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What to Do When You Get Dumped
From the beloved mother-daughter team who brought us What to Do When I'm Gone, a poignant, funny, heartfelt, and gorgeously illustrated guide to navigating the pain and complexity of getting dumped.
After Suzy Hopkins's husband of thirty years unexpectedly left her to pursue an old flame, her grief was so overwhelming that she thought her own heart might stop. How do you take the first step forward after losing such an integral part of your life?
In What to Do When You Get Dumped, the mother-daughter duo of Hopkins and her New Yorker–illustrator extraordinaire daughter Hallie Bateman offer an incisive, tender, appealingly illustrated guide to “unbreaking” your heart. Using a countdown from the moment you're dumped, the book offers humor and hope as it guides readers on the journey to find new meaning and purpose in a life that's yours alone.
Lighthearted, impactful, and deeply consoling, What to Do When You Get Dumped provides the wisdom to emerge from a breakup smarter, stronger, and with the unshakable knowledge that you are worthy of lasting love.
After Suzy Hopkins's husband of thirty years unexpectedly left her to pursue an old flame, her grief was so overwhelming that she thought her own heart might stop. How do you take the first step forward after losing such an integral part of your life?
In What to Do When You Get Dumped, the mother-daughter duo of Hopkins and her New Yorker–illustrator extraordinaire daughter Hallie Bateman offer an incisive, tender, appealingly illustrated guide to “unbreaking” your heart. Using a countdown from the moment you're dumped, the book offers humor and hope as it guides readers on the journey to find new meaning and purpose in a life that's yours alone.
Lighthearted, impactful, and deeply consoling, What to Do When You Get Dumped provides the wisdom to emerge from a breakup smarter, stronger, and with the unshakable knowledge that you are worthy of lasting love.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published January 21, 2025
16 people are currently reading
3674 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 5, 2025
It was deeply comforting and validating to read about another person’s journey that was so similar to mine. It made me feel seen and less alone. The book is sectioned into three helpful parts: The Ending, the Muddle, and The Beginning, very intentionally placed in that order. It was interesting to see that I’m finishing The Muddle and moving into The Beginning. I have made so much progress even if it hasn’t felt like it and this book helped me see that.
I plan to read it a few times - it’s a graphic novel so I’m sure I’ll pick up some new images and connect with more words on the second and third and maybe even fourth reading.
I plan to read it a few times - it’s a graphic novel so I’m sure I’ll pick up some new images and connect with more words on the second and third and maybe even fourth reading.
November 19, 2024
A helpful and comforting book to help you pick up your broken pieces ❤️🩹
February 25, 2025
this is not a cry for help
I saw the behind-the-scenes of this mother/daughter collaboration on TikTok and I couldn't resist picking up my library's copy. I thought this was so unbelievably sweet and absolutely NAILED the publishing wisdom of "writing for your audience." Just as "how to keep house when drowning" is written for the anxious and overly stressed, the book is styled for the person who can hardly get out of bed in the morning, let alone pick up a book. It's not preachy or dense—it's short, illustrated, and funny in all the right moments (while offering heartfelt condolences where needed too)
Super sweet and I'll definitely keep it in mind for any future friends who might need some light reading alongside their ben&jerry's delivery. I need to pick up their other collab too!! :')
I saw the behind-the-scenes of this mother/daughter collaboration on TikTok and I couldn't resist picking up my library's copy. I thought this was so unbelievably sweet and absolutely NAILED the publishing wisdom of "writing for your audience." Just as "how to keep house when drowning" is written for the anxious and overly stressed, the book is styled for the person who can hardly get out of bed in the morning, let alone pick up a book. It's not preachy or dense—it's short, illustrated, and funny in all the right moments (while offering heartfelt condolences where needed too)
Super sweet and I'll definitely keep it in mind for any future friends who might need some light reading alongside their ben&jerry's delivery. I need to pick up their other collab too!! :')
October 19, 2025
Validating in many respects
March 17, 2025
a good reminder to love yourself and appreciate the small things 🙂
December 27, 2024
I want to thank Suzy Hopkins, author and her daughter Hallie Bateman, illustrator and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the paperback copy of What to Do When You Get Dumped that I received in the Giveaway.
