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

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Publication Date: February 2, 2012
Format: Paperback
Source: Library
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

Goodreads Summary:
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?

My Opinion:
The summary really got me. Dying of a broken heart? I mean literally? This sparked me to find out why and it led me on a beautiful and yet emotional journey through Brie's life.

Brie died from a broken heart the moment her boyfriend confessed that he didn't love her while they were having a meal outside. She was only fifteen... And then she met Patrick after she died and then subsequently encouraged her to go back to the living world (though still technically dead)... Then it is the unraveling of the betrayals...

This is my first time reading from a POV of a dead character. Wow... I can literally feel Brie's transition from Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Sadness and Acceptance. Some scenes are really heart wrenching to read but that's what makes the book so beautiful.

I like Patrick, the guy in the leather jacket. He's always around Brie and I think he's sweet! And what we do not know was how he ended up being a Lost Resident until much later and then BANG comes the twist.

Story aside, I think the author clearly uses the Chapter Titles very well and link it to the story chapter and the entire plot. Thumbs up for that!

Overall, a beautiful and emotional story full of betrayals and sacrifices. Please, grab a copy if you haven't done so.

5/5 Stars for The Catastrophic History of You and Me.

Quotes:
- “When you're in love, the world is brighter. Sunnier. The air smells flowerier, and your hair is silkier, and suddenly you find yourself smiling at babies and strangers and old couples walking down the beach holding hands.”

- "That's right," I snapped. "You've made a big mess, Fischer. And I'm here to make sure you do clean it up."
Patrick smacked his head. "Women."
"Onward!" I grabbed his hand. And zoomed us straight to The Burp.

-"War is sweet for those who never fought."