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The Museum of Heartbreak
Selamat datang di Museum Patah Hati. Atau lebih tepatnya museum pribadi Penelope Marx yang dibuatnya setelah berhadapan dengan fenomena dahsyat nan memilukan yang dikenal sebagai Patah Hati. Patah hati muncul dalam berbagai bentuk: Keats, cowok tampan memesona yang sempurna, Cherisse, cewek paling parah sedunia yang tujuan hidupnya membuat Penelope merana, Audrey sahabat Penelope yang semakin menjauh, dan Eph, sahabat menjengkelkan sekaligus mengagumkan yang belakangan ini semakin membingungkan Penelope. Tapi, hal yang paling membuat kita patah hati terkadang adalah belajar melepaskan masa-masa indah sebelum menyadari bahwa yang kita miliki tak selamanya akan baik-baik saja.
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2016
65 people are currently reading
8939 people want to read
About the author
Meg Leder
13 books102 followersA former bookseller and teacher, Meg Leder currently works as a book editor in New York City. Her role models are Harriet the Spy and Anne Shirley. She is the coauthor of The Happy Book, and spends her free time reading, looking for street art, and people watching. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 552 reviews
March 10, 2016
Free association with THE MUSEUM OF HEARTBREAK! What words and phrases come to mind when you think of this book, Wendy?
Haphazard.
Trying too hard.
Quirky without enough substance.
The thing about humorous prose is it has to feel effortless--and it has to have some order even if it doesn't appear to. This book felt all over the place; from the structure to the tenses to the things the characters were interested in, I felt like we were bouncing back and forth in a pinball machine. There's no real character development to speak of, either--everyone gets assigned some traits (this is the guy who draws and reads comic books, this is the mean girl who has no redeeming qualities, this is the best friend who shares a few memories with the MC, these are the eccentric parents, and this is the cute guy who...what does he do? Oh yeah, eventually you learn he likes Kerouac) and that's kind of the extent of the thought and depth behind it. Zero chemistry, zero stakes. I don't even know why we're supposed to like the narrator, to be honest; she's not awful, and I made myself be patient with the silly decisions she makes, but she's really not that interesting.
It pains me immensely to not love this book, because it talks about dinosaurs so damned much and I LOVE dinosaurs. And the author's bio says her heroes are Anne Shirley and Harriet the Spy. Come on! The bait and switch of that allure versus the story I actually read is so upsetting. This book tries so very hard to be charming, but it's too unfocused, too delighted by its own cleverness and tangential side stories, and too lacking in characters and relationships that feel complex or moving.
There are a few cute moments, and Ephraim is the best part about the book--he of wonderful dinosaur drawings and presents and humor, but even he's not much more than the great BFF and an object of affection. Come to think of it, that's probably the biggest issue here--that the characters in this book are treated like objects, like something you'd arrange in the diorama pictured on the book jacket, rather than people with deep feelings and thoughts and dreams. But even the grandest of dollhouses feels empty if you don't fill them with an interesting story.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review. This gets an extra star because of the dinosaurs alone.
Haphazard.
Trying too hard.
Quirky without enough substance.
The thing about humorous prose is it has to feel effortless--and it has to have some order even if it doesn't appear to. This book felt all over the place; from the structure to the tenses to the things the characters were interested in, I felt like we were bouncing back and forth in a pinball machine. There's no real character development to speak of, either--everyone gets assigned some traits (this is the guy who draws and reads comic books, this is the mean girl who has no redeeming qualities, this is the best friend who shares a few memories with the MC, these are the eccentric parents, and this is the cute guy who...what does he do? Oh yeah, eventually you learn he likes Kerouac) and that's kind of the extent of the thought and depth behind it. Zero chemistry, zero stakes. I don't even know why we're supposed to like the narrator, to be honest; she's not awful, and I made myself be patient with the silly decisions she makes, but she's really not that interesting.
It pains me immensely to not love this book, because it talks about dinosaurs so damned much and I LOVE dinosaurs. And the author's bio says her heroes are Anne Shirley and Harriet the Spy. Come on! The bait and switch of that allure versus the story I actually read is so upsetting. This book tries so very hard to be charming, but it's too unfocused, too delighted by its own cleverness and tangential side stories, and too lacking in characters and relationships that feel complex or moving.
There are a few cute moments, and Ephraim is the best part about the book--he of wonderful dinosaur drawings and presents and humor, but even he's not much more than the great BFF and an object of affection. Come to think of it, that's probably the biggest issue here--that the characters in this book are treated like objects, like something you'd arrange in the diorama pictured on the book jacket, rather than people with deep feelings and thoughts and dreams. But even the grandest of dollhouses feels empty if you don't fill them with an interesting story.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review. This gets an extra star because of the dinosaurs alone.
February 19, 2018
Contemporary-A-Thon challenge #7 (book #8!): read a book with pink on the cover (okay kinda cheating but Aldo says it counts!) - COMPLETE!
This was one of my TBR jar picks for February and I decided to pick it up on a whim today and was very pleasantly surprised! I thoroughly enjoyed this, even though the ending was MEGA cheesy. It was still such a fun book and I’m pleased to have read it l!
This was one of my TBR jar picks for February and I decided to pick it up on a whim today and was very pleasantly surprised! I thoroughly enjoyed this, even though the ending was MEGA cheesy. It was still such a fun book and I’m pleased to have read it l!
June 10, 2016
*I received an advanced copy from IndigoTeen via Simon & Schuster CA in exchange for an honest review. All quotes taken from a pre-published copy may be altered or omitted from the final version.*
OPENING LINE
Things I Liked: Pen, and how I was able to connect with her when I thought back to my high school days!
Things I LOVED: Eph<3!!!! The cover, the title, the writing style, and the little drawings!
Things I Disliked: Keats, Cherisse, Audrey. Ugh. These people.Allow me to elaborate…
--------------------------------------------
The Museum of Heartbreak aka a perfect summer read that covers the importance of hope, friendship, love, self discovery, and of course heartbreak.
Penelope. What a character, I’m not sure if I’ve ever read from a character that I was able to see myself in before. What I loved most about Penelope was the fact that she’s a character everyone can/will relate to. You might love her, you might hate her. But at some point you WERE/ARE Penelope. Meg Leder created such a realistic and relatable character with real life dilemmas that I actually forgot for a spilt second that I was reading fiction.
Eph = Swoon! I’m pretty sure I found a new book boyfriend. From the minute we’re introduced to Eph I knew I would like him, and as the story continued I went from liking him to just absolutely loving him. I love how strong of a friend he was to Pen and how he was always honest with her. Plus, there’s the fact that knew where this story was going before I even opened the book, so I went into this rooting for him.
COVERLUST❤! When I originally added this to my TBR shelf back in 2015, a cover had not been released yet. Then the day came when my eyes and that cover locked…it was a moment I can’t put into words! I just want to give a HUGE round of applause to whoever created the cover for The Museum of Heartbreak because it’s perfect! And not only was the cover perfect, but also the illustrations of artifacts or memories that we the focus for each chapter.
