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Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season: Every Lover Leaves an Everlasting Mark: A Memoir
This book is for my ex—it could be you!
If you Google “Mo Melo,” you won’t find anything. He doesn’t exist. But if you say my pen name out loud three times and it sounds familiar, maybe this book is about you.
If you are confused, don’t worry. This book is also for all the hopeless romantics, the ones with broken hearts, the ones seeking approval from their families, and those who realize they are codependent.
As you follow my journey, you will experience the five stages of grief with the desperation to get my ex back, the frustration of losing someone I love, the realization that there is still hope for reconciliation, the heartbreak of seeing the most mundane things and being reminded of him, and finally, the acceptance that some break-ups are new endings.
Every passage is a love letter. A cup of coffee symbolizes a ritual. A slice of mushroom means a smile. A Diet Coke Christmas ornament. A Hallmark Christmas movie. By combining all these love letters I’m unable to send, I can share my story and confront the difficult questions that come with healing. Was he the love of my life? Does the one exist? Will I ever go a day without thinking about him? Will we be together in the future?
I invite you to read this story and take a peek into my world. You can learn from my heartbreak while you laugh—maybe even cry—and, most importantly, say, “Ew, love.”
If you Google “Mo Melo,” you won’t find anything. He doesn’t exist. But if you say my pen name out loud three times and it sounds familiar, maybe this book is about you.
If you are confused, don’t worry. This book is also for all the hopeless romantics, the ones with broken hearts, the ones seeking approval from their families, and those who realize they are codependent.
As you follow my journey, you will experience the five stages of grief with the desperation to get my ex back, the frustration of losing someone I love, the realization that there is still hope for reconciliation, the heartbreak of seeing the most mundane things and being reminded of him, and finally, the acceptance that some break-ups are new endings.
Every passage is a love letter. A cup of coffee symbolizes a ritual. A slice of mushroom means a smile. A Diet Coke Christmas ornament. A Hallmark Christmas movie. By combining all these love letters I’m unable to send, I can share my story and confront the difficult questions that come with healing. Was he the love of my life? Does the one exist? Will I ever go a day without thinking about him? Will we be together in the future?
I invite you to read this story and take a peek into my world. You can learn from my heartbreak while you laugh—maybe even cry—and, most importantly, say, “Ew, love.”
- GenresNonfictionLGBTChristmas
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2023
2 people are currently reading
2048 people want to read
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October 17, 2023I rarely read non-fiction books, but once in while I like to dip my toes in that particular pool.
When I first stumbled upon this book a few weeks ago, I wasn't sure it was something I'd enjoy. But the cover was just so pretty, and the description quite intriguing, so I bought the e-book. It's a quick read, but deeply personal and emotional, I salute the author for his courage to show so much vulnerability.
Written in the form of letters, following the five stages of grief, this is a raw, honest and heartbreaking depiction of a relationship that has run its course. A relationship seen through the eyes of one of the persons involved, the person who wasn't ready for it to be over.
To be honest, this book was so damn relatable, and cathartic. So many feelings that the author went through during the relationship and the post breakup period, I often went through in my previous relationships. The exploration of codependency was something that particularly interested me because I struggle with it constantly.
It's a sad read, but also optimistic. It's a healing journey. It's hopeful. Liberating. Beautiful and empowering. A book that ultimately shows you that you need to put yourself first, you need to learn to love yourself before you can love somebody else.
When I first stumbled upon this book a few weeks ago, I wasn't sure it was something I'd enjoy. But the cover was just so pretty, and the description quite intriguing, so I bought the e-book. It's a quick read, but deeply personal and emotional, I salute the author for his courage to show so much vulnerability.
Written in the form of letters, following the five stages of grief, this is a raw, honest and heartbreaking depiction of a relationship that has run its course. A relationship seen through the eyes of one of the persons involved, the person who wasn't ready for it to be over.
To be honest, this book was so damn relatable, and cathartic. So many feelings that the author went through during the relationship and the post breakup period, I often went through in my previous relationships. The exploration of codependency was something that particularly interested me because I struggle with it constantly.
It's a sad read, but also optimistic. It's a healing journey. It's hopeful. Liberating. Beautiful and empowering. A book that ultimately shows you that you need to put yourself first, you need to learn to love yourself before you can love somebody else.
