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, 2011
Pages: 400
Challenges: 2012 Debut Author Challenge
Rating: 4.5 stars
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 Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg was one of those all around awesome kind of books. My love for this book was clearly meant to be from the moment I saw all the references to Disney Princesses and the chapter titles, which are the best. My favorite was “Shot Through The Heart and You’re to Blame”. Jess Rothenberg has written a remarkable debut that I did not want to put down.
By the time I had finish maybe five pages of this one, I had to stop and just marvel at the writing. Jess Rothenberg is one talented lady and the story was one that I could not help but to get caught up in. The Catastrophic History of You and Me perfectly balances the funny, lighter side of Brie’s story with entirely heartbreaking moments.
I loved Jess Rothenberg‘s spin on the afterlife. It was completely unlike other books that deal with the same subject, and I can say that it was definitely my favorite portrayal I have read yet. I loved following Brie through her journey and seeing where it would take her next.
The one pitfall for The Catastrophic History of You and Me was Brie herself throughout part of the middle of the book. She just deviated from the character I loved at the beginning of the book. Hamloaf, you are most definitely the coolest dog to walk the pages of young adult. Patrick was a character who really grew on me as the book went on. At first, I was like I like you. You’re kind of like a stand up comedian. But as the book went on, he become a much deeper character than that and I loved him.
Fans of Leila Sales will eat this one up, with its charming characters and funny plot. The voice in The Catastrophic History of You and Me is incredible. Once you start reading this one, you won’t want to put it down. Jess Rothenberg has written a heartbreakingly beautiful debut, and I am very eager to see more from her in the future.
Yay, so glad you ended up liking this one!!:)
Nina @ Lost in the Pages recently posted..Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
I actually wasn’t planning on reading this one but I’m definitely reconsidering it now .. Thanks for the review Erica :) !!
Elodie @ Once Upon a Quote recently posted..Review ; Storm Born by Richelle Mead
I have a copy of this one and when I opened it to see that the chapter titles were songs I started to look at the song titles to play the song in my head. I can’t wait to see how each song fits with what is going on in each chapter. I’m sad the main character didn’t stay entirely true to who she was from the start, that always annoys me but since you still rated it high I’m going to have to read it.
thanks for the great review
Alexa recently posted..Blogger Pages to Love: Comfort Books
Fantastic review! I’d heard a little about this one, but it’s on my list now. The original spin on the afterlife sounds really cool.
JP recently posted..★DEMONGLASS by Rachel Hawkins
This sounds like a great book, i just haven’t gotten around to reading it yet.
Emily recently posted..Life is amazing
I haven’t given this book much thought to be honest but you made me curious now and I think it might be something I could truly enjoy myself! Thanks and a wonderful remaining Sunday!
DannyBookworm recently posted..In My Mailbox- Heather Buys Books For The Hubs and One For Herself
I totally agree! The chapter titles and Disney princess references made my day. Super awesome book.
Allison (Allure of Books) recently posted..In My Mailbox
This is one I had zero interest in before seeing the trailer, then I was on the fence, and now I’m convinced it’s at least worth giving a try! Especially if we’re talking Disney references…
Heidi recently posted..In My Mailbox (7)
I have to admit I wasn’t exactly drawn to it, but after reading your review, I really want to read it!
So thank you!
I read it and I have to say: I was disappointed. I liked the whole idea with the songs, but I didn’t like the main character. She was petty and revengeful, causing serious harm, and too childish in her view of love. In my personal opinion, the author – although she truly has a great writing style – didn’t manage to balance the funny moments with the serious ones at all. I would give it 2,5 – 3 stars out of five.