The Museum of Heartbreak. What a catchy title! Pen collects memories and artifacts that have to do with the heartbreak she experiences. Some of the items might be seem minor but each is like a catalyst leading up to the main event. Meg Leder’s writing seemed effortless. She created a simplistic world, characters with depth, and a well planned plot. I enjoyed Museum of Heartbreak from beginning to end and there was not a single moment while reading that I felt like I was reading something that wasn’t necessary to add. Everything had a time and place, and if something does not make sense to you at that moment I promise you it will at the end!
I don’t know which character I disliked more Keats, Audrey, or Cherisse. No, that’s a lie I think I equally disliked Keats and Cherisse. Why? Let me tell you! Both of these characters were villains, just absolutely evil and heartless and have no regard for anyone else but themselves! Audrey, UGHHHHHHHH! I’m probably the only person who disliked her. She’s “Penelope’s increasingly distant best friend” (don’t worry, that’s not a spoiler. It’s in the synopsis) and while some friendships do come and go I found Audrey to be thoughtless with her words and actions. I also probably do not like her because she reminds me so much of someone I was best friends with in high school. Hey, I was not kidding when I said I became emotionally invested in The Museum of Heartbreak. Audrey dragged things out instead of being honest which just ended up hurting Pen in the end.
Overall, The Museum of Heartbreak was such an enjoyable read! Although, I have to say I only wish it was a little longer! Now don’t get me wrong, Meg Leder does perfectly wrap up The Museum of Heartbreak. However, the ending felt a little abrupt to me and that’s most likely because I loved it so much that I just did not want it to end! To the point that I was flipping pages hoping to find an Epilogue but there was only the acknowledgements. I can’t wait to get my hands on a finished copy so I can re-read it this summer and tab all my favourite quotes. While this is a fiction read there are so many life lesson throughout The Museum of Heartbreak that readers can connect with it displaying the importance of hope, the ups and downs of friendship, that love doesn’t come easily to some, and of course that we all experience different if not multiple heartbreaks.
OPENING LINE
“I don’t want them to go.-----------------------------------------------
I know i will forget them if they leave now.”
Things I Liked: Pen, and how I was able to connect with her when I thought back to my high school days!
Things I LOVED: Eph<3!!!! The cover, the title, the writing style, and the little drawings!
Things I Disliked: Keats, Cherisse, Audrey. Ugh. These people.Allow me to elaborate…
--------------------------------------------
The Museum of Heartbreak aka a perfect summer read that covers the importance of hope, friendship, love, self discovery, and of course heartbreak.
Penelope. What a character, I’m not sure if I’ve ever read from a character that I was able to see myself in before. What I loved most about Penelope was the fact that she’s a character everyone can/will relate to. You might love her, you might hate her. But at some point you WERE/ARE Penelope. Meg Leder created such a realistic and relatable character with real life dilemmas that I actually forgot for a spilt second that I was reading fiction.
Eph = Swoon! I’m pretty sure I found a new book boyfriend. From the minute we’re introduced to Eph I knew I would like him, and as the story continued I went from liking him to just absolutely loving him. I love how strong of a friend he was to Pen and how he was always honest with her. Plus, there’s the fact that knew where this story was going before I even opened the book, so I went into this rooting for him.
“Things change, Penelope; people change. Sometimes you get hurt. And sometimes you’re the one doing the hurting.”
COVERLUST❤! When I originally added this to my TBR shelf back in 2015, a cover had not been released yet. Then the day came when my eyes and that cover locked…it was a moment I can’t put into words! I just want to give a HUGE round of applause to whoever created the cover for The Museum of Heartbreak because it’s perfect! And not only was the cover perfect, but also the illustrations of artifacts or memories that we the focus for each chapter.
The Museum of Heartbreak. What a catchy title! Pen collects memories and artifacts that have to do with the heartbreak she experiences. Some of the items might be seem minor but each is like a catalyst leading up to the main event. Meg Leder’s writing seemed effortless. She created a simplistic world, characters with depth, and a well planned plot. I enjoyed Museum of Heartbreak from beginning to end and there was not a single moment while reading that I felt like I was reading something that wasn’t necessary to add. Everything had a time and place, and if something does not make sense to you at that moment I promise you it will at the end!
“Maybe in real life there aren’t happy endings. Maybe that’s the point.”
I don’t know which character I disliked more Keats, Audrey, or Cherisse. No, that’s a lie I think I equally disliked Keats and Cherisse. Why? Let me tell you! Both of these characters were villains, just absolutely evil and heartless and have no regard for anyone else but themselves! Audrey, UGHHHHHHHH! I’m probably the only person who disliked her. She’s “Penelope’s increasingly distant best friend” (don’t worry, that’s not a spoiler. It’s in the synopsis) and while some friendships do come and go I found Audrey to be thoughtless with her words and actions. I also probably do not like her because she reminds me so much of someone I was best friends with in high school. Hey, I was not kidding when I said I became emotionally invested in The Museum of Heartbreak. Audrey dragged things out instead of being honest which just ended up hurting Pen in the end.
“I realized that something terrible had unfurled. The mere seconds ago I had lived in a world where I didn’t know Audrey could hurt me. That now I lived in a world where I did.”
Overall, The Museum of Heartbreak was such an enjoyable read! Although, I have to say I only wish it was a little longer! Now don’t get me wrong, Meg Leder does perfectly wrap up The Museum of Heartbreak. However, the ending felt a little abrupt to me and that’s most likely because I loved it so much that I just did not want it to end! To the point that I was flipping pages hoping to find an Epilogue but there was only the acknowledgements. I can’t wait to get my hands on a finished copy so I can re-read it this summer and tab all my favourite quotes. While this is a fiction read there are so many life lesson throughout The Museum of Heartbreak that readers can connect with it displaying the importance of hope, the ups and downs of friendship, that love doesn’t come easily to some, and of course that we all experience different if not multiple heartbreaks.
June 25, 2016
An Advance Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes pulled from the ARC may be incorrect and may be subject to change.
Penelope Marx is a romantic. One who believes in a romance that will sweep you off your feet. She believes in Rose and Jack from the Titanic movie and Elizabeth and Darcy from Pride and Prejudice novel. Real life isn't like the movies or the books because happy endings don't happen. When her distant best friend Audrey suddenly wants to spend less time apart, she ends up meeting the most charming and handsome new boy who seems so perfect. But there's also her other guy best friend named Eph who's more than just moody lately.
As far as romantic contemporaries go, this one was just cute. It has all the makings of a novel that you will gobble up. And it'll be a fast read too. Having read so many novels, this ends up being a very predictable read. But I just didn't care! From the moment I turned the page, I knew there was going to some great character development going on. Penelope is still young and she needs to get her heart broken to find out what love really is. Then there's Eph..The moment he appeared I knew I would instantly like him. He's not exactly the cliché new boyfriend, but the one most characters don't even see. Keats..Well he was instantly a detractor, and I was waiting for Pen to get rid of him LOL I hated how she was around him. Constantly blaming herself for how he acted. Making herself settle for his constant callous actions. As soon as he said this:
"Eh, lady writers, not really my thing." (173)
I wrote him off as the villain. Nope, that is a deal breaker. For someone to write off a whole gender is just lousy and despicable. Nope nope nope.