Suzy Hopkins has shared her feelings after her thriry year marriage ended with her husband leaving for an old flame. It is witty, full of deep emotions and her pain as she healed and recovered to find a new way four years later. Her advise is good, insightful and helpful for anyone suffering the pain of loss and betrayal when a relationship ends.
I brought back some old memories of past relationships that are ancient history. Now I'm facing being with my husband of almost fifty years as his declining health is making him angry at failing both physically and mentally. This is another kind of loss and so far is the hardest one I have faced so far in this lifetime. I do have several good friends to turn to for support and I'm forever gratful that I can call for help whenever I need it on this journey. What to Do When You Get Dumped has good advise for my situation too.
Suzy Hopkins has shared her feelings after her thriry year marriage ended with her husband leaving for an old flame. It is witty, full of deep emotions and her pain as she healed and recovered to find a new way four years later. Her advise is good, insightful and helpful for anyone suffering the pain of loss and betrayal when a relationship ends.
I brought back some old memories of past relationships that are ancient history. Now I'm facing being with my husband of almost fifty years as his declining health is making him angry at failing both physically and mentally. This is another kind of loss and so far is the hardest one I have faced so far in this lifetime. I do have several good friends to turn to for support and I'm forever gratful that I can call for help whenever I need it on this journey. What to Do When You Get Dumped has good advise for my situation too.
April 2, 2025
This graphic novel, although covers a tough subject, was an easy read. The content within these pages will allow any struggling reader find comfort and validation within their situation. Overall, only time can really help but What To Do When You Get Dumped offers little things a person can do to make their healing process a little easier to bear.
May 20, 2025
[Reading this was not a cry for help]
I went into this book with very different expectations to the reality of reading it. The author’s daughter (and the book’s illustrator) wrote a piece in the NY Times about supporting her mother through her divorce and the upcoming publication of her mother’s book. I was really interested in a 60 year old’s experience of ‘being dumped’ and so I bought it. I think I was hoping for an autobiographical account of things, a long read, with the central narrative being her divorce, heartbreak and healing. This book isn’t that, it is exactly what it says on the tin. A survival guide to heartbreak and healing. Each chapter sets out clear recommendations for what to do when you’re dumped. It is an expansive guide, covering everything from how to hire a divorce lawyer to what to say to your coworkers, how to set reminders to ensure you remember to feed the dogs when you’ve been in bed all day crying. It is insightful and also very short (I read it in about an hour and a half.) I didn’t feel that there was a lot I didn’t know (okay brag) but I was really reassured by how universal these feelings are and although I sped through it not really taking in much new, I did get quite emotional at the final chapter.
I’ve rated it as 3⭐️ because I think it is a very important read even if I didn’t get much from it (i’ve actually hired hundreds of divorce lawyers in my time), maybe I would have at a different time in my life.
I went into this book with very different expectations to the reality of reading it. The author’s daughter (and the book’s illustrator) wrote a piece in the NY Times about supporting her mother through her divorce and the upcoming publication of her mother’s book. I was really interested in a 60 year old’s experience of ‘being dumped’ and so I bought it. I think I was hoping for an autobiographical account of things, a long read, with the central narrative being her divorce, heartbreak and healing. This book isn’t that, it is exactly what it says on the tin. A survival guide to heartbreak and healing. Each chapter sets out clear recommendations for what to do when you’re dumped. It is an expansive guide, covering everything from how to hire a divorce lawyer to what to say to your coworkers, how to set reminders to ensure you remember to feed the dogs when you’ve been in bed all day crying. It is insightful and also very short (I read it in about an hour and a half.) I didn’t feel that there was a lot I didn’t know (okay brag) but I was really reassured by how universal these feelings are and although I sped through it not really taking in much new, I did get quite emotional at the final chapter.