March 14, 2024
A heart wrenching memoir about losing "the one", formatted as five stages of grief. Beautiful and soft, I can assure you you will tear up a few times at least!! 🥺💓
September 24, 2023
What an interesting read! I have almost exclusively read fictional romance novels for the past year, so when Mo Melo contacted me about potentially reading his memoir, I was a little skeptical. But y'all, I got totally caught up in this non-fictional version of a romance novel! It's full of self-reflection, funny asides, and it ALMOST reads like romance, even though it's pretty sad overall. Definitely worth giving a shot if you like romance, queer stories, or just memoirs in general.
Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season is more of a breakup story than anything. It's written in the form of letters to the Mo's ex boyfriend, reflecting back on what went wrong and describing the author's complicated feelings surrounding the relationship and its deterioration. The chapters are organized around the seven stages of grief, so you can see how he moves towards acceptance. While it's a little painful to read about his heartbreak, it's never boring.
The book is written in a stream of consciousness style that's kind of unique. I loved the meandering stories, but it definitely takes some getting used to. I remember reading Haruki Murakami's What I Talk About When I Talk About Running years ago, it's very similar - literally just organized groups of thoughts on a topic, which a running theme of self-reflection and growth.
Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season is out now and available on KU. Though it's not really a holiday book, it definitely has the some cozy, wintery vibes, so it might be a good addition to any holiday TBR. If you are looking for something a little different this holiday season, give it a shot!
Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season is more of a breakup story than anything. It's written in the form of letters to the Mo's ex boyfriend, reflecting back on what went wrong and describing the author's complicated feelings surrounding the relationship and its deterioration. The chapters are organized around the seven stages of grief, so you can see how he moves towards acceptance. While it's a little painful to read about his heartbreak, it's never boring.
The book is written in a stream of consciousness style that's kind of unique. I loved the meandering stories, but it definitely takes some getting used to. I remember reading Haruki Murakami's What I Talk About When I Talk About Running years ago, it's very similar - literally just organized groups of thoughts on a topic, which a running theme of self-reflection and growth.
Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season is out now and available on KU. Though it's not really a holiday book, it definitely has the some cozy, wintery vibes, so it might be a good addition to any holiday TBR. If you are looking for something a little different this holiday season, give it a shot!
December 13, 2023
This is one of the books you want to savour by only reading a couple of pages each day, to make the experience last.
Apart from some minor pacing issues in the second half of the novel and altogether too many repetitions of the same things again and again in the last couple of chapters, this was an absolute joy to read (though it is not always an easy read as it tackles many serious topics).
For one, it is beautifully written. The author masterfully wields his words and weaves them into ever more beautiful sentences and paragraphs and his way of writing metaphors is plainly marvelous. This book is almost entirely worth reading for the language alone.
The content is equally captivating and convinces by its absolute honesty and authenticity. The author explores some very deep and profound insights into humanity and the inner workings of relationships, as well as the ideals versus the realities of said relationships, many of which I found very convincing.
A short memoir but certainly a very strong one!
Apart from some minor pacing issues in the second half of the novel and altogether too many repetitions of the same things again and again in the last couple of chapters, this was an absolute joy to read (though it is not always an easy read as it tackles many serious topics).
For one, it is beautifully written. The author masterfully wields his words and weaves them into ever more beautiful sentences and paragraphs and his way of writing metaphors is plainly marvelous. This book is almost entirely worth reading for the language alone.
The content is equally captivating and convinces by its absolute honesty and authenticity. The author explores some very deep and profound insights into humanity and the inner workings of relationships, as well as the ideals versus the realities of said relationships, many of which I found very convincing.
A short memoir but certainly a very strong one!
July 10, 2024
A beautiful, painful, hopeful memoir of love, heartbreak, and healing. I loved it.
December 6, 2023
In "Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season," we follow the journey of a homosexual man navigating the labyrinth of grief after a heart-wrenching breakup. Through heartfelt letters addressed to his ex, he reminisces on shared memories, exploring the intricate tapestry of their love and the painful unraveling of their connection. This emotionally charged narrative delves into the universal experience of heartbreak, offering solace and understanding to anyone who has weathered the storm of a difficult breakup. As the days post breakup unfold, the protagonist grapples with the ghosts of his past, finding strength in vulnerability and the hope for healing.
This poignant story of love, loss, and resilience is a relatable ode to the human experience.
