Review: The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

The Catastrophic History of You and Me
Jess Rothenberg
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Release Date: February 21, 2012

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? Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning.... Welcome to forever.

The Catastrophic History of You and Me was not at all what I expected. I ended up liking it a lot more than I anticipated. TCHYM was witty, funny, heartbreaking, and wholesome all in one package.

I really grow to like Brie. She was funny and caring. Even though she was immature at times and I didn't always agree with her decisions, these aspects didn't bother me as much as they normally do. She was young, and she had a lot of growing up to do which she did.

A lot happened in this book. Some of it I saw coming, some of it took me by complete surprise. Either was I enjoyed the ride. This book was a serious roller coaster of emotions. The first was was pretty light and funny, while it transitioned into a lot more serious second half. 

I think the writing is what made this book. It was witty and clever, making for some hilarious moments. But Rothenberg was able to transition into heart-breaking moments as well. 

The Catastrophic History of You and Me came as a nice surprise to me. It was fun and touching all at once. I'm looking forward to more of Jess Rothenberg's writing.