As far as the story goes, there's a sweeping high that comes when you know Penelope is going to end up learning her lesson and I love how she realizes it. I love the cute slow-burn romances where you know more than the characters and this one had it. This book also caters more to the younger teen audience, but anyone will still enjoy it.
If you love books from Jenny Han, Miranda Kenneally or Kasie West, add this Meg Leder to your list because you're going to want to gobble her books in an instant.
RATING 4/5
QUOTES
Maybe in real life there aren't happy endings. Maybe that's the point. (3)
I am terrible at talking to boys! I am terrible at life!
Who needed friends? I had New York City. (56)
In that moment I knew he could see the secret parts inside me, the token over my heart, the fleeing lives of the stars in my sky. (87)
I loved the feeling of being in like. (156)
Just because someone isn't at their best doesn't mean you write them off forever. (189)
You believe in things so wholly, in absolute friendship and epic true love, and your heart is so amazingly big. (244)
Sometimes you get hurt. And sometimes you're the one doing the hurting. (255)
Penelope Marx is a romantic. One who believes in a romance that will sweep you off your feet. She believes in Rose and Jack from the Titanic movie and Elizabeth and Darcy from Pride and Prejudice novel. Real life isn't like the movies or the books because happy endings don't happen. When her distant best friend Audrey suddenly wants to spend less time apart, she ends up meeting the most charming and handsome new boy who seems so perfect. But there's also her other guy best friend named Eph who's more than just moody lately.
As far as romantic contemporaries go, this one was just cute. It has all the makings of a novel that you will gobble up. And it'll be a fast read too. Having read so many novels, this ends up being a very predictable read. But I just didn't care! From the moment I turned the page, I knew there was going to some great character development going on. Penelope is still young and she needs to get her heart broken to find out what love really is. Then there's Eph..The moment he appeared I knew I would instantly like him. He's not exactly the cliché new boyfriend, but the one most characters don't even see. Keats..Well he was instantly a detractor, and I was waiting for Pen to get rid of him LOL I hated how she was around him. Constantly blaming herself for how he acted. Making herself settle for his constant callous actions. As soon as he said this:
"Eh, lady writers, not really my thing." (173)
I wrote him off as the villain. Nope, that is a deal breaker. For someone to write off a whole gender is just lousy and despicable. Nope nope nope.
As far as the story goes, there's a sweeping high that comes when you know Penelope is going to end up learning her lesson and I love how she realizes it. I love the cute slow-burn romances where you know more than the characters and this one had it. This book also caters more to the younger teen audience, but anyone will still enjoy it.
If you love books from Jenny Han, Miranda Kenneally or Kasie West, add this Meg Leder to your list because you're going to want to gobble her books in an instant.
RATING 4/5
QUOTES
Maybe in real life there aren't happy endings. Maybe that's the point. (3)
I am terrible at talking to boys! I am terrible at life!
Who needed friends? I had New York City. (56)
In that moment I knew he could see the secret parts inside me, the token over my heart, the fleeing lives of the stars in my sky. (87)
I loved the feeling of being in like. (156)
Just because someone isn't at their best doesn't mean you write them off forever. (189)
You believe in things so wholly, in absolute friendship and epic true love, and your heart is so amazingly big. (244)
Sometimes you get hurt. And sometimes you're the one doing the hurting. (255)
June 7, 2016
Thank you so much to the author, Meg Leder, for sending me a copy of the Museum of Heartbreak!
It was a really quick read! The cover and the synopsis were what made me want to read this book. It even has a great title. This book was cute, but I thought it was pretty predictable. It was set in high school so it of course had to have some high school drama. I felt like there wasn't much of Cherisse in the story other than the parts where she doesn't like Penelope or when she's with Audrey/Keats.
You can learn so much about friendship and love from reading this book. It's a great read if you like reading about high school drama, friendships, and love.
It was a really quick read! The cover and the synopsis were what made me want to read this book. It even has a great title. This book was cute, but I thought it was pretty predictable. It was set in high school so it of course had to have some high school drama. I felt like there wasn't much of Cherisse in the story other than the parts where she doesn't like Penelope or when she's with Audrey/Keats.
You can learn so much about friendship and love from reading this book. It's a great read if you like reading about high school drama, friendships, and love.
June 7, 2019
3.5 stars
Read this quite a few months ago and wasn’t able to draft a review so I’ll just speak from my little memory of the reading experience. It was entertaining and cute. I’m not a huge fan of Penelope as a character but I liked that she was purposely portrayed by the author as this flawed character who had all these absurd and impossible expectations about love and life in general and how she was slowly brought to the realization of what it really means to fall in love, break a heart, have a heart broken, meet new people and make new friends. It was kind of predictable but it’s a fun and easy read so I’m not complaining.
Read this quite a few months ago and wasn’t able to draft a review so I’ll just speak from my little memory of the reading experience. It was entertaining and cute. I’m not a huge fan of Penelope as a character but I liked that she was purposely portrayed by the author as this flawed character who had all these absurd and impossible expectations about love and life in general and how she was slowly brought to the realization of what it really means to fall in love, break a heart, have a heart broken, meet new people and make new friends. It was kind of predictable but it’s a fun and easy read so I’m not complaining.
November 22, 2015
Wow, this was so amazing. Perfect pacing, unforgettable voice, this book made me FEEL high school all over again, with all its uncertainties and anxieties. I loved Penelope's journey and the wisdom she curated through her heartbreaks is really lovely. Set against a vibrant New York City setting, this book was everything I wanted out of a contemporary YA.
December 26, 2015
This book was hands down one of the best contemporary YA books I have ever had the pleasure to read. It is smart and cool and hopeful and heartbreaking in all the best ways. I have a legit hangover after living in Pen’s story. I have fallen head over heels for her. Loving her quick wit, keen observations, unbreakable Pen-ness. Her character is beyond awesome and she attracts awesomeness. Eph? Sa-woon. Audrey, Grace—the entire cast—is so perfectly flawed and real. Leder’s writing is engaging and hilarious and warm. This is a perfectly paced YA that tackles (with beauty) all the grit and grace of romantic, love, friendship, self-love and familial belonging. And, there are dinosaurs. So, yeah. Magic.
August 21, 2016
When I first saw the synopsis for this book, it seemed like a proper Sophie book. I love YA contemporary books, especially the fluffy ones, during the summer time. When I bought this, I started it as soon as I got home, and though it would be a high four, maybe even five star read. Unfortunately, it's barely a 3 star for me.
In The Museum of Heartbreak, we follow Penelope, who is a romantic at heart. She keeps little momentos of all her significant relationships, friendship and otherwise, and eventually uses them in her own 'Museum of Heartbreak'. When a new guy, Keats, comes to the school, and BFF Audrey wants to spend less time together, she is drawn to Keats, who is just 'perfect'. However, her other best friend, Eph, grows moody the more she spends with Keats, and Penelope can't understand it.