This poignant story of love, loss, and resilience is a relatable ode to the human experience.
December 19, 2023
5⭐️
A captivating and intimate look into the grief of an ended relationship. 💔
This book was unreal! No matter what I say and how I write this review, it’s not going to give it the justice it deserves. I loved this read and devoured it in just three and a half hours!
Mo Melo has written an emotional and heartwarming read and has packed it with puns and metaphors about love and grief to really solidify his journey of grief after he split from his ex boyfriend.
I think everyone can relate to this book, whether you’re single, in a relationship, married or just perfectly happy in your own company. The use of each passage being a love letter was very unique and Melo’s writing was magical.
The book was split into the five steps of grief and demonstrated not to give up on a relationship at the first instance of adversity.
Relationships are intimate and I actually felt honoured to read this memoir. It’s difficult when everything around you reminds you of that person, but Melo really fought through this. At times it was heavy and sad, but it also teaches you so much about communication, acceptance and the importance of also bettering yourself.
I loved the insight into the topic of codependency and think that Melo has been brave in sharing his story. I felt his emotions seeping through the page and felt like I was grieving the relationship with him.
The book also highlights other important topics, such as the struggles of coming out and being gay in a place where it is frowned upon and I thought this was important to include.
Through the storytelling of dates and happy memories, this book really restores hope and faith about relationships, but also teaches you that sometimes you just need time to grieve. I think the ending was perfect and suited this book well. You’ll have to read it to make your own decision about it.
I want to say a huge thank you to @momelochristmas for this copy of Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season and for the chats we have had about the book and self-publication. 🥰
This non-fiction book elicits a whirlwind of emotions and is a must read. I highly recommend you go and check it out.
💬:
-‘I told myself that if I kept myself permanently occupied, I wouldn't be sad. Today was a reassurance that I'm the world's most terrible liar.’
-‘With time, people change, but their core values will remain the same.’
-‘All the pain can be worth it at the end of the day if we use it as fuel to improve ourselves.’
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
A captivating and intimate look into the grief of an ended relationship. 💔
This book was unreal! No matter what I say and how I write this review, it’s not going to give it the justice it deserves. I loved this read and devoured it in just three and a half hours!
Mo Melo has written an emotional and heartwarming read and has packed it with puns and metaphors about love and grief to really solidify his journey of grief after he split from his ex boyfriend.
I think everyone can relate to this book, whether you’re single, in a relationship, married or just perfectly happy in your own company. The use of each passage being a love letter was very unique and Melo’s writing was magical.
The book was split into the five steps of grief and demonstrated not to give up on a relationship at the first instance of adversity.
Relationships are intimate and I actually felt honoured to read this memoir. It’s difficult when everything around you reminds you of that person, but Melo really fought through this. At times it was heavy and sad, but it also teaches you so much about communication, acceptance and the importance of also bettering yourself.
I loved the insight into the topic of codependency and think that Melo has been brave in sharing his story. I felt his emotions seeping through the page and felt like I was grieving the relationship with him.
The book also highlights other important topics, such as the struggles of coming out and being gay in a place where it is frowned upon and I thought this was important to include.
Through the storytelling of dates and happy memories, this book really restores hope and faith about relationships, but also teaches you that sometimes you just need time to grieve. I think the ending was perfect and suited this book well. You’ll have to read it to make your own decision about it.
I want to say a huge thank you to @momelochristmas for this copy of Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season and for the chats we have had about the book and self-publication. 🥰
This non-fiction book elicits a whirlwind of emotions and is a must read. I highly recommend you go and check it out.
💬:
-‘I told myself that if I kept myself permanently occupied, I wouldn't be sad. Today was a reassurance that I'm the world's most terrible liar.’
-‘With time, people change, but their core values will remain the same.’
-‘All the pain can be worth it at the end of the day if we use it as fuel to improve ourselves.’
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
February 14, 2024
“Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season” by Mo Melo takes you through a series of unsent love letters to an ex-lover while intertwining psychological themes like the five stages of grief and codependency.
I want to recognize that it takes a lot of courage to be as vulnerable as Mo Melo was when describing his grieving process, and English not being his first language remains more impressive.
