Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: February 2012
Synopsis:
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?
Jules's Thoughts
One of the books that made me think. Made me cry. Made me remember how awesome it is that I'm living my life right now (As cheezy as that sounds).
I've heard of this book before, from a friend I have in Goodreads. Reading his review, I found that this book was amazing and definitely something unique. Though not a lot of my GR friends had read this book. From the cover, I could imagine that it was light, sweet and maybe a little bit of a thought provoker. But I was a bit wrong, I left something behind. It was also a heartbreaker and a touching novel.
In this book, we follow Brie's journey after her death, which was caused by heartbreak (Kinda cliche, I know). She goes through the five stages of death.
1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Sadness
5. Acceptance
And as she explores these stages, she also sees how her life is a different picture with how she looked at it before.
I didn't have any big expectations from this book at all. When I first started reading it, I knew of the plot, but I never really read more than one review of this book. Just because I was kinda lazy at that time (lol). So I was surprised as to how much I loved this book. It was beautiful and pretty. Kinda weird to describe it like that, but it is. I loved how beautiful and simple the plot was. The pacing was just right, I loved that I got the time to know the characters and feel a connection with them. The writing was witty, deep and meaningful at the same time. I loved the funny conversations between Patrick and Brie, I loved how Brie described her life, her family and friends. I was amazed that even though it was a light book, it held a bit of of depth that made it a much more meaningful book. Though I got to warn you, even if the writing is light, there will be a few plot twists that would probably kill you or make you a sobbing mess blow your mind ;)
The characters were... I think amazing is a bit short of a word to what I should describe them. I don't hate or even dislike any of them. I loved them all. I loved Brie's family, her father, mother, Jack, Hamloaf (their very adorable pet dog, he’s my second favorite, next to Patrick). Her friends, Sadie, Emma, and Tess were the best friends anyone could ask for, they loved Brie so much, I cried because of how they cared for her after her death. But most of all, Patrick. Patrick ohmigahd , Patrick. He was just… He was funny, and dependable, and I am trying so hard not to say anything to spoil, so I’m just gonna shut up now. Hahahaha :D
It is hard to review this book and not spoil you guys of the things that made it special. But one thing I will share with you is about what I felt reading this book. This was one of the books that made me appreciate the things that I have in my life, it made me treasure the moments that I had with my family, and how much I appreciate my life. I am getting mushy with this book, but this is what it made me feel. I kinda regret only reading it now.
Overall, this book was amazing. It was emotional, heartbreaking and touching. I would gladly recommend this to anyone, because it not only inspired me, but it touched me as well. And that doesn’t happen a lot.
WHY DO I RECOMMEND IT?
From 3 am to 4 am, I ended up like this. ‘Nough said.
Jules's Rating
Check out Jules Book Shelf for more reviews by Jules, my lovely guest reviewer!
>>>
What did you think of The Catastrophic History of You and Me?
Haven't read it? Thanks to Jules's words The Catastrophic History of You and Me is on my wishlist! Does it sound like a book that you'd love?
I read this a little while ago, due to positive reviews from friends, and from memory I enjoyed it! It's definitely a thought provoking story!
ReplyDeleteMands @ The Bookish Manicurist
Your reviews are so refreshing & amazing :) Will check out this book - had to follow you on GFC :) & we're both South Asian, I just realized lol so cool xo
ReplyDeletewww.benishkhan.blogspot.com
I just picked this book up to reread and tore through it again. Brie dies of a broken heart after the love of her life casts her aside. What happens next is stunning, haunting, and incredibly original. Despite the subject matter, the story is told with great humor and I loved it just as much the second read as the first.
ReplyDelete