Leaving Virginia: A Bike Ride Across America in Memory of Jeremy

by Jennifer Herbstritt

Jennifer Herbstritt began April 16, 2007, running the Boston Marathon--what she believed would be the most important race of her life. But when she crossed the finish line and the most horrible news possible was told to her-- that her eldest brother, Jeremy, had been murdered--it was then that she realized the most difficult race of her life had only begun. A year later, Jennifer, her siblings and her boyfriend left Virginia, where Jeremy's life was taken, to travel on their bicycles to California. They wanted to explore the outdoors Jeremy had loved so much, to travel across North America and to meet people just as he would have done, to honor his memory, to strengthen their bond as a family and, if possible, to find some peace. Original.

477 pages, Paperback

First published May 18, 2010

Reviews

[Jesse]

This is an important book, a heavy book, a devastating book. It's a book that one cannot read quickly, for time must be made to think between the pages. It's also a long book. All that said, it has taken me quite a long time to read this book, but it is worth it.
I started reading this book when I was reading The Brothers Karamazov and I finish it as I'm reading Revenge of the Sith. All three books are similar in that they deal with death and loss and tragedy. That's probably the best part of this book: how Herbrstitt makes the reader think. She's telling her story, yes, but while that story is being told the reader must contemplate life, meaning, everything that she wonders as she bikes. This is a journey across America for her, but the reader is carried along with her. My heart was heavy as I read the doubts and fears and begging God for comprehension. Herbstritt isn't a great writer, but this is her story, and her talent is good enough to carry across what is necessary for it to powerfully affect the reader.
I can't say I loved this book, but I think it is an important book to read. It is not just the story of a real person, it forces the reader to look at life in a way that most people try to avoid. And, though there are no easy answers, sometimes it is enough to start by asking the questions.

[Carole Robinson]

I met the author at a women's Expo. Each of us sold only one book. However, I believe we were meant to share a few hours together. We exchanged books. Since mine is a short children's chapter book, I definitely got the better deal. I typically skip over parts of books with detailed descriptions. But not LEAVING VIRGINIA. I loved the book but am sad for the family of a fine young man, Jeremy Herbstritt. I absolutely loved this book. I want my friends to read this, but don't want to loan my copy in fear of its never returning to my library.

Jennifer, if you read this review, know how much you enriched my life by writing this book in honor of Jeremy's life.

[Alyssa]

Absolutely heartwrenching. As Jennifer and her siblings travel across the country by bike and car, she reflects on her life with her older brother, Jeremy, who was killed in the Virginia Tech shootings. Throughout the trip, the siblings encounter new people and experiences that afford them different perspectives on life.
As Jennifer takes us across the country, we hear the despair and sorrow she is experiencing, along with the newfound wisdom she is gaining.
I highly recommend this book. Very rarely have I experienced such raw emotion on paper. Five stars.

[Mary]

A very emotional story, written by my niece as she traveled by bicycle across America while trying to cope with the loss of her older brother. This book was a big step in her healing process...as so, it continues...