This book was cute, I'll give it that. But, there just wasn't much to it. I wasn't too keen on Penelope, and though she was so oblivious, that an asteroid couldn't landed in front of her, and she would still be none the wiser. Really, if she'd just thought more about the events, she would've saved herself from so many problems. Keats was awful. I could tell from the beginning he wouldn't be go for Penelope, and when he started spouting sexist stuff, and then got angry that he wasn't a great writer, he was like a petulant child.
You could tell that Eph would be the one Penelope finally fell for, and while I preferred them together, I still wasn't invested in their romance. None of the characters had that much substance, and I kept putting the book off, even though it was short, because of this. This book probably deserves 2.5 stars, but I've rounded it up. I know others loved this, but maybe I just couldn't see what was great about it.
In The Museum of Heartbreak, we follow Penelope, who is a romantic at heart. She keeps little momentos of all her significant relationships, friendship and otherwise, and eventually uses them in her own 'Museum of Heartbreak'. When a new guy, Keats, comes to the school, and BFF Audrey wants to spend less time together, she is drawn to Keats, who is just 'perfect'. However, her other best friend, Eph, grows moody the more she spends with Keats, and Penelope can't understand it.
This book was cute, I'll give it that. But, there just wasn't much to it. I wasn't too keen on Penelope, and though she was so oblivious, that an asteroid couldn't landed in front of her, and she would still be none the wiser. Really, if she'd just thought more about the events, she would've saved herself from so many problems. Keats was awful. I could tell from the beginning he wouldn't be go for Penelope, and when he started spouting sexist stuff, and then got angry that he wasn't a great writer, he was like a petulant child.
You could tell that Eph would be the one Penelope finally fell for, and while I preferred them together, I still wasn't invested in their romance. None of the characters had that much substance, and I kept putting the book off, even though it was short, because of this. This book probably deserves 2.5 stars, but I've rounded it up. I know others loved this, but maybe I just couldn't see what was great about it.
December 23, 2015
I was so extremely charmed by this book, but there isn't a ton I can talk about loving without giving huge spoilers. I'll just say this is a delightfully cute, sweet, and sometimes serious teen romance with a voice as strong as Rainbow Rowell's but totally unique and new. (It's in no way a Fangirl rip off but I do think if you enjoyed the relational dynamics in Fangirl you'll enjoy this.) I also loved the friendship Leder wrote. It really surprised me. It's complicated and messy and honest. It wasn't by any many a "frenemy-ship" but it also wasn't all clear-cut and lovey. It really brought me back to some of the growing pains in my relationships in high school, the way that most change, fall apart, or come out stronger on the other end of the struggle.
I really, really, really recommend this book. I think if you read the first two chapters you'll be totally sold. I read it in 1.2 sittings. As in, I read for like an hour one night before bed and then didn't do anything the next day so I could fully immerse myself in it. I wish I could reread it for the first time again, but instead I guess I'll just sit here and patiently wait for whatever Leder does next.
I really, really, really recommend this book. I think if you read the first two chapters you'll be totally sold. I read it in 1.2 sittings. As in, I read for like an hour one night before bed and then didn't do anything the next day so I could fully immerse myself in it. I wish I could reread it for the first time again, but instead I guess I'll just sit here and patiently wait for whatever Leder does next.
did-not-finish
July 13, 2016Will I ever learn my lesson about judging a book by it's cover? No, probably not, because that is a lovely cover. It called to me. But the actual story -
Was there supposed to be a point to this, because I couldn't find one. I think it was supposed to charm me, make me feel all nostalgic and shit. It didn't. It was such hard work to get through. The writing was all over the place, there was no real character depth, no growth.
I don't think I've ever read so much of a book (66%) and not finished it. But I can't go on. I just CANNOT.
August 10, 2017
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4.5/5 Stars
16 year old Penelope Marx has experienced heartbreak. Keats, the popular new boy in school is finally paying attention to her but in the process of this new relationship, one of her best friends, Audrey, is growing increasingly distant from her. Not to mention her other best friend Eph has been acting moody lately and Pen doesn't understand why. Things are changing in their social triangle and Pen has to navigate this new world of hers.
The book is such a quick read and very light and fluffy. The writing style was fun and I found myself laughing out loud at some parts. I also loved the little illustrations before each chapter!
I found the book to be very similar to 'Why We Broke Up' by Daniel Handler, which I also really loved! Although predictable, I still thoroughly enjoyed it! Penelope is such a relateable character, she's quirky and weird and you can't help but love her. Eph is definitely a new book boyfriend of mine, what a sweetie pie! He was always supportive and honest with Pen and always stuck up for her in any situation. Grace and Miles were also a great edition to the story as well! Keats, Audrey and Cherisse all sucked, I didn't like them as people and they just infuriated me through out the story. The themes of friendship and family were really well done in this book and I definitely recommend it to contemporary YA lovers if you want warm fuzzy feelings after you finish!
4.5/5 Stars
16 year old Penelope Marx has experienced heartbreak. Keats, the popular new boy in school is finally paying attention to her but in the process of this new relationship, one of her best friends, Audrey, is growing increasingly distant from her. Not to mention her other best friend Eph has been acting moody lately and Pen doesn't understand why. Things are changing in their social triangle and Pen has to navigate this new world of hers.
The book is such a quick read and very light and fluffy. The writing style was fun and I found myself laughing out loud at some parts. I also loved the little illustrations before each chapter!
I found the book to be very similar to 'Why We Broke Up' by Daniel Handler, which I also really loved! Although predictable, I still thoroughly enjoyed it! Penelope is such a relateable character, she's quirky and weird and you can't help but love her. Eph is definitely a new book boyfriend of mine, what a sweetie pie! He was always supportive and honest with Pen and always stuck up for her in any situation. Grace and Miles were also a great edition to the story as well! Keats, Audrey and Cherisse all sucked, I didn't like them as people and they just infuriated me through out the story. The themes of friendship and family were really well done in this book and I definitely recommend it to contemporary YA lovers if you want warm fuzzy feelings after you finish!
September 10, 2016
*Achtung, enthält Spoiler!*
Eine Gebrauchsanleitung in Sachen Liebe sollte wirklich endlich mal jemand schreiben!, findet die 17-jährige Penelope, als sie mit Karacho in ihre erste große Liebesgeschichte reinrauscht und, ohne über Los zu gehen, erst wieder an der Abfahrt »Herzensleid« zum Stehen kommt. Darauf bereitet einen wirklich keiner vor, weder Eltern noch Lehrer noch sonst wer von den angeblich so Erwachsenen. Genau betrachtet haben die nämlich auch kein Patentrezept in Sachen Liebe parat. Also beschließt Penelope, selbst dieses Buch zu schreiben, die Geschichte ihrer großen Liebe und deren Scheitern, entlang an all den kleinen Erinnerungsstücken, die sich durch Penelopes Liebesleben ziehen: vom ersten Händchenhalten im Kindergarten über den ersten kumpelig-peinlichen Kuss mit 11, bis hin zum ultimativen Date mit Mr Right.
