Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler 
(Little Brown, 2011)


Summary from publisher:
This is the box, Ed.


Inside is everything.




Two bottlecaps,
a movie ticket from Greta in the Wild,
a note from you,
a box of matches,
your protractor,
Joan's book,
the stolen sugar,
a toy truck,
those ugly earrings,
a comb from the motel,
and the rest of it.


This is it, Ed.


The whole story of why we broke up.

The first thing I thought when I picked up this book was, "Holy cow!  This is a heavy book!"  As I started reading, I realized the reason was the thick, shiny paper the publisher used in order to showcase Maira Kalman's art throughout the book.  I loved the art.  I think it was my favorite part of this book.

I had a hard time getting into this book.  I'm not sure what exactly it was about the way Handler wrote, but something about Min's voice was off-putting at first.  Eventually, though, I got used to it, and I ended up really enjoying the story.  The book is basically one long letter from Min to her ex-boyfriend, Ed, written as her friend Al drives Min to drop the box containing the letter and mementos of their relationship off at Ed's house.  The story of their relationship is told through these mementos.

One of the things I found frustrating, though I know it's also realistic, is that Min becomes completely engrossed in Ed and lets her friendships with Al and the others in her circle slide.  I wanted to take her aside and whisper in her ear that no boyfriend is worth losing your friends over, but really, what teenage girl is going to listen to that advice from a 43 year old mom?

This book has definite teen appeal, though I wonder how much teens will pay attention to the art.  Definitely worth a read!