This book teaches us a valuable lesson: Sometimes, we put people on a pedestal and devote our lives to them when they genuinely don’t deserve it. We shouldn’t settle for crumbs or fall in love with limerence. We might not think that there are people out there who will treat us better, but in fact, there are those who will give us what we are looking for. Some people don’t make us feel codependent but make us feel secure in who we are as individuals. We are human beings; we make mistakes, and we grow. But we also deserve to be loved by someone ready for us.
I recommend this book if you want to feel the feels and for those needing to look in the mirror when moving on from a past love.
I want to recognize that it takes a lot of courage to be as vulnerable as Mo Melo was when describing his grieving process, and English not being his first language remains more impressive.
This book teaches us a valuable lesson: Sometimes, we put people on a pedestal and devote our lives to them when they genuinely don’t deserve it. We shouldn’t settle for crumbs or fall in love with limerence. We might not think that there are people out there who will treat us better, but in fact, there are those who will give us what we are looking for. Some people don’t make us feel codependent but make us feel secure in who we are as individuals. We are human beings; we make mistakes, and we grow. But we also deserve to be loved by someone ready for us.
I recommend this book if you want to feel the feels and for those needing to look in the mirror when moving on from a past love.
January 6, 2024
Oh, buckle up, folks! COZ THE WATERWORKS ARE FUCKING REAL
Mo Melo's memoir, "Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season," isn't your typical heartwarming tale. Like at all. So, picture this: I've been drowning in sappy romance novels for ages, and then Mo slides into my DMs after replying to my story, and something led to another: he tells me he's a weiter and has a non-fictional novel. MORE LIKE a rollercoaster of love and loss. I'm skeptical, right? not in any shape or form my typical read homies. I READ SMUT. Averting from cry-worthy novels, but OH LOOKIE HERE. Hitting us all with a romance novel on steroids, with a dash of sadness just to keep you on your toes.
This book is a breakup story on steroids. Mo spills his guts in letters to his ex, dissecting what went down and unraveling the messy feels surrounding the relationship's demise. It's like a crash course in grief, organized by the 5 stages, so you witness Mo's journey from heartbreak to reluctant acceptance. Yeah, it stings a bit to read about his pain, and I cried. Knowing I was never there, and God I don't want to be there. My grief was a death grief, and obviously this is incomparable. BUT THE PAIN. MY GOD.
Now, brace yourselves for the writing style. It's a wild ride – stream of consciousness galore. That man can write! This was therapy for your dark sense of humor. Mo's got this knack for turning mundane stuff like Diet Coke ornaments into heart-wrenching symbols. "Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season" may not be your typical holiday read, but it's got that chilly vibe that makes you want to curl up with it. If you're hunting for a holiday TBR curveball, this is NOT a christmas read. If you wanna fucking bawl? Read it.
Mo Melo's memoir, "Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season," isn't your typical heartwarming tale. Like at all. So, picture this: I've been drowning in sappy romance novels for ages, and then Mo slides into my DMs after replying to my story, and something led to another: he tells me he's a weiter and has a non-fictional novel. MORE LIKE a rollercoaster of love and loss. I'm skeptical, right? not in any shape or form my typical read homies. I READ SMUT. Averting from cry-worthy novels, but OH LOOKIE HERE. Hitting us all with a romance novel on steroids, with a dash of sadness just to keep you on your toes.
This book is a breakup story on steroids. Mo spills his guts in letters to his ex, dissecting what went down and unraveling the messy feels surrounding the relationship's demise. It's like a crash course in grief, organized by the 5 stages, so you witness Mo's journey from heartbreak to reluctant acceptance. Yeah, it stings a bit to read about his pain, and I cried. Knowing I was never there, and God I don't want to be there. My grief was a death grief, and obviously this is incomparable. BUT THE PAIN. MY GOD.
Now, brace yourselves for the writing style. It's a wild ride – stream of consciousness galore. That man can write! This was therapy for your dark sense of humor. Mo's got this knack for turning mundane stuff like Diet Coke ornaments into heart-wrenching symbols. "Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season" may not be your typical holiday read, but it's got that chilly vibe that makes you want to curl up with it. If you're hunting for a holiday TBR curveball, this is NOT a christmas read. If you wanna fucking bawl? Read it.
September 10, 2023
I am so grateful to the author of this book for reaching out and sending me this book, thank you so much 💙
I don’t read a lot of memoirs, I do buy the occasional one but they tend to sit on my shelves looking pretty. I’m really glad I read this one as I really enjoyed reading it.
