In Tandem: Pedaling Through Midlife on a Bicycle Built for Two
In Tandem is an amusing, insightful, and nuanced how-to memoir about creating a durable relationship out of two dented and scratched adults, and then balancing that relationship on a bicycle built for two, popularly called a divorce machine.
The couple courageously share intimate details of their triumphs and tangles. They negotiate their histories of divorces and a spouse's death, while learning to actually welcome sometimes-irritating personal differences and often opposing cultural sensibilities. When initial life settles a bit into normal, the couple move their negotiations onto a bicycle built for two with all its demands for cooperation, coordination, and communication. Flat tires and malfunctions await them.
It's full of quirky humor. Even death and divorce are treated with an agile lightness wrapped in compassion and caring.
The story celebrates both individuality and the delight of an enduring partnership. And it acknowledges the importance of the art of assuming both personal and shared responsibility, of avoiding finger pointing and defensiveness.
In Tandem flows between easy-to-follow explanations of tandem bike mechanics and relationship strategies, akin to Boys in the Boat or Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
One could read this for sage advice on creating and healing a vibrant forgiving couple. Or one could read it to get a primer on tandem riding or building any powerful, resilient team.
"I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful, moving, and funny tale of a resilient, dynamic duo...so tenderly and delicately handcrafted." Louise Baribeau, Retired Mental Health Professional, Newburyport, MA
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