#23 of 2012: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler
This was unexpectedly really-likeable. I liked the idea, I liked how it was written, I liked how the story unfolded, I liked the art. I also like that Daniel Handler, a.k.a. Lemony Snicket, is coming back to writing stories for a younger audience again, and that he’s sticking to what he does best: storytelling about ruined relationships. The last book I’ve read of his was Basic Eight, and that didn’t leave much of an impression on me, so this one was a real treat, even though it was a bit heartbreaking.
Yay!s
-The old tale of love gone wrong told in a refreshing way. I’m so tired of YA stories that deal with this plot in the traditional linear way.
-Hand-drawn art that weaves well into the story. Well done, Maira Kalman, well done.
-IT WILL REMIND YOU OF YOUR HEARTBREAKS, in a good way.
-I liked Min Green’s strong personality, how she was “different” from other girls that dated Ed Slaterton (that jerk, ugh), how she always sounded like she was either sarcastic or angry. I liked how she was consistently a tough girl from beginning to end, even when the reason of why they broke up was finally revealed and she cried on the shoulder of a person she would have never touched ever, or even would have wanted to know.
-The BEST FRIENDSHIP of Min and Al, period. You’ll see. (That said, I demand for a sequel, Mr. Daniel Handler. A sequel where they get together.)
-Ed’s sister, JoanIE, sounded like the crazy sis stereotype at first, but she turned out to be much cooler than that. My favorite quote of hers, which she said to Min the first time they met: My name’s Joan, and I like Joanie as much as you like Minnie.” Damn, girl? Plus, she’s pretty well-rounded, imo - knows arts and knows her way around the kitchen!
-Will remind you of your own heartbreaks, in a funny way.
-IT’S A PRINTZ HONOR BOOK.
Boo!s
-Ed Slaterton’s homophobia and cliched jock-type dumbness
-Basketball players and cheerleaders stereotypes!! Here’s a more cringe-worthy bit: a bonfire! Gasp!
-Lots of references to old films I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF. What’s worse is that I didn’t even feel a surge of interest to see them, let alone Google them.
-Will remind you of your own heartbreaks, in a painful way.
-IT’S A PRINTZ HONOR BOOK. That’s all.
