating "journal" entries of Julieann and Gabe. I like how Leo didn't save the day, but Julieann marrying her old boyfriend doctor was a bit cheesy. Aurora (the youngest) could have been a dog - she never said or did anything. I also felt the the author threw-in all kinds of "extras" (Gabe having a learning disability, Julieann's best friend being a lesbian - who adopts an Asian baby, etc.). I'm not sure of the message here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2017
Not as good as The Deep End of the Ocean by the same author.
The Breakdown Lane has a husband who needs to 'find himself" and leaves his wife and three children, one of whom is an infant. The kids think he will come back, but he doesn't. They try to find him and do, with another woman and child.
Leo's first wife is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and she relies on friends and her children for help and support.
The Breakdown Lane has a husband who needs to 'find himself" and leaves his wife and three children, one of whom is an infant. The kids think he will come back, but he doesn't. They try to find him and do, with another woman and child.
Leo's first wife is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and she relies on friends and her children for help and support.
May 15, 2018
I mean I'd give it 2.6 maybe. It was just kind of blah, I hate when you have to read the diary or journal of a character, and especially when it's a teenager, it's almost always kind of corny, trying too hard to sound like a teen.. Another character was such a jerk, it was hard to read him as a real person, because he really never showed any redeeming qualities, or had any explanation for his behavior..and Julieanne was kind of annoying, though I couldn't say why. Still, it wasn't terrible?
September 1, 2020
Reading Jacquelyn Mitchard is always an escape for me. Her writing is simple, somewhat predictable, but still keeps me turning the page. I know it will have a happy ending and not stress me out too much which is a comfort. I do find myself saying to myself, "like that would really happen..." in a very sarcastic silent voice, but yet I read everything she writes. Go figure.
February 5, 2008
A hard read from the standpoint that this mother of three is experiencing MS symptoms as her husband is leaving her for a younger woman. I learned a lot about MS, but the author gives the reader a bit of an unrealistic ending. However, overall, this was a good read.
September 9, 2009
It's not that the writing was lyrical or musical but the characters were so raw and the truths in the book so real. I intitally rated it 4 stars rather than 3 but downgraded it due to a slightly over the top ending.
February 26, 2008
I'm kind of hit-or-miss with Mitchard, but this is one of her better novels.
April 16, 2008
Lovely, up until the end, which was just a bit too pat. The structure of the narrative is superb, however.
July 6, 2009
This was entertaining enough - a little too tidy of a wrap up for some of the issues that were covered. Overall fairly good though.
October 4, 2023
Why did I keep reading this advance copy novel? Curiosity I guess. I thought it was a messy and contrived story. Should have abandoned, but I read Deep End of the Ocean years ago and enjoyed it.
December 28, 2024
The Breakdown Lane by Jacquelyn Mitchard was a puzzling read that, at times, felt more like a collection of tropes than a cohesive novel. The story had a promising start but quickly devolved into frustrating character dynamics and questionable plot choices. Julie, one of the main characters, initially inspired empathy with her struggles, but her constant self-pity and lack of effort made her difficult to root for. Her dynamic with her children felt strained and one-sided, as though she expected them to bear the brunt of her emotional burdens without reciprocating care or understanding. While she displayed some growth later, it was disappointing that this change seemed prompted more by the possibility of romance than personal accountability.
Other characters, like Gabe, had potential but often felt contradictory, with their actions seemingly driven more by the need to sustain the plot than by authentic character development. The book's premise of navigating love, guilt, and betrayal felt overshadowed by its underlying message of "family above all," which I found problematic. The idea that blood ties demand unconditional loyalty regardless of toxicity is outdated and unhelpful.
Despite a few redeeming moments, The Breakdown Lane left me more frustrated than satisfied, with characters and themes that lacked the depth and nuance needed to make the story truly impactful.
Other characters, like Gabe, had potential but often felt contradictory, with their actions seemingly driven more by the need to sustain the plot than by authentic character development. The book's premise of navigating love, guilt, and betrayal felt overshadowed by its underlying message of "family above all," which I found problematic. The idea that blood ties demand unconditional loyalty regardless of toxicity is outdated and unhelpful.
Despite a few redeeming moments, The Breakdown Lane left me more frustrated than satisfied, with characters and themes that lacked the depth and nuance needed to make the story truly impactful.
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