Min, an arty girl whose passion includes classic films and quirky items, is breaking up with Ed, the school's popular basketball jock. Despite Ed being a man-about-town, Min wholeheartedly gave herself. Ed's past eventually reared its ugly head to their relationship fueling Min to end everything between them. As her mechanism to say goodbye and move on, Min puts all the items that she collected during the course of their relationship in a box - movie tickets, bottle caps, books, a pair of earrings, and a comb from a motel room to name a few. With much emotional depth, Min revisits the memory of each item and how it's one of the reasons why she needed to part ways with her first love.
This book is pretty special for me as it was given by Mia of Brave the Waves. Receiving books never fails to be a joy because it shows how much thought a person devotes to look for a title which he/she deems meaningful. Why We Broke Up is a bittersweet chronicle of Min's farewell to Ed - the schmuck who broke her heart. Most of us have been there - the awkward first date, the fancy phone calls, and of course, the heartaches that come with the oh-so-overwhelming first love. From someone who had her first relationship during sophomore high school, I was able to easily establish a connection with the book. I feel like I'm with Min as she ruefully ponders why she and Ed broke up.
Ed, during the first few pages, is definitely a gentleman by all means. He tries hard to have the same interests like Min. Min, on the other hand, goes out of her comfort zone to play the role of a "stage girlfriend" even if she sees basketball games as glib. If not for the book's title, one can think that maybe, just maybe, they're really meant for each other.
Each page is accompanied by vivid illustrations of the things housed by Min's memory box - something which I'm likewise guilty of having.
Daniel Handler-slash-Lemony Snicket shows that at times, love really defies expectations of happily-ever-after and that at times, the people you love can really let you down. Although the plot of this book is apparently common, the way it shows the feeling of being disenchanted leaves a lasting remark.
This is recommended for anyone who can't get past a breakup because Min will guide you through the realization that things do happen for a reason. If you're not in Splitsville, this is still a good read because looking back and realizing how much things have changed for the better can bring solace.
Again, much thanks to Mia of Brave the Waves for sharing this wonderful creation to me.
"The Reason Why" by Click Five
"That's the reason why when you're young you fall in love."
