The Cyclist by A. W. Stripling

A provocative meditation on family, growth, and our capacity for second chances, The Cyclist: A Love Story for the Ages by A.W. Stripling is a heartfelt novel of leaving home, and the things we leave behind. At times reminiscent of Kerouac’s The Town and the City in its reflections, but far more pared-down in its prose, there are strong sentiments at play here, but the execution could be improved. There is a limited amount of description, and the matter-of-fact tone of the storytelling robs some of the emotional impact. That said, the story also touches on relevant themes of political division, respecting the experiences of others, and finding our common humanity, making this somewhat uneven read quite timely and relatable as well.