Release Date: Out now!Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 400pgs
The Story
Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning . . . Welcome to forever.
BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart - literally.
But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost - and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.
With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?
The Review
THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME is such a brilliant and powerful debut novel brought to you by a very talented author, Jess Rothenberg. This woman is a goddess to young adult literature to be honest with you. With a beautiful and an eye-catching cover (I mean seriously have you seen this book in the flesh?) I didn't really come into this novel with any high set expectations, but by judging the raving reviews that have circulated the internet and after finally reading this novel and finishing the final chapters, I can say without a doubt that I've never read a book in my life that had that instant WOW factor about it and I loved every single bit of detail of this book - from the light-hearted moments to the music titles of each chapters. Both contemporary, romantic, paranormal, and adding a few other little surprising elements to the mix, it's no wonder why so readers adored this book as much as I did!
Like with many other readers out there whom have gushed about this book non-stop (which I'm doing right now and I promise I won't try and oversell it to you), it was nearly impossible not to love the main character, Brie. The girl who died of a broken heart. Literally. Not only was she a girl displaying a wonderful element of real human emotion, but she was also someone that made your own heart crack on the surface (you could really feel it on your insides) because you wanted to be there with her and comfort her as she explores the life she suddenly left behind too early, and deciding how to deal with her own grief while also learning how to move forward in the afterlife. Anyway the bottom line was: She was such a great character. She was strong. She was understanding. She was a little selfish and stubborn at times for sure . . . but hey, that's what a teenager is all about, right? Without spoiling things for you guys, let's just say it was a such a pleasure to share her experiences and become emotionally invested in her heartbreaking journey to find peace within herself which now brings me to the next shining star of the novel . . . that being Patrick.
Patrick, the guy or rather a lost soul who guides Brie through her five stages of grief, was utterly adored by me from the very first meeting and I wanted him so badly for myself. If there was any guy for me out there, this would be him. I mean, I knew I should've been born in the 80's but this only proves it! From his leather pilot jacket to his James Dean smooth-upon-smooth 80's attitude, there's no way a girl could NOT fall for his charm and cheesy lines . . . there's just NO WAY! If you thought Brie's adventure was heart-aching, just wait until you begin to dive into Patrick's backstory because it sure as hell surprised me! Oh Patrick - your beautiful, non-stop bantering friendship and romance between you and Brie was one of the best relationships I've read in a long while and I just want more of you Patrick, and it's so sad to let you go now! *infinite cries*
Overall, THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME is more than a novel about death , saying goodbye to your loved ones, and learning to finally let go! It's also about embracing life for what it is and recognising that while life may have its downfalls, but you must always remember there is always that possibility to change things for the better! Both imaginative, beyond hilarious, inspiring, heart-wrenching, and provocative, this is easily one of the best books of 2012 and I'm definitely looking out for this talented author, Jess Rothenberg! Expect big and wonderful things from her! She's amazing!
The Rating
5/5 stars
Great review, Erin! I'm so glad you agree that this book was amazing. The emotional depth was just shocking and all kinds of "bash your heart in"... The characters and storyline... *speechless* JESS. I LOVE YOU.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa. The book was ALL about "bashing your heart in" for sure . . . can't wait for more books from Jess. She's a real gem. :)
DeleteSDAJFHDLAFL! ERIN! THIS BOOK! ME LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI can't even explain how much I adore this book. I can't remember a book that's made me laugh or cry so hard, and it's so beautiful and rich and sweet and funny... I was expecting light and funny, and yes, I got that in parts... but it's so so so much more.
Liek you said: "is more than a novel about death , saying goodbye to your loved ones, and learning to finally let go! It's also about embracing life for what it is and recognising that while life may have its downfalls, but you must always remember there is always that possibility to change things for the better!"
PERFECTION. SO glad you loved it so much!
I'm actually surprised I was able to my thoughts down onto this review blog post. There's so much more to say about this book . . . it was just so . . . SO wonderful! :3
DeleteEveryone seems to love this book! Amazing review, Erin. I need to pick this up soon. :)
ReplyDeleteYou musn't miss out on this one, Sam! So worth the read!
DeleteWonderful review, Erin! I'm with you on this one, it was such a wonderful surprise for me. And I agree with you, it has unexpected depths, it's so much more than I originally thought it would be.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I just want more of the author's writing . . . so wonderfully written! So surprising too!
DeleteOh this sounds so, so lovely, Erin! I never really wanted to read it but after reading a few reviews and now yours, I know this is a book I MUST read! ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's very, very lovely! It's most definitely a MUST for all readers!
DeleteErin, you've made me want this book than I already did- which was a lot! I am SO buying it next month. Awesome review!!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to buy myself my own copy too . . . just love this book! Thanks!
DeleteEEEEEEEEEEEE! ERIN! I am so so so SO happy you loved this almost as much as me! ('almost', because I don't believe anyone did love as much as I did. I am it's biggest fan, so nerrrrr :P Okay, FINE. AS MUCH as me).
ReplyDeleteOh I freaking ADORED both Brie and Patrick so much. I loved their every scene together and like you said, Brie really makes you FEEL. I felt every emotion alongside her. And pretty much every word that came out of Patrick's mouth was <3 Oh my poor heart when we learnt... things!
Love your review!!
I LOVED IT AS MUCH AS YOU DID BRODIE . . . YES! MOST DEFINITELY! haha. Brie and Patrick were perfection as far as main characters go. Gee . . . I still wished we didn't have to say goodbye to them in the book. *infinite cries*
Delete"I mean, I knew I should've been born in the 80's but this only proves it!" YES YES YES! x) Oh my gosh, Erin, I adored this book so much! Brie was one of those rare girls that I connected with from the very first page -- when she used the word "epic" and just talked exactly like I do! -- and I can't even EXPRESS my love for 80s boy Patrick. He. Was. Perfect! And he just about snapped my heart in half <3
ReplyDeleteAmazing review, Erin! I love this book, I love your review, and I love JR too! Can't wait to read what she's going to come up with next! :)
Thanks Mimi! Patrick was just so perfect, wasn't he? Gotta love his 80s attitude. What I wouldn't do for that boy! haha.
DeleteI'll admit to being skeptical about this one. Died of a broken heart? REALLY? But okay, I might still give it a shot! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt was a bit skeptical too at first . . . but I'm so glad that I decided to read it.
DeleteThe cover is so pretty! When I first heard about this book, it didn't really intrigue me, but after reading your review I NEED to read it - it sounds AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. =)
I'm so glad you liked this! I bought it at Jess's book signing but haven't had the chance to read it yet. I want to.
ReplyDeletePatrick! I LOVED him. I loved everything about this book. Especially the little things, like the chapter names. So, so glad you loved this one too - hope people see your review and pick this book up, because everyone needs to read it! :)
ReplyDelete