Why We Broke Up

 by Daniel Handler             Art by Maira Kalman

WHAT IT IS ABOUT

Min (short for Minerva and a different kind of girl) tells the story of her break up with Ed (co-captain of the basketball team) through a letter and a box of mementos that she saved from their short but intense relationship. In the story, Min loses herself to the relationship but through heartache and a good friend finds her way back to what she was about at the core. This is a good look at high school cliques  as Min begins to navigate waters that she had found a way to avoid.

WHAT I THOUGHT

This is a beautiful book to look at and to hold.  Almost like a picture book for teenagers. The illustrations are striking and help to bring the idea of returning memories as a means of shedding yourself of the reminders of the heartbreak.It is not a quick read and I felt I had to work through parts of the story. Having said that though, I would like a sequel to see how Min gets through the next few months. I would like to know Ed's view too.

Daniel Handler is bet know for his work with The Series of Unfortunate Events.  He does a nice job tackling high school issues and it is worth the read.