I’ve rated it as 3⭐️ because I think it is a very important read even if I didn’t get much from it (i’ve actually hired hundreds of divorce lawyers in my time), maybe I would have at a different time in my life.
February 15, 2025
I recently read a post from this book's illustrator - the author's daughter - talking about how creating this book together was a healing experience in the wake of her mother's divorce (after a 30-year marriage!) I really wanted to support this journey they went on together and purchased this book.
At one point or another, most of us will get dumped by someone else, and it can feel devastating. This book feels a little like a hug and it's written in a humorous and honest way that I think anyone who has felt those emotions can relate to. It's been some time since I was dumped but it still brought me back to those feelings (in a non-harmful way). I think for someone who has been more recently broken up with, this book could bring a lot of comfort. I wouldn't say there's a ton of new coping strategies in here, but they are just presented in such an authentic, kind and entertaining way that helps soften the blow of some of these really $#!% feelings. The imagery is adorable (and often also funny) too! It feels a little short, but I think it said everything that really needs to be said.
At one point or another, most of us will get dumped by someone else, and it can feel devastating. This book feels a little like a hug and it's written in a humorous and honest way that I think anyone who has felt those emotions can relate to. It's been some time since I was dumped but it still brought me back to those feelings (in a non-harmful way). I think for someone who has been more recently broken up with, this book could bring a lot of comfort. I wouldn't say there's a ton of new coping strategies in here, but they are just presented in such an authentic, kind and entertaining way that helps soften the blow of some of these really $#!% feelings. The imagery is adorable (and often also funny) too! It feels a little short, but I think it said everything that really needs to be said.
October 27, 2024
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
In my job I find myself often talking teens through their first or another break-up so I thought this book might offer me guidance/suggestions on how to support them. I had not realized this book was more directed at adults going through a divorce so I was initially not sure if this would end up being helpful at all. And although there is a lot here about how to handle the stages of divorce there is a lot of advice that also applies to break-ups at any age. While I don't agree with everything here, there is a lot that I do agree with - especially the part about not trying to find reason or logic in something that just might not follow those rules. Having the format be a graphic novel I also feel makes this more accessible to readers and comes across much less like a self-help book and more like a guidebook for navigating the end of a relationship.
In my job I find myself often talking teens through their first or another break-up so I thought this book might offer me guidance/suggestions on how to support them. I had not realized this book was more directed at adults going through a divorce so I was initially not sure if this would end up being helpful at all. And although there is a lot here about how to handle the stages of divorce there is a lot of advice that also applies to break-ups at any age. While I don't agree with everything here, there is a lot that I do agree with - especially the part about not trying to find reason or logic in something that just might not follow those rules. Having the format be a graphic novel I also feel makes this more accessible to readers and comes across much less like a self-help book and more like a guidebook for navigating the end of a relationship.
October 24, 2024
I think this is a very validating book for anyone who's been dumped, even long after the fact. It kind of feels like a bolstering hug. Some of the passages are a bit cliche or feel dramatic, but that's how break ups feel so I personally think it works for this sort of book. It's not quite a graphic novel, more like an illustrated picture book for adults, some page's passages are longer than others. Overall it's a quick read and easy to digest. I do think it applies more to people who were in longer term relationships or have a major link to the person dumping them, but the author tries to be inclusive. While this isn't a world-shattering self-help book I think everyone needs to go read ASAP, I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a little comfort or a light at the end of the break-up tunnel.
December 29, 2024
I was sent an ARC of this book. Not having recently been dumped, it sat on my shelf for a little bit, but I picked it up to read while organizing some shelves today.
This is a really nice story of the author’s own journey through heartbreak, and also advice on how to move forward if you find yourself in the same situation. Illustrated by her daughter, the pages offer a quick touch to get you through whatever point of the journey you’re on. But this applies to so much more than heartbreak. These tips can apply to other types of depression and anxiety, loss of someone important to you, or even just feeling lost in your own life. It’s not a depressing self-help book, but a boost of support when you find yourself at a low point.