💙 LGBTQ+
💙 Five Stages of Grief
This memoir is the author sharing how he coped with his break up with his partner, he pretty much is writing him a letter but in the form of a book. I love that he did this as it really shares the different stages he went through after their break up and how he felt towards his ex.
I loved how raw this book was, you can feel how much this author had loved his boyfriend and how much he misses him in his life. You can also see how far he has came in his healing, I love that he started seeing a therapist and hope that he has learned a lot from that. I hope that the one thing he really learns is that he can be alone and learn to love himself and value his own space as that is so important even when in a relationship.
It really brings to home just how much of ourselves we give when we start a relationship, or how we sometimes loose who we are as a person. It’s such a though provoking story and one that I think will take up space in my head for years to come.
To be honest I’m struggling with writing a review as it’s such a personal subject, it’s not a made up story, but what I can say is that it’s a really good read, it’s eye opening and I’m glad I’ve read it.
Oh and the last line killed me 🤣🤣
I don’t read a lot of memoirs, I do buy the occasional one but they tend to sit on my shelves looking pretty. I’m really glad I read this one as I really enjoyed reading it.
💙 LGBTQ+
💙 Five Stages of Grief
This memoir is the author sharing how he coped with his break up with his partner, he pretty much is writing him a letter but in the form of a book. I love that he did this as it really shares the different stages he went through after their break up and how he felt towards his ex.
I loved how raw this book was, you can feel how much this author had loved his boyfriend and how much he misses him in his life. You can also see how far he has came in his healing, I love that he started seeing a therapist and hope that he has learned a lot from that. I hope that the one thing he really learns is that he can be alone and learn to love himself and value his own space as that is so important even when in a relationship.
It really brings to home just how much of ourselves we give when we start a relationship, or how we sometimes loose who we are as a person. It’s such a though provoking story and one that I think will take up space in my head for years to come.
To be honest I’m struggling with writing a review as it’s such a personal subject, it’s not a made up story, but what I can say is that it’s a really good read, it’s eye opening and I’m glad I’ve read it.
Oh and the last line killed me 🤣🤣
February 17, 2024
♡ Healing
♡ Self-Love
♡ Non-Fiction
I don’t read many non-fiction books but every once in awhile I find one that makes me for get I’m reading non-fiction. This book was that.
Told through a series of letters this book follows the five stages of grief and the unknown of what’s next after a breakup. This book talked about heartbreak, loneliness, codependency, and what it was like to try and get over someone who was your world; who you saw in all the little things in life like Diet Coke or the Christmas tree emoji.
It was told in such a pleasant way, it was a quick read and while enjoyable might not be the right word it was a rather likable read. Kudos to the author for writing something so vulnerable and honest. It’s an emotional read, sure a bit sad at times but it’s also optimistic. You can see the healing from each stage. Overall, the book has a nice message of learning to love yourself first; before you love somebody else.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ (4.5/5)
Spice Level: n/a
POV: First Person
Release Date: 08, August 2023
Rep: Gay, Portuguese, other mentions of LGBTQIA+ People.
⚠️ Content Warnings:
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Hate crime
Minor: Violence and Blood
December 26, 2023
A collection of unsent letters to an exboyfriend, this non fiction book takes you through the stages of grief as the author processes the loss of a relationship. Starting with the denial and through to acceptance of the loss of the relationship, the author takes you on small journeys to relive past experiences and how they shaped his future views on the relationship as a whole. You will laugh, tear up, and maybe even cry as the author learns to move on.
While this isn’t the normal type of non fiction I would gravitate towards, when the author approached me and asked me to review this book I wanted to take the chance. I read a lot of romance and this somewhat aligns with that interest even if my normal non fiction interests skew a bit more towards death and true crime. I had a really good time with this book. I took my time with it but it’s entirely possible to read this in one sitting; very readable and digestible. I just wanted to sit with the emotions a bit and process and enjoyed my time. From rooting for the pair to get back together to watching the author grow through loss, it was a really nice journey.
Definitely would recommend this.
I was given a free copy of this book by the author and am leaving the honest review completely of my own free will.
