Release Date: February 21, 2012
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Publisher
IBSN: 9780803737204
Blurb:
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 first chapter of The Catastrophic History of You & Me sets up this fantastic premise. The first chapter hooks you. It was gorgeous and I thought ‘I am going to love this book.’ Unfortunately the rest of the story didn’t hold up for me.
The thing that held me back from loving the book was the characters. I found Brie to be pretty unlikeable. She was silly and immature. That’s just my opinion and I’m 25 so that might have a lot to do with it. I think I really would have loved this book when I was a tween or teen, but Brie just came off as a tiny but annoying for me. She was overly dramatic, always crumpling to the floor in tears and having breakdowns. Which is understandable in her situation, but it grew tiresome for me. I also didn’t like Patrick much. I never felt any spark between them. I never felt like I got to know him well.
I did however enjoy the premise. The dynamics of heaven were intriguing. I’ve saw a lot of reviews that take issue with the fact that Brie dies of an actual broken heart, but that didn’t even bother me. It is fiction, after all. I just wish that I could have liked the characters more, but oh well. Other people really seem to love the book so please still give it a chance and see how you like it.
Thanks for this review! I have this one at home and have been meaning to read it. It’s nice to get both sides before reading! I may loan this one out to one of my students first to see what they think!
Heidi @ YA Bibliophile recently posted..Every Other Day
I really wanted to read The Catastrophic History of You and Me, but I’ve heard from several bloggers that the MC is annoying, so I’m not so sure whether I should read it now. Anyways, great review!
Hannah @ Paperback Treasures recently posted..New Releases February 2012
I find that I get annoyed with immature characters really easy in books too. I’m almost 30 so that’s probably why, but I really try to keep in mind how I acted at the age of said character. Sometimes I can get past it, other times it bothers me. This sounds like a good book, and I have seen some great reviews on it where people loved it. If I get time I will probably give it a chance, but it’s not at the top of my list. Thanks for the great review.
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Review: Significance by Shelly Crane
Good to know I don’t need to rush out and buy this one. I really can’t handle a whiney heroine!
KM recently posted..Project Tell Taylor, Featuring Michelle Madow’s Remembrance
I do so hate annoying characters. But I am looking forward to this one.
vivienne recently posted..Kiss Date Love Hate by Luisa Plaja
Hm, I’m not so sure about this one. The synopsis doesn’t grab me and I’m slightly confused (might be due to the fact that english is not my first language…).
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After reading your review I guess I’ll pass on this one! Thanks!!
DannyBookworm recently posted..Author Interview : Shannon Delany and 13 to Life series
I have been looking forward to this, but I have to admit that I get annoyed by shallow whiny characters (probably my even more advanced age of 35-lol). I’ll probably still read it, but you’ve lowered my expectations some, which is probably a good thing, since I often agree with your reviews.
Karis @YA Litwit
Karis (YA Litwit) recently posted..Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness; Inspired by Siobhan Dowd
Okay, this sounds like one I might want to skip. Brie sounds like a character that would drive me nuts. And I think I would have a hard time with the fact that she dies from an actual broken heart. I don’t know… I think you just helped me make a decision that I won’t read this one. Unless I see some rave review that convinces me otherwise…
Candace recently posted..Review of Black Wings by Christina Henry
Eh, sorry to hear that the characters weren’t very likable in this book. Brie definitely does not sound like a character I would get along with. :/
Thanks for the review. I admitt -I’ve been seeing this cover everywhere and it pulls me in. I may still try this one.
Amber/aLmYbNeNr recently posted..Once Upon A Royal Superbaby