Review: The Catastrophic History of You and Me
Jan •
20 •
2012
Title: The Catastrophic History of You and Me
Series: No
Genre: Young Adult- Paranormal-ish
Author: Jess Rothenberg
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Release Date: February 21, 2012
Book: ARC from Paragraphs Books
“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?”
What an amazing story! I have read other amazing reviews on this book and knew I had wanted to read it. So when Joni gave me the ARC to read I was super excited! Not only is the cover gorgeous but the story inside is wonderful!
The story starts with a girl dying of a broken heart. She re-tales her days leading up to her death and also recapturing the reader with what is going on after her death as well. I think this whole story plays well for me cause the afterlife is what we all have questions with. What will happen to us? Where will we go? Ms. Rothenberg creative imagination sets the reader on a journey never written before. To find truth in what we seek. Brie thinks she knows exactly what happen to her. She puts the responsibility of her death on her boyfriend not really knowing the whole story. The way the the story unfolded with secrets hidden, Brie begins to see things differently. And for me, with the first secret was exposed, I was hooked.
I really enjoyed how Brie grew before the readers eyes. With each secret Brie thought she knew, she begins to see things in a whole new light. I like how each of the secrets play a role in unlocking an important door for Brie. About half way through, all I can think of is.”What is the author hiding?” Let me tell you that the author is hiding an even deeper past to Brie that I hadn’t seen before. And suddenly the title of the book made sense. It was not about what was happening now, but what happen back then.
*wink *
There really wasn’t a love interest but one that is already established. I loved how the author really played down this relationship slowly bringing it up piece by piece. The reader was not confused but rather taken by surprised. It’s like eating a piece a chocolate not realizing it has creamy caramel inside until it’s melting in your mouth. You gasp cause you didn’t know, yet it fills you with great joy in enjoying your surprise. That is how this book is for me.
I loved this book! I could read it again and still be taken by surprised even though now I know how it ends. This book is a great debut that everyone should read. Interested in what happens when you die? You meet a man who calls you cheese puff!
I give it 5 BITES!
Happy Reading!
I’m a writer, book lover, and your newest blog follower! My blog is Life of Lois Feel free to stop on by.
Lois
Thanks! Will do 🙂
LOL *wink* I have had my eyes on this one too…I will end up going broke with purchasing books I swear! I have this on my list (currently saving $ hehe) Thanks for the wonderful review, I want it even more now!
-Shellie
Dude, I go broke all the time!!! I live off of roman soup cause of all my book purchases!!
You certainly know how to tease Savy! Now I really want to know all about Brie’s past and find out what the author is keeping hidden:) Can’t wait to get my hands on this one:)
I hope you get to read it Jenny 🙂 It’s such an amazing book!
I have wanted to read this since I first heard the synopsis – I mean come on! Didn’t we all think we’d die of a broken heart at some point? Such a cool concept!
Thanks for the great review, I’m even more excited to read it now!
-Jac @ For Love and Books
Jac, it is cool concept. And when you finally figured out the big secret, its even cooler!!
I have this one sitting on my shelf so I hope to get to it soon. I was flipping through the book the other day and noticed the chapter titles are songs so I’m super excited to see how the songs relate to what is going on in each chapter.
Thank you for the great review, can’t wait to read it!
Oh you start with a wink and then proceed to junk food? Oh yea… you are evil… I’m so curious about this book now! Loved the review!
Lovely review Savannah! I’m really fascinated by this premise. Dying of a broken heart. I can’t wait to get my hands on this! 🙂