This is a really nice story of the author’s own journey through heartbreak, and also advice on how to move forward if you find yourself in the same situation. Illustrated by her daughter, the pages offer a quick touch to get you through whatever point of the journey you’re on. But this applies to so much more than heartbreak. These tips can apply to other types of depression and anxiety, loss of someone important to you, or even just feeling lost in your own life. It’s not a depressing self-help book, but a boost of support when you find yourself at a low point.
March 15, 2025
It’s going on six years since I was last dumped, but other endings and losses have happened, like getting my notice about a year ago that the school did not want me back for the following year.
Sometimes I simply feel sad, confused, adrift, or distant from myself because of how different things are from a year ago. As much as I love my baby, who will be 7 months old tomorrow, I sometimes miss my former students, former career, old self, and pre-pregnancy body.
Throw in some estranged relatives, an ex’s birthday, weird dreams, and yes I found a lot to relate to in this book.
I managed to read a physical copy of this book on a Saturday while my Velcro baby sat with his doting dad.
Sometimes I simply feel sad, confused, adrift, or distant from myself because of how different things are from a year ago. As much as I love my baby, who will be 7 months old tomorrow, I sometimes miss my former students, former career, old self, and pre-pregnancy body.
Throw in some estranged relatives, an ex’s birthday, weird dreams, and yes I found a lot to relate to in this book.
I managed to read a physical copy of this book on a Saturday while my Velcro baby sat with his doting dad.
March 12, 2025
This books was all the things I needed to heal my already whole heart. It just had a few dents and chips than needed mending. This is an amazing journey of moments in time and feelings that you can feel and relate to. It's never easy when something ends but with these steps and tips or tools you can really make a difference in the day to day. It's funny and sad and emotional. The art work is exceptional and helps the heavy topics feel lighter. I think this is a great book to have on your shelf for if or when you might need it for yourself or a friend.
July 8, 2025
I placed this book on hold forever ago and when it finally came in, I couldn’t even remember why! 😅 Only when I finished it and read about the authors, did I remember that I’d read their last book! Must have gotten an email from Goodreads telling me they had a new book out.
But, back to the book itself, it was well done. I appreciated the content and, while sad that the author had to go through all of this, I’m glad she was able to move through it and share the advice she needed at that time. This is a very accessible book and I hope the people who need it find it ❤️
But, back to the book itself, it was well done. I appreciated the content and, while sad that the author had to go through all of this, I’m glad she was able to move through it and share the advice she needed at that time. This is a very accessible book and I hope the people who need it find it ❤️
September 26, 2025
There's a beautiful word in Spanish, originally Náhuatl, called apapachar. A direct translation is an affectionate pat or embrace. But the truer essence of the word is to embrace or caress with the soul.
It's a bone deep comfort. Imagine coming home after a long and terrible day, absolutely exhausted, and this is what you find: a loved one drew a bath for you and made your favorite meal. That's an apapacho. That's what this book felt like. It was warm and comforting, tender and compassionate, and made with care and love.
Favorite quote: Sorrow will come regardless; joy you need to create.
It's a bone deep comfort. Imagine coming home after a long and terrible day, absolutely exhausted, and this is what you find: a loved one drew a bath for you and made your favorite meal. That's an apapacho. That's what this book felt like. It was warm and comforting, tender and compassionate, and made with care and love.
Favorite quote: Sorrow will come regardless; joy you need to create.
January 15, 2026
Its weirdly refreshing and grounding to read this not having gone through a break up in a long time. Idk, I just felt drawn to it. This is my bible and I will be returning to this book probably many times in my life, which is both a bad ass thing to say and also kind of a sh*tty thing. Yes Ms. Hopkins I will go at my own pace and say no when I mean no without being an asshole. I am learning to love who I am becoming and I absolutely know there are people out there who will be entangled with my idea of love and happiness. It’s not you it’s me, so actually, it is you.
