Review: The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

"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?"

Title: The Catastrophic History of You and Me

Author: Jess Rothenberg

Release Date: February 21, 2012

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

Pages: 375, Hardcover

I was five pages in when The Catastrophic History of You and Me drew me in. In that instant, I knew I had already fallen in love with this book.

I went into this one not expecting too much. All I knew was that it would be cute, light read about love and a broken heart. And maybe some grief along the way. However, after completing the book, THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME became one of my favorite contemporary/paranormal novels. It was definitely cute for sure, but it wasn't exactly light the entire time. It was heartfelt and tender, as well as profound and beautiful. Jess Rothenberg has truly blown me away with such a intangible and delightful read with entertaining characters and fabulous imagination.

I love how the story started off with a bang. Death. In the beginning. We readers don't see that too often. Brie dies of heartbreak, and she pretty much goes up in heaven to meet Patrick, a Resident Lost Soul. Throughout the story, she goes through the 5 stages of grief and eventually recovers and learns that who she thought she was meant to be with is actually the wrong person.

The characters were, like I mentioned before, entertaining. Brie was so absolutely hilarious, I totally want a friend like Brie in my life. Her sarcasm is the type that I like, and I found myself cracking up on nearly every page. Patrick was so, so sweet. I was devastated when he was gone for part of the book. And HAMLOAF. <3

I also really enjoyed the paranormal aspect into the story. While I consider this book more of a contemporary, it's definitely a but paranormal because of the ghosts, zooming through heaven and earth, and Angel Island as well. It's a bit reincarnation, too. I reveled in all of the awesome creativity put into the story.

Despite the length of The Catastrophic History of You and Me, I flew through it, and before I knew it, I was done, satisfied, and wanting more. If you're looking for cute love story that is quite emotional, this is the perfect book. I will read anything by Jess Rothenberg now.

Grade: A+

Source: Library