Es gibt allgemein zwei Gründe, wieso ein Buch von mir nur einen Stern kriegt. 1. Ich breche es ab. Es hat noch nicht mal geschafft, mich bis zum Ende zu halten. 2. Ich hasse es leidenschaftlich und/oder rege mich die Ganze Zeit auf. Museum of Heartbreak erfüllt den letzten Punkt, aber hallo. Es dauerte nicht langsam, bis die ersten Sachen und Figuren mich zur Weißglut brachten. Vielleicht bin ich inzwischen zu alt für diese Art von Buch?
Erstmal was ich erwartet habe: Ich habe eine Geschichte erwartet, in der unsere Protagonistin uns anhand von Gegenständen vorstellt, was für Erfahrungen sie mit Jungs hatte. Was weiß ich, ein Buntstift aus dem Kindergarten, der sie an den Jungen erinnert, mit dem sie Händchen gehalten hat und ein besonderer Pulli, den sie anhatte, als sonst was passiert ist. Ein bisschen so, wie To all the boys I've loved before auch klingt. Aber der Titel ist irreführend. Es wird im Grunde nur eine ganz normale Geschichte erzählt und während dieser paar Wochen(?) bewahrt Pen einige Sachen auf, die sie Prinz Charming am Ende in ihrem Museum of Heartbreak vorstellt. Das ist so viel flacher und eindimensionaler, als ich es mir vorgestellt habe.
Es ist fast von Anfang an klar, dass Pen am Ende mit ihrem besten Freund Eph zusammen kommen soll, dem „groß gewachsenem, gut aussehendem Hottie“. (würg) Schön und gut, aber zwei Sachen haben mich daran massiv gestört. Zum einen hasse ich Eph, wirklich, ich hasse ihn zutiefst. Er ist unsympathisch, eklig, kindisch und ich habe gehofft, dass er und Pen sich endlich zerstreiten, damit ich ihn bis zum Ende des Buches nicht mehr sehen muss. Lesen. Wie auch immer. (Spoiler: So viel Glück hatte ich nicht.) Und der andere Punkt war, dass das Buch damit beginnt, dass Pen sich total in den Neuen in der Klasse verknallt, den perfekten Traummann, bis er gegen Ende doch nicht mehr so perfekt ist, weil er Epf Platz machen muss. Ich fand diese Beziehung so gezwungen, vom Anfang bis zum Ende und kann kein bisschen nachvollziehen, wie Pen nur so blind sein konnte. Zum Beispiel nennt er sie immer Scout und ich bin mir zu 90% sicher, dass er das tut, weil er sich ihren Namen nicht gemerkt hat. Yay, Romantik pur!
Um nochmal zu dem „kindisch“ zurückzukommen: Pen war genauso schlimm. Sie ist 17, aber sie benimmt sich wie höchstens 12. Sie ist so eine egoistische, blöde Kuh, bei der es immer nur um sie gehen muss und die sich selbst viel zu wichtig nimmt. Ich muss nicht verstehen, was nicht nur einer, sondern gleich zwei Typen an ihr finden, oder? Das Highlight war ja, als sie mit ihren beiden besten Freunden zerstritten war und nicht mal auf die Idee kam, dass sie sich vielleicht entschuldigen könnte.
Mal ganz abgesehen davon, konnte ich aber auch den Kleinigkeiten absolut nichts abgewinnen. Es gibt Bücher, die ich nicht mag, aber zumindest gibt es eine Figur oder irgendeinen anderen Aspekt, den ich noch ganz gut fand. Aber das geht hier einfach nicht. Das Buch ist flach und eindimensional und voll mit zu vielen zu gewollten Anspielungen. Man muss nicht 1000 Prominamen, Filmtitel, Musiker und was nicht sonst noch alles erwähnen, um „cool“ zu sein. Außerdem hatte ich bei einem großen Teil dieser Anspielungen das Gefühl, beleidigt zu werden. Ein Charakter tut an einer Stelle so, als würde er Miley Cyrus nicht kennen und alle um ihn herum regen sich direkt auf. Pen will zu einem Date kein High School Musical T-Shirt anziehen, weil man sie für einen „16-jährigen Disney-Fan“ halten könnte. WEN INTERESSIERTS? Es ist doch kein Drama, wenn man einen Star nicht kennt und ich kenne Leute, die älter sind als ich und Disney lieben. Die Autorin wirbelt nur unnötig Staub auf, aber das hätte sie lieber ganz lassen sollen, dadurch ist sie mir nur auch unsympathischer geworden.
Über die Autorin:
Meg Leder ist Korrektorin für verschiedene Fachzeitschriften und Fachverlage in New York City. Bekannt wurde sie vor allem durch ihr viel gelobte Nachschlagewerk "The Handbook of Novel Writing". Meg Leder hat seit neuestem ihren Hort in Brooklyn, NY.
Fazit
Sorry, aber nein. Vielleicht haben jüngere Leser noch Spaß an dem Buch, aber für mich war es ein einziger Reinfall. Ich fand die Figuren ausnahmslos alle unsympathisch und unreif dafür, dass sie schon fast erwachsen sein sollen und die Anspielungen haben einen großen Teil der Geschichte ausgemacht, sind aber sehr unglücklich eingebracht. Ich bin jedenfalls sehr froh, dieses Buch hinter mir zu haben.
Eine Gebrauchsanleitung in Sachen Liebe sollte wirklich endlich mal jemand schreiben!, findet die 17-jährige Penelope, als sie mit Karacho in ihre erste große Liebesgeschichte reinrauscht und, ohne über Los zu gehen, erst wieder an der Abfahrt »Herzensleid« zum Stehen kommt. Darauf bereitet einen wirklich keiner vor, weder Eltern noch Lehrer noch sonst wer von den angeblich so Erwachsenen. Genau betrachtet haben die nämlich auch kein Patentrezept in Sachen Liebe parat. Also beschließt Penelope, selbst dieses Buch zu schreiben, die Geschichte ihrer großen Liebe und deren Scheitern, entlang an all den kleinen Erinnerungsstücken, die sich durch Penelopes Liebesleben ziehen: vom ersten Händchenhalten im Kindergarten über den ersten kumpelig-peinlichen Kuss mit 11, bis hin zum ultimativen Date mit Mr Right.
Es gibt allgemein zwei Gründe, wieso ein Buch von mir nur einen Stern kriegt. 1. Ich breche es ab. Es hat noch nicht mal geschafft, mich bis zum Ende zu halten. 2. Ich hasse es leidenschaftlich und/oder rege mich die Ganze Zeit auf. Museum of Heartbreak erfüllt den letzten Punkt, aber hallo. Es dauerte nicht langsam, bis die ersten Sachen und Figuren mich zur Weißglut brachten. Vielleicht bin ich inzwischen zu alt für diese Art von Buch?