December 21, 2024
Another fantastic book by the mother-daughter team of Suzy Hopkins and Hallie Bateman. The guidance in this book applies to far more than just being dumped. This is also a great “how to” on the grieving process no matter the loss. From her stylized wheel of grief to the roller coaster of emotions, this one really hits its mark. If you’ve experienced the death of a relationship - this book is for you. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry. Guaranteed!
January 7, 2025
Suzy Hopkins has written a delightful, helpful book.
I've been dumped many times.
Although I bounced back quickly, my last breakup took unusually long for me.
This book helped give me additional ideas and encouragement.
The best thing about this book is its illustrations. They're on most pages, and they'll make you laugh and smile.
It's a great gift if your friend just got dumped or divorced.
Note: I got an ARC of the book.
I've been dumped many times.
Although I bounced back quickly, my last breakup took unusually long for me.
This book helped give me additional ideas and encouragement.
The best thing about this book is its illustrations. They're on most pages, and they'll make you laugh and smile.
It's a great gift if your friend just got dumped or divorced.
Note: I got an ARC of the book.
March 9, 2025
Originally I thought this was a book for high schoolers, to help them through a breakup. It is actually for any age; from high school thru 70 year olds. It gives step be step examples of what you may go through after a breakup and then offers ways to get through them. Helpful and often funny situations that you might find yourself in are given as well. I’m not going through a breakup but found this a very good read.
July 14, 2025
Very cute, honest book with lovely illustrations. I won't lie, I mainly got it because I'm nosy - I grew up reading the author's ex's newspaper columns, and although I enjoyed his writing, I always got the vibe that he seemed like a knowitall jerk, and was curious to see if I was right... (It's a small town, okay?!) Not only did I get the tea, I enjoyed this charming book. I would recommend it for women of all ages.
November 16, 2025
I put a reservation on this book at my local library after seeing Hallie Bateman's instagram post about it. Took months to get it.
My dad left my mom two years ago after over 30 years of marriage for someone wayyy too close to my age for comfort, and I wanted to read something about how to cope in this situation. Well, this book's still not quite for me (not the left partner, but the daughter of one) but it was a good read nonetheless. Might have to tell my mom about it.
My dad left my mom two years ago after over 30 years of marriage for someone wayyy too close to my age for comfort, and I wanted to read something about how to cope in this situation. Well, this book's still not quite for me (not the left partner, but the daughter of one) but it was a good read nonetheless. Might have to tell my mom about it.
January 8, 2025
This is a very quick read, I think it took me about 30 minutes. It is mostly for woman who are middle aged and going through a divorce. Not sure if it really would help younger woman or men. There are a few universal things that would help with breakups, but I still feel it is definitely more for women who have been in very long relationships.
April 5, 2025
I think this story would have been interesting as a straight memoir, but as a self-help book this was very corny and surface-level advice. The humour was also very try-hard, I didn’t laugh once and it was a chore to get through. I enjoyed the illustrations, but that’s about it.
Read
April 26, 2025I only skimmed this because my loan is ending, but I think it looks pretty good. It works especially well for a dump-ee, but I think it offers a lot of really great advice for anyone ending a long-term relationship and wondering what now? It's vulnerable and supportive all at once.
September 11, 2025
Even though I am not actively handling or managing a break-up, I think this is such a beautifully written self-help novel with great images drawn! Could be used for so much more than just a break-up or separation!
December 14, 2025
I checked this out of the library out of curiosity. Honestly it's pretty good and I should rate it higher, but I am (thankfully) not even close to being the audience for this. Oh hell, I'm switching it to four stars. Someone needs this.
September 17, 2024
I may not have loved the imagery throughout, but I felt that this book could be good for anyone going through heartbreak.
January 1, 2025
Very informative if you wind up getting dumped or a divorce. Graphics were ok.
For the rest of my review, visit my vlog at:
https://youtube.com/shorts/BpBrVsM_oa...
Enjoy!
For the rest of my review, visit my vlog at:
https://youtube.com/shorts/BpBrVsM_oa...
Enjoy!
January 14, 2025
Won this on a good reads giveaway and thought it was fiction. It was still a decent read. It had some humor and some good points. Really liked the illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews