Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler (2011)

Title: Why We Broke Up
Author: Daniel Handler
Illustrator: Maira Kalman
Publication: Dec.27, 2011, Little, Brown Books For Young Readers
Format: Digital Copy, 236 pages
Source: Own Copy
Buy it on: Amazon | National Book Store | Fully Booked | The Book Depository | Barnes and Noble |

Synopsis:

I'm telling you why we broke up, Ed. I'm writing it in this letter, the whole truth of why it happened. Min Green and Ed Slaterton are breaking up, so Min is writing Ed a letter and giving him a box. Inside the box is why they broke up. Two bottle caps, a movie ticket, a folded note, a box of matches, a protractor, books, a toy truck, a pair of ugly earrings, a comb from a motel room, and every other item collected over the course of a giddy, intimate, heartbreaking relationship. Item after item is illustrated and accounted for, and then the box, like a girlfriend, will be dumped.

Misfit Review:

Back in October of 2013, I was laid back in bed, thinking of probably something crazy when I decided to read a new book. I am a huge fan of Lemony Snicket’s novels and the man behind it. As you all might have known by now (unless you’ve been living under a rock, I don’t blame you), Lemony Snicket is none other than Daniel Handler and writes Lemony Snicket books for kids or teens, or whoever loves a pessimistically good  yet unfortunate story while as Daniel Handler, writes adult books. Why We Broke Up is one of them.

The title is very self-explanatory. It narrates the story of a girl named Min Green, going through her break-up and explaining to her ex-boyfriend the reasons of their break-up. One thing is for sure: THIS BOOK IS ONE OF MY UTMOST FAVORITES!

It’s fun that Daniel is writing in the perspective of a girl, which is very challenging especially if the writer is not very good in analyzing women, or have very poor research references. But Daniel pulled off just fantastically and the story could even pass off as a woman’s. But Min Green is not a very girly-girly type, but kind of odd and even normal. And one common thing among these types of stories is that the jock falls in love with them. I thought I would hate the premise of it, but why not? She broke up with the guy anyway. So, the story is very laid-back at first, with Min giving out details of how she met Ed and people’s reaction on their relationship. But then it got intense, with her giving Ed the box of things that Ed gave her, like roses or little notes, with her explaining the story behind all of them with the reason of why she broke up with him.

Min is vulnerable and kind but also very smart! Ed is also kind and sweet, and loves Min, but there are just things that don’t work out in the relationship. I love Ed’s sister to be honest though she’s not really as outgoing as Ed is. Characters are very diverse too! Teenage drama is so colorful sometimes, that you cannot hide the fact that it would actually hurt. Why We Broke Up is a testament to that. And I've noticed not many people like it, but I honestly did and I don't regret a second bit of reading it.

The writing style is funny and smart and is something for everyone to read, no matter what gender or even if you are in a relationship. You may end up considering writing your ex a letter with a box of things from him/her. It’s one, quiet piece of revenge. 

Rating:

About The Author And Ilustrator:

DANIEL HANDLER has written for grown-ups under his own name and for younger readers under the name Lemony Snicket. He was dumped at least three times in high school.
MAIRA KALMAN, acclaimed artist and designer, has created many books for both grown-ups and children. Her heart was broken in high school by a boy who looked like Bob Dylan.

(Author Bio From Barnes and Noble)

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