While this isn’t the normal type of non fiction I would gravitate towards, when the author approached me and asked me to review this book I wanted to take the chance. I read a lot of romance and this somewhat aligns with that interest even if my normal non fiction interests skew a bit more towards death and true crime. I had a really good time with this book. I took my time with it but it’s entirely possible to read this in one sitting; very readable and digestible. I just wanted to sit with the emotions a bit and process and enjoyed my time. From rooting for the pair to get back together to watching the author grow through loss, it was a really nice journey.
Definitely would recommend this.
I was given a free copy of this book by the author and am leaving the honest review completely of my own free will.
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December 5, 2023This was such a deeply personal book and I think it took so much courage for the author to not only write, but to put out in the world. It was so intimate and heartfelt that I genuinely felt a little uncomfortable at times, seeing a strangers heart laid bare like that (I don’t mean this as a negative thing).
Being aromantic, I felt like I couldn’t relate to a lot of this, especially at the start. But the more I read, the more some things struck a chord with me, just in relation to friendship breakups instead of romantic breakups. That shit hurts, and you’re constantly reminded of that person in small ways even YEARS later. There will always be small things you will forever associate with that person and wish you could still share with them.
There was a lot of growth between these pages, too. But that growth isn’t linear like in fiction. It’s wavering, it has ups and downs, it’s easy to revert to bad habits. I appreciated the honesty of these moments.
All in all, a raw, earnest memoir, and one I can definitely recommend.
Being aromantic, I felt like I couldn’t relate to a lot of this, especially at the start. But the more I read, the more some things struck a chord with me, just in relation to friendship breakups instead of romantic breakups. That shit hurts, and you’re constantly reminded of that person in small ways even YEARS later. There will always be small things you will forever associate with that person and wish you could still share with them.
There was a lot of growth between these pages, too. But that growth isn’t linear like in fiction. It’s wavering, it has ups and downs, it’s easy to revert to bad habits. I appreciated the honesty of these moments.
All in all, a raw, earnest memoir, and one I can definitely recommend.
October 31, 2023
𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐨
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
First off, I wanted to thank @momelochristmas for sending me a physical copy of his book. It means so much to me! 🫶🏼
From time to time, I love to read nonfiction especially memoirs. This book is what the author said, it's like a long love letter to his ex. This made me feel love and heartbreak all at once. Every word jumps out at you. You can feel his emotions throughout the book. I love reading this so much that I'm dreading finishing it. I feel like I was there at those highs and lows of their love. I took the time to savor this book because I can't finish it in one go. There's just this kind of book that you could devour in one sitting because it's that good and there are books that are so good you wanted to take time finishing it. And this is one of those books. Might be one of the books that I would reread from time to time. Definitely, a great memoir! Thank you @momelochristmas for writing this! 🫶🏼
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
First off, I wanted to thank @momelochristmas for sending me a physical copy of his book. It means so much to me! 🫶🏼
From time to time, I love to read nonfiction especially memoirs. This book is what the author said, it's like a long love letter to his ex. This made me feel love and heartbreak all at once. Every word jumps out at you. You can feel his emotions throughout the book. I love reading this so much that I'm dreading finishing it. I feel like I was there at those highs and lows of their love. I took the time to savor this book because I can't finish it in one go. There's just this kind of book that you could devour in one sitting because it's that good and there are books that are so good you wanted to take time finishing it. And this is one of those books. Might be one of the books that I would reread from time to time. Definitely, a great memoir! Thank you @momelochristmas for writing this! 🫶🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
This is a strange one to review, primarily because this is less a memoir and more a therapy practice for the author. Melo, a pseudonym which is explained in the first section, uses this book to process the loss of a relationship that that meant a great deal to him while recognizing he was codependent on his ex-boyfriend. He’s also centred the book around Christmas because he feels the holiday — his mother’s favourite — is now partially lost because of how much this ex loved Christmas.
What I think worked best was the structuring of the book around the five stages of grief. Within this, the thing that worked most was the clear transitions in his mental states as he processed. It never felt like the days (chapters) were artificially squished into the theme of that stage of grief, and in fact there’s contradictions between earlier and later sections — demonstrating that processing in action. I also feel this was a very successful semi-use of the awkward second person narrative. It’s not a perfect second person, because it’s clear the perspective is Melo’s rather than the “you”, but it works.
