What I Read: Why We Broke Up

Friday night. After a rather toxic week, the last thing in my mind was to go out. I just don't have the energy anymore. My idea of a perfectly relaxing weekend is curling up in bed, coffee in one hand and a good book in the other. Good thing, my sister visited at home and recommended this book to me. She knew I am into young adult novels nowadays.

Thanks, Google! As always.

I wasted no time at all, downloaded it and was up til the break of dawn. Oh boy, were my eye bags gigantic the next morning or what!

Why We Broke Up is a novel by Daniel Handler. It is the story of a high school nerdy, arty girl named Min and the basketball jock Ed. The story takes the form of a letter with Min writing to Ed and explaining to him why they broke up. The letter came with a box full of mementos from their short-lived relationship. The box contain bottle caps, matchbox, a recipe book, a pennant and so much more.

What caught my attention in the first place was that this book is written very differently. Its not everyday that you get to read a long-winded letter from a heartbroken girl. It has a good premise. It really was an interesting read and its what got me.

Second, it reminded me of what I used to be. Hopelessly romantic, that is. Just like Min, I used to collect little,insignificant souvenirs.  In my own box, I got a tissue paper from a date, tickets to an amusement park, letters, pictures, just to name a few. I lost them a long time ago, though. Evidence of my growing up, I hope. :)

This is for anyone who has lived through a break-up.Yes, this novel will remind you of your first teenage heartbreak. This will remind you of your intoxicating young love. I know because it reminded me of mine.

What I don't like about it? Well, Min can be so annoying sometimes. She can be way too melodramatic. But I think it adds to her character. Ed was her first love, after all. And they are teenagers for God sake. That's almost a sure license to be self-absorb, to say the least.

The plot is cliche,too. Good girl meets bad boy.Good  girl and bad boy fell in love. Bad boy breaks good girl's heart. Pretty predictable. The title summed it all up. They indeed broke up in the end.

Regardless of all these, I still like the book. It is still interesting. A  light read. A nice break from my staple Stephen King. And just like Min, I love movies and coffee. And I used to love bad boys ,too. Take note. Used to. :)


What have you been reading? I would love to know. I am currently at the bottom of the reading list. ;)