Erstmal was ich erwartet habe: Ich habe eine Geschichte erwartet, in der unsere Protagonistin uns anhand von Gegenständen vorstellt, was für Erfahrungen sie mit Jungs hatte. Was weiß ich, ein Buntstift aus dem Kindergarten, der sie an den Jungen erinnert, mit dem sie Händchen gehalten hat und ein besonderer Pulli, den sie anhatte, als sonst was passiert ist. Ein bisschen so, wie To all the boys I've loved before auch klingt. Aber der Titel ist irreführend. Es wird im Grunde nur eine ganz normale Geschichte erzählt und während dieser paar Wochen(?) bewahrt Pen einige Sachen auf, die sie Prinz Charming am Ende in ihrem Museum of Heartbreak vorstellt. Das ist so viel flacher und eindimensionaler, als ich es mir vorgestellt habe.
Es ist fast von Anfang an klar, dass Pen am Ende mit ihrem besten Freund Eph zusammen kommen soll, dem „groß gewachsenem, gut aussehendem Hottie“. (würg) Schön und gut, aber zwei Sachen haben mich daran massiv gestört. Zum einen hasse ich Eph, wirklich, ich hasse ihn zutiefst. Er ist unsympathisch, eklig, kindisch und ich habe gehofft, dass er und Pen sich endlich zerstreiten, damit ich ihn bis zum Ende des Buches nicht mehr sehen muss. Lesen. Wie auch immer. (Spoiler: So viel Glück hatte ich nicht.) Und der andere Punkt war, dass das Buch damit beginnt, dass Pen sich total in den Neuen in der Klasse verknallt, den perfekten Traummann, bis er gegen Ende doch nicht mehr so perfekt ist, weil er Epf Platz machen muss. Ich fand diese Beziehung so gezwungen, vom Anfang bis zum Ende und kann kein bisschen nachvollziehen, wie Pen nur so blind sein konnte. Zum Beispiel nennt er sie immer Scout und ich bin mir zu 90% sicher, dass er das tut, weil er sich ihren Namen nicht gemerkt hat. Yay, Romantik pur!
Um nochmal zu dem „kindisch“ zurückzukommen: Pen war genauso schlimm. Sie ist 17, aber sie benimmt sich wie höchstens 12. Sie ist so eine egoistische, blöde Kuh, bei der es immer nur um sie gehen muss und die sich selbst viel zu wichtig nimmt. Ich muss nicht verstehen, was nicht nur einer, sondern gleich zwei Typen an ihr finden, oder? Das Highlight war ja, als sie mit ihren beiden besten Freunden zerstritten war und nicht mal auf die Idee kam, dass sie sich vielleicht entschuldigen könnte.
Mal ganz abgesehen davon, konnte ich aber auch den Kleinigkeiten absolut nichts abgewinnen. Es gibt Bücher, die ich nicht mag, aber zumindest gibt es eine Figur oder irgendeinen anderen Aspekt, den ich noch ganz gut fand. Aber das geht hier einfach nicht. Das Buch ist flach und eindimensional und voll mit zu vielen zu gewollten Anspielungen. Man muss nicht 1000 Prominamen, Filmtitel, Musiker und was nicht sonst noch alles erwähnen, um „cool“ zu sein. Außerdem hatte ich bei einem großen Teil dieser Anspielungen das Gefühl, beleidigt zu werden. Ein Charakter tut an einer Stelle so, als würde er Miley Cyrus nicht kennen und alle um ihn herum regen sich direkt auf. Pen will zu einem Date kein High School Musical T-Shirt anziehen, weil man sie für einen „16-jährigen Disney-Fan“ halten könnte. WEN INTERESSIERTS? Es ist doch kein Drama, wenn man einen Star nicht kennt und ich kenne Leute, die älter sind als ich und Disney lieben. Die Autorin wirbelt nur unnötig Staub auf, aber das hätte sie lieber ganz lassen sollen, dadurch ist sie mir nur auch unsympathischer geworden.
Über die Autorin:
Meg Leder ist Korrektorin für verschiedene Fachzeitschriften und Fachverlage in New York City. Bekannt wurde sie vor allem durch ihr viel gelobte Nachschlagewerk "The Handbook of Novel Writing". Meg Leder hat seit neuestem ihren Hort in Brooklyn, NY.
Fazit
Sorry, aber nein. Vielleicht haben jüngere Leser noch Spaß an dem Buch, aber für mich war es ein einziger Reinfall. Ich fand die Figuren ausnahmslos alle unsympathisch und unreif dafür, dass sie schon fast erwachsen sein sollen und die Anspielungen haben einen großen Teil der Geschichte ausgemacht, sind aber sehr unglücklich eingebracht. Ich bin jedenfalls sehr froh, dieses Buch hinter mir zu haben.
June 4, 2017
A better title for this book would be 'Deciding He Wasn't For Me', or 'We Didn't Work Together, No Big Deal'. I went into it expected it to be like Daniel Handler's 'Why We Broke Up' - you know, with actually pain and heartbreak - but instead, I got a cute story about a girl finding new friends and realising that she liked her oldest friend as more than that. Underwhelming, really.
The background characters were the saving grace, along with her dad who was just so HYPED about dinosaurs, it was adorable.
Really liked the way it was told, though, like a curated exhibit with Latin labelled items. That gets a star for presentation alone.
The background characters were the saving grace, along with her dad who was just so HYPED about dinosaurs, it was adorable.
Really liked the way it was told, though, like a curated exhibit with Latin labelled items. That gets a star for presentation alone.
August 27, 2016
I've been sitting on this review for a long time because I wanted to put into the right words just how exactly God-awful this novel is.
I read The Museum of Heartbreak book as recommended by Lauren Conrad's book club. This book is centered around one of the most pathetic and irritating main characters ever dreamed up. If the book's main character is disgustingly unlikable to the point where you're rooting for her self-proclaimed nemesis, you know it's going to be an uphill battle.
Now, the main character, Penelope Marx (not to be mistaken for Karl Marx although the book definitely would've been more interesting had he been the protagonist) is seventeen years old. I know I'm not seventeen but I was seventeen not long ago and I am still a young adult and, mind you, this book was recommended in a young adult book club. Now that that's out of the way, let's discuss this a little further and why I'm using this to support my young adult novel cliches.
This novel contains minimal drama, no character development and excessively quirky everything without having any substance. The main characters all follow a specific stereotype ranging from blank piece of paper best friends, attractive ass holes and queen bee mean girls to the best friend who's been there all along to main characters who are quirky and awkward.
Now, in case you think I'm being a little bit harsh, let me share a few actual excerpts from the novel. These are actual things that the author actually wrote in this book. Ahem.
"Her grandmother had taught us the trick during one of our summer trips--how smelling an entire jumbo bag of M&M'S was almost better than eating the candy itself"
First of all, who sniffs M&Ms? Second of all, they don't even smell good. Is this some puff, puff, pass weird candy snorting crap?
"Without taking his eyes off his notebook, Eph made a fart noise, his de facto response anytime anyone mentioned a word that rhymed with fart"
The use of the phrase "de facto" mixed with "fart" in one sentence is poetic genius.
"I immediately wept like a giant baby-faced baby for still wanting to go to the festival"
A baby faced baby? What an astute description.
"He kissed me, and I thought of tearing mint leaves, of licking salt water off my lips, of the mornings you wake up heart alive, no alarm"
What. What?
"It was stunningly, amazingly, beautifully fall outside, the sky a ridiculous color of a crayon."