What didn’t work for me was primarily that I want memoirs and essays to have a message or a learning that can apply to the reader — otherwise, why should we care? While this existed in pieces, it didn’t feel like a main part of the book. Here I return to feeling like the book was more therapeutic for Melo than memoir for an audience.
What I think worked best was the structuring of the book around the five stages of grief. Within this, the thing that worked most was the clear transitions in his mental states as he processed. It never felt like the days (chapters) were artificially squished into the theme of that stage of grief, and in fact there’s contradictions between earlier and later sections — demonstrating that processing in action. I also feel this was a very successful semi-use of the awkward second person narrative. It’s not a perfect second person, because it’s clear the perspective is Melo’s rather than the “you”, but it works.
What didn’t work for me was primarily that I want memoirs and essays to have a message or a learning that can apply to the reader — otherwise, why should we care? While this existed in pieces, it didn’t feel like a main part of the book. Here I return to feeling like the book was more therapeutic for Melo than memoir for an audience.
December 13, 2023
I absolutely adored this one! This book is a compilation of letters @momelochristmas never sent to his ex and describes it as romantically sad.
Going through a breakup is something almost everyone has been through in their lives and this book was so relatable. I felt everything you were feeling once upon a time and you put it into words so beautifully!
My favorite part was when you finally found a mint chocolate that you liked and it just so happened to be one of my all time favorite chocolates, frangos!
Going through a breakup is something almost everyone has been through in their lives and this book was so relatable. I felt everything you were feeling once upon a time and you put it into words so beautifully!
My favorite part was when you finally found a mint chocolate that you liked and it just so happened to be one of my all time favorite chocolates, frangos!
December 17, 2025
I read this over the holidays last year, and I couldn't put it down! The author craftfully weaves a narrative of heartbreak, grief, and healing through the lens of a relatable but distinctly personal relationship. A good read for anyone who wants to process their own dating foibles or is looking for the anti-rom-com of the season. And, great to see an LGBTQ+ relationship explored in literature! Love isn't always perfect, but it certainly can be transformative!
September 14, 2023
You can feel the energy of the author radiating from the pages. I feel like I’m sitting with them and they are speaking to me like I’m their friend, telling me their story. I’ve not felt this way about another memoir in a very long time. I had to pause at times to reflect on my own journey and this provided much needed reflection. I highly recommend
February 14, 2025
I read this book and WOW!!! I finished it in 3-4 days! I love love and this really made me feel all the feels. If you want a book that keeps you interested this is the one!! I haven’t been a big reader in a long time. This book got me back into reading. If you’re thinking about it buy it! You won’t regret it!
August 23, 2023
Mo Melo fearlessly unravels a past relationship, vividly recounting the highs and lows of their journey alongside their ex. I enjoyed reading this piece as it was a raw and vulnerable, including introspective exploration of personal growth.
August 28, 2023
I love how this book is written. How it expresses the rivalry between expectations vs. real world love. I felt really identified with what was told in the book. Even though I'm more of a coke zero gal.
October 11, 2023
A wonderful and unique read.
October 11, 2023
This is a very special read, that take us on a journey through not only the timeline of a breakup but the transformation of the main character through this time. It ties his childhood memories, present feelings and vision for his future self into a single narrative. It makes you cry, laugh and hope for him and for all the broken hearts out there. Sometimes it can be dark, but also very light and warm. It lives in a space of balance where the best thing is the raw descriptions of what love is and how it can be a catalyzer for being the best version of yourself.
October 27, 2023
Christmas Will Forever Be Your Season by Mo Melo
A love letter to your ex.
This book really took me by surprise, I’m not a huge memoir lover and it’s very difficult to read a memoir when you don’t know the person writing it, but CWFBYS was special, because you could write this book but you’d probably never think to.
The book is written to Mo Melo’s (pen name) ex. In the hopes that if they ever read this book by chance they’d know it’s for them, it sounds unhinged, for a second I thought so to but this kinda resonated heavily for me.
Each chapter references a different period in their relationship, going through the five stages of grief. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance.
There is a lot in this book that will resonate with anyone who’s ever gone through a break up. It’s not all doom and gloom there are some fleeting moments of joy throughout the book and for anyone that’s ever been through THAT breakup, there are a lot of elements in this book that will make you go “oh god, I do that, I did that” and it’s very clever at making you take note of some of your own behaviours in a relationship.
