Book Review: The Catastrophic History Of You And Me by Jess Rothenberg

Where do I start? Well, the concept isn't new to me. I've known numerous movies, dramas, and books with the same concept: What Dreams May Come, Ghost, Lovely Bones, 49 Days (kdrama), If I Stay, Five People You Meet In Heaven, etc. It's always interesting to me because it makes me fantasize of what awaits there in the afterlife. But each differs in presenting afterlife or heaven or hell, so I am not really sure which is the nearest to reality. Maybe I have to see for myself? Ha. I tried to compare this book with the others with the same concept. I figured it is most likely the same to the 1998 film, What Dreams May Come which starred Robin Williams. I found out that the movie is based on a novel, as well, by Robert Mathenson.

Of course, it's not a total same, because that would be plagiarism, you know. They have their own differences and though this book is good, I'd choose What Dreams May Come as the better one. I don't know if I'd say the same if I read the book version of it. 

The story is 'bout Aubrie 'Brie' who died from a broken heart, literally. Dead and gone, Brie now tries to go back to her home and take revenge at his ex-boyfriend, who she believes is the reason of her pain and death. 

The story is predictable but still enjoyable to read. I like that it tackles the 5 stages of grief which I first learned in my CLF class during high school. The book also has witty lines, especially from the mysterious Lost Soul Patrick. It made me smile during my read though I couldn't picture out in my head how Patrick could be hot with an 80's jacket. I just couldn't. 

I found it amazing though, how I felt so much like Brie, except I don't have a boyfriend who broke my heart and I'm not D&G... yet. But other than that, she's very much relatable. It made me think, if reincarnation really happens, then I must have been reincarnated, as well. How interesting. 

The romance. Well, they're 16 or 17, merely teens and it's funny how I always forget that. I felt like they're adults in the story. I first thought the book title was meant for Brie and ex-boyfriend, Jacob but nah. There's mystery behind it, and that what kept me reading the book though I already half-knew what it was.