Use more adverbs, will you?
"'Can I be totally nosy and ask if you guys kissed?'
Birds stopped mid-sky. Horns stopped mid-honk. A baby stopped mid-cry."
The world STOPPED because someone asked Penelope about something that dIDN'T EVEN HAPPEN. I'm ripping my hair out.
Save a chunk of your life and don't read this shitshow, please. It's too late for me but save yourself.
I read The Museum of Heartbreak book as recommended by Lauren Conrad's book club. This book is centered around one of the most pathetic and irritating main characters ever dreamed up. If the book's main character is disgustingly unlikable to the point where you're rooting for her self-proclaimed nemesis, you know it's going to be an uphill battle.
Now, the main character, Penelope Marx (not to be mistaken for Karl Marx although the book definitely would've been more interesting had he been the protagonist) is seventeen years old. I know I'm not seventeen but I was seventeen not long ago and I am still a young adult and, mind you, this book was recommended in a young adult book club. Now that that's out of the way, let's discuss this a little further and why I'm using this to support my young adult novel cliches.
This novel contains minimal drama, no character development and excessively quirky everything without having any substance. The main characters all follow a specific stereotype ranging from blank piece of paper best friends, attractive ass holes and queen bee mean girls to the best friend who's been there all along to main characters who are quirky and awkward.
Now, in case you think I'm being a little bit harsh, let me share a few actual excerpts from the novel. These are actual things that the author actually wrote in this book. Ahem.
"Her grandmother had taught us the trick during one of our summer trips--how smelling an entire jumbo bag of M&M'S was almost better than eating the candy itself"
First of all, who sniffs M&Ms? Second of all, they don't even smell good. Is this some puff, puff, pass weird candy snorting crap?
"Without taking his eyes off his notebook, Eph made a fart noise, his de facto response anytime anyone mentioned a word that rhymed with fart"
The use of the phrase "de facto" mixed with "fart" in one sentence is poetic genius.
"I immediately wept like a giant baby-faced baby for still wanting to go to the festival"
A baby faced baby? What an astute description.
"He kissed me, and I thought of tearing mint leaves, of licking salt water off my lips, of the mornings you wake up heart alive, no alarm"
What. What?
"It was stunningly, amazingly, beautifully fall outside, the sky a ridiculous color of a crayon."
Use more adverbs, will you?
"'Can I be totally nosy and ask if you guys kissed?'
Birds stopped mid-sky. Horns stopped mid-honk. A baby stopped mid-cry."
The world STOPPED because someone asked Penelope about something that dIDN'T EVEN HAPPEN. I'm ripping my hair out.
Save a chunk of your life and don't read this shitshow, please. It's too late for me but save yourself.
January 24, 2016
Truth: I found myself racing through the arc of The Museum of Heartbreak and had to force myself to slow down. The exquisite writing, the characters I wished were real, a story that sparks with energy, the labelled drawings at the start of each chapter - this book was a joy to read. It might be tempting to categorize this story as a YA romance and it does contain one of the most satisfying love stories I've ever read. BUT it's so much more than that. This story dissects the emotional aftermath of when relationships change. MC Penelope (Pen) has had two best friends her entire life: Audrey and Eph (short for Ephraim.) But things are unraveling - Audrey is branching out, becoming very tight with someone outside their little friendship triangle. And there's no lack of available girlfriends for Eph. These changes unmoor Pen. There is a sense of loss and longing for what used to be that underlines the story. And the brilliance of Meg Leder's writing is evident especially in that aspect. Three of my favorite lines from the book occur after a fight between Pen and Audrey, where that sense of loss is captured perfectly: "I realized that something terrible had unfurled. That mere seconds ago I had lived in a world where I didn't know Audrey could hurt me. That now I lived in a world where I did."
The story explores something unsettling and scary. But the tremendous humor and wit of Pen keep the story moving forward positively. She's one of my favorite YA characters! Another really intriguing thing were the drawings at the start of each chapter of the mementos or artifacts Pen collected. The labels contained the name, the "latin" name, and donor and acted like little advertisements of what the upcoming chapter held. These were just a really fun part of the book. Another favorite part - the setting. New York City has never been more appealing or enticing.
Bottom line: Meg Leder's elegant writing brings a richness and depth to this story of changed relationships. It is sensitive, honest and powerful. Through Pen, we see it takes courage to accept that things might change and faith to believe that we'll still be okay. Absolutely loved this book! And one that I will reread. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!!!
The story explores something unsettling and scary. But the tremendous humor and wit of Pen keep the story moving forward positively. She's one of my favorite YA characters! Another really intriguing thing were the drawings at the start of each chapter of the mementos or artifacts Pen collected. The labels contained the name, the "latin" name, and donor and acted like little advertisements of what the upcoming chapter held. These were just a really fun part of the book. Another favorite part - the setting. New York City has never been more appealing or enticing.
Bottom line: Meg Leder's elegant writing brings a richness and depth to this story of changed relationships. It is sensitive, honest and powerful. Through Pen, we see it takes courage to accept that things might change and faith to believe that we'll still be okay. Absolutely loved this book! And one that I will reread. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!!!
July 24, 2016
“The Museum of Heartbreak” is the sort of YA book that takes me right back to my high school years. I was literally going through all of the emotions Penelope was feeling while reflecting on my own memories.
The format is a fun way to get to know the life of Penelope and her friends. Each chapter contains a different item from the “museum catalogue” and revolves around the story behind it that helped shape where she is at the moment. Some of them are flashbacks to elementary school and others are recent events. It was a clever plot device and made me think about the small mementos I’ve accumulated over the years. (To the young adults: This habit doesn’t stop when you get old and is perfectly fine. Just don’t become a hoarder.)
There are all sorts of heartbreaks covered, but the one that resonated most for me was that of growing up. Everyone matures in different ways at different paces, and it really hurts to be the one who feels left behind during it all. It was a good lesson to be able to see from the outside that maturing at a different speed isn’t a bad thing and there is no need to rush.
“The Museum of Heartbreak” is a book I can recommend for any young adult or adult who enjoys contemporary YA. The pacing was fast and the dialogue realistic. It will make for a perfect summer read or provide an escape from the real world.
This unbiased honest review is based upon a complimentary copy.
The format is a fun way to get to know the life of Penelope and her friends. Each chapter contains a different item from the “museum catalogue” and revolves around the story behind it that helped shape where she is at the moment. Some of them are flashbacks to elementary school and others are recent events. It was a clever plot device and made me think about the small mementos I’ve accumulated over the years. (To the young adults: This habit doesn’t stop when you get old and is perfectly fine. Just don’t become a hoarder.)
There are all sorts of heartbreaks covered, but the one that resonated most for me was that of growing up. Everyone matures in different ways at different paces, and it really hurts to be the one who feels left behind during it all. It was a good lesson to be able to see from the outside that maturing at a different speed isn’t a bad thing and there is no need to rush.
“The Museum of Heartbreak” is a book I can recommend for any young adult or adult who enjoys contemporary YA. The pacing was fast and the dialogue realistic. It will make for a perfect summer read or provide an escape from the real world.