This isn’t for the faint hearted, it took me a while to finish as sometimes it got a bit too intense, too close to home for my own comfort as someone who had a hideous breakup that completely changed the way I looked at the world without them in it, this hit the nail on the head.
I could be Mo Melo, I could have written this book.
But I didn’t.
“I hate that I still miss you, and I hate myself for not being strong enough to let you go. You’re almost like a piece of bubblegum stuck on my shoe. With time it starts rubbing off but there are still pieces that will always stay there.”
Thank you for sending me your book, I’m sorry it took me so long but I appreciate you more than you know and thank you for writing something so raw and something so relatable
A love letter to your ex.
This book really took me by surprise, I’m not a huge memoir lover and it’s very difficult to read a memoir when you don’t know the person writing it, but CWFBYS was special, because you could write this book but you’d probably never think to.
The book is written to Mo Melo’s (pen name) ex. In the hopes that if they ever read this book by chance they’d know it’s for them, it sounds unhinged, for a second I thought so to but this kinda resonated heavily for me.
Each chapter references a different period in their relationship, going through the five stages of grief. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance.
There is a lot in this book that will resonate with anyone who’s ever gone through a break up. It’s not all doom and gloom there are some fleeting moments of joy throughout the book and for anyone that’s ever been through THAT breakup, there are a lot of elements in this book that will make you go “oh god, I do that, I did that” and it’s very clever at making you take note of some of your own behaviours in a relationship.
This isn’t for the faint hearted, it took me a while to finish as sometimes it got a bit too intense, too close to home for my own comfort as someone who had a hideous breakup that completely changed the way I looked at the world without them in it, this hit the nail on the head.
I could be Mo Melo, I could have written this book.
But I didn’t.
“I hate that I still miss you, and I hate myself for not being strong enough to let you go. You’re almost like a piece of bubblegum stuck on my shoe. With time it starts rubbing off but there are still pieces that will always stay there.”
Thank you for sending me your book, I’m sorry it took me so long but I appreciate you more than you know and thank you for writing something so raw and something so relatable
December 22, 2023
Let me start by saying that I would have never picked this book up if I had seen it in a store, but I would have been an IDIOT for not doing so! I am not a memoir person. I don’t particularly like non-fiction, but this book was a phenomenal read for me. I think the added bonus was that it followed a gay author! Swipe right for the blurb on the back!
Each ‘chapter’ is written as a letter to the author’s ex. From there, the letters are sectioned off into the five stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance. I thought this was so brilliantly done and provided the context for the reader to travel along with the author on his personal journey through the grieving process.
I think it spoke to a lot of my hopeless romantic side. I was rooting for the author throughout the entire story. The way he wrote about loss and heartbreak was so beautiful and resonated with a lot of feelings that I have had after breakups in the past. It made me stop to think about decisions I have made and behaviors/tendences that are present even in my daily life.
He manages to capture those thoughts that we have after breaking up with someone. What could have been? Why does everything remind me of them? Things that I had found hard or difficult to put into words seemed easily done in this book.
One of my favorite lines: “I do hope you’re still brushing your teeth. Although I am furious at you, inside of me there is a part that still wants to see you smile again.”
I couldn’t put it down and it was such a fantastic read. This book is perfect for the hopeless romantics, the readers who love to see personal growth and change, and those that have ever asked themselves if their ex was ‘the one’.
Each ‘chapter’ is written as a letter to the author’s ex. From there, the letters are sectioned off into the five stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance. I thought this was so brilliantly done and provided the context for the reader to travel along with the author on his personal journey through the grieving process.
I think it spoke to a lot of my hopeless romantic side. I was rooting for the author throughout the entire story. The way he wrote about loss and heartbreak was so beautiful and resonated with a lot of feelings that I have had after breakups in the past. It made me stop to think about decisions I have made and behaviors/tendences that are present even in my daily life.
He manages to capture those thoughts that we have after breaking up with someone. What could have been? Why does everything remind me of them? Things that I had found hard or difficult to put into words seemed easily done in this book.
One of my favorite lines: “I do hope you’re still brushing your teeth. Although I am furious at you, inside of me there is a part that still wants to see you smile again.”
I couldn’t put it down and it was such a fantastic read. This book is perfect for the hopeless romantics, the readers who love to see personal growth and change, and those that have ever asked themselves if their ex was ‘the one’.
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