The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg
Release Date: February 21, 2012
Publisher: Dial
Pages: 400
Source: ARC from Dial/LibraryThing
Rating: 
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository
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 in heaven, 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 knows 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’s been D&G (dead and gone) much longer than she… and 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? – Goodreads
Review:
In The Catastrophic History of You & Me Brie dies from a broken heart at the tender age of fifteen. Dramatic? Yes, but Jess Rothenberg expanded this somewhat silly-sounding storyline into a heartfelt novel that tugged at my heart strings.
“I don’t love you” are the words that bring Brie’s life to a screeching halt. While this simple sentence could be damaging enough for anyone, for Brie it breaks her heart in two — literally. The book follows Brie into the afterlife as she goes through the five stages of grief. There were certainly depressing parts throughout, and it was easy to feel the anger and loss that Brie went through, but Rothenberg also managed to infuse humor and charm. The chapter titles taken from songs (“The Cheese Stands Alone”, “I Was Walking With a Ghost” being examples) were a delight and Brie’s relationship with Patrick, her guide in heaven, was wonderfully paced and developed.
The book not only delved into Brie’s personal mourning, but it also gave a look into the life of her loved ones following her death. The dynamic of her family was completely shaken up and I think Rothenberg was able to grasp the loneliness and isolation that many can feel after the loss of someone. In addition to that, Rothenberg touched on the “glue” that holds friends together. Brie’s group of friends was absolutely loyal and I loved getting a look at their bond. Strong friendships are always a highlight for me in my reads and that was definitely present in this book. Finally, there’s Jacob, the boy who broke Brie’s heart. It was easy to grow fond of him as Brie thought back to their relationship, but just as easy to feel the rejection from his initial confession. Still, it was made clear that he, too, greatly suffered from Brie’s death and that he carried so much guilt. Rothenberg didn’t simplify any of the character’s emotions and instead made all of them, and their relationships, fully layered.
Overall, I found this to be a quirky, charming read that managed to capture the honesty of love, loss, forgiveness, and all the other gory bits of life (and death) and growing up. Jess Rothenberg offers a refreshing voice to the YA genre and I will definitely look forward to what she writes next!
| About the Author | More Information |
| Official Website • Goodreads • Twitter | Add it on Goodreads |
About Stephanie
This sounds really interesting. I love the title, too! I’ll be putting this on my to-read list. New follower :)
I have a copy of this I really need to read, but I keep putting it off because I was like “eh, sounds weird/depressing!”
The fact that you talk about the plot and characters being layered and that the plot has humor is making me want to pick it up! Glad you reviewed it.
I liked this one too. Quirky is a great description for it! There was a lot going on but in the end it was a touching read. Fab review!
I’ve seen this around it sounds interesting, a bit like The Lovely Bones but less serious. Thanks for your review! I might have to check it out.
The Cait Files
Hmmmm, I’ve seen this one floating around a few times but haven’t been sure about picking it up. Mayyyybe I’ll have to think about it more now! :)
Okay, I REALLY need a copy of this now. I love how you say it captures the emotions of life and death but not in an ALL depressing, gloomy way. I love that there is humour spread throughout and the relationships sound so well developed. Fabulous review, so excited to read this!
This book definitely sounds like it will be an interesting read! Imagine literally dying from a broken heart! Thanks for sharing your review with us! I’m really looking forward to reading this. :)
Wow, you described the book so well! I read the chapter preview a couple weeks ago and I could already tell that this would be a funny book, with some sadness thrown in. I’m still so excited about this one, but I think this time I’m going to wait for a paperback release. I tend to get carried away and grab the HB, but I’m really not picky, just impatient.
Oh, I’m infinitely more excited for this book now! This sounds exactly like the kind of read I want to pick up. Which, a part of me already knew. (hullo, that cover!) And now as the praise piles up, I’m growing more desperate to get my hands on it.
Lovely review!
- Asher (from Paranormal Indulgence)
Oh this sounds wonderful. :) It does sound a bit dramatic but it sounds like it was done quite well. Looking forward to picking this one up. Thanks for the review.