This unbiased honest review is based upon a complimentary copy.
August 16, 2017
BookTubeAthon book1 :challenge, read a book in one day ✅
3.3
This was an easy sad but beautiful read,enjoyed it a lot !:( 🖤
3.3
This was an easy sad but beautiful read,enjoyed it a lot !:( 🖤
March 3, 2020
Full Review on The Candid Cover
The Museum of Heartbreak is a book like no other. It is so relatable and contains very well-developed characters. With everything from actual artefacts for the main character's museum to themes of family and friendship, this book is sure to entertain everyone.
This book is one of the most creative books I've read this year. When I saw the title, "The Museum of Heartbreak," I had no idea that the book would be about an actual museum. Well, not an official museum, but a museum nonetheless. I found it so original how each chapter focuses on one item from Penelope's Museum of Heartbreak and how she acquired it. The way that the story is written is just so perfect and I was able to read it in one or two sittings.
Penelope is such a relatable character. She is dealing with the typical high school drama that we all go through, and I felt like I could really connect with her. Penelope has a great personality and sense of humour, as well. She is honestly so well-developed that she seems almost real. I could see myself being friends with her if she did actually exist.
I loved the themes of family and friendship in The Museum of Heartbreak. Penelope is going through a tough time with her friends, especially her best friend who is starting to move on. The theme of finding who your true friends are is so important and I'm so glad that this book touched on that. My favourite part of the book was probably Penelope's family, especially her dad. I don't know why, but I always seem to love books with families more. I think it's probably because it makes the characters seem more real or just the fact that seeing those bonds is so sweet.
The Museum of Heartbreak is a unique story about a girl dealing with all sorts of heartbreak. I loved the main character and found her to be so relatable. The themes of family and friendship added even more to the book, and made me really happy. I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance as this is a quick and cute read, perfect for summer.
The Museum of Heartbreak is a book like no other. It is so relatable and contains very well-developed characters. With everything from actual artefacts for the main character's museum to themes of family and friendship, this book is sure to entertain everyone.
This book is one of the most creative books I've read this year. When I saw the title, "The Museum of Heartbreak," I had no idea that the book would be about an actual museum. Well, not an official museum, but a museum nonetheless. I found it so original how each chapter focuses on one item from Penelope's Museum of Heartbreak and how she acquired it. The way that the story is written is just so perfect and I was able to read it in one or two sittings.
Penelope is such a relatable character. She is dealing with the typical high school drama that we all go through, and I felt like I could really connect with her. Penelope has a great personality and sense of humour, as well. She is honestly so well-developed that she seems almost real. I could see myself being friends with her if she did actually exist.
I loved the themes of family and friendship in The Museum of Heartbreak. Penelope is going through a tough time with her friends, especially her best friend who is starting to move on. The theme of finding who your true friends are is so important and I'm so glad that this book touched on that. My favourite part of the book was probably Penelope's family, especially her dad. I don't know why, but I always seem to love books with families more. I think it's probably because it makes the characters seem more real or just the fact that seeing those bonds is so sweet.
The Museum of Heartbreak is a unique story about a girl dealing with all sorts of heartbreak. I loved the main character and found her to be so relatable. The themes of family and friendship added even more to the book, and made me really happy. I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance as this is a quick and cute read, perfect for summer.
gave-up
September 12, 2016DNF @ 15%
Vielleicht bin ich gerade in einer komischen Lesestimmung, aber zumindest bin ich rigoros was abbrechen betrifft.
Dieses Buch hat irgendwie so gar nichts was mich gepackt oder interessiert hat. Es dümpelt alles vor sich hin und geht direkt an mir vorbei.
Die Story und Charaktere sind schon jetzt völlig platt und ich habe einfach überhaupt keine lust weiterzulesen. Außerdem war mir vieles einfach zu nerdy.
Es mag auch sein, dass ich langsam zu alt für diese Art von Bücher werde.
Vielleicht bin ich gerade in einer komischen Lesestimmung, aber zumindest bin ich rigoros was abbrechen betrifft.
Dieses Buch hat irgendwie so gar nichts was mich gepackt oder interessiert hat. Es dümpelt alles vor sich hin und geht direkt an mir vorbei.
Die Story und Charaktere sind schon jetzt völlig platt und ich habe einfach überhaupt keine lust weiterzulesen. Außerdem war mir vieles einfach zu nerdy.
Es mag auch sein, dass ich langsam zu alt für diese Art von Bücher werde.
December 1, 2015
Ahhhh. So, so good.
May 18, 2018
I couldn't get into this one. I liked the writing, but I think it's the completely wrong time for me cause I'm pretty sure I'm having a book hangover.
August 21, 2018
Admittedly, I picked this up for the cover. It has weird written all over it, and I was more than ready for a quirky romance.
Despite the dinosaur and Santa Claus figurine actually making sense upon finishing, this book was so ... bland. There was nothing beyond a love-sick girl and her realization that perhaps the guy of her dreams is actually a complete jerk. That’s it. I’ve read this type of story a thousand times, and I’m trying to find the underlying message in this one, but I just didn’t take anything away from these characters.
Despite the dinosaur and Santa Claus figurine actually making sense upon finishing, this book was so ... bland. There was nothing beyond a love-sick girl and her realization that perhaps the guy of her dreams is actually a complete jerk. That’s it. I’ve read this type of story a thousand times, and I’m trying to find the underlying message in this one, but I just didn’t take anything away from these characters.
February 21, 2017
I LOVED IT! I could relate so much to Pen, which was a bit weird sometimes, since it felt like I was reading about myself. I absolutely loved the characters in this story and I'm really, really happy I read it.
Read
January 11, 2019Penelope loves books and movies and romance, and wants her happily ever after. So when her friends start branching out and making new friends, things become complicated. And when a guy she likes asks her out, everything begins to change. Is Penelope’s world moving in the right direction? Or is this not the happy ending she always wanted?
I didn’t want this to be over! It was perfect. I loved it. I really related to Penelope, I think a lot of readers will, with her expectations of first likes, the pushed away feeling when a close friend makes another close friend, trying to hold everything together when it’s drifting away. Everyone grows and changes, but Penelope isn’t ready to let go. Though I didn’t want this to end, I couldn’t read it fast enough to see if everything would be okay! I really liked Penelope’s friendship with Eph – their closeness and history was so sweet. I also read this in summer while staying in New York City, which was perfect! I’d recommend to fans of David Levithan and Huntley Fitzpatrick.
I didn’t want this to be over! It was perfect. I loved it. I really related to Penelope, I think a lot of readers will, with her expectations of first likes, the pushed away feeling when a close friend makes another close friend, trying to hold everything together when it’s drifting away. Everyone grows and changes, but Penelope isn’t ready to let go. Though I didn’t want this to end, I couldn’t read it fast enough to see if everything would be okay! I really liked Penelope’s friendship with Eph – their closeness and history was so sweet. I also read this in summer while staying in New York City, which was perfect! I’d recommend to fans of David Levithan and Huntley Fitzpatrick.
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June 18, 2024LOLLL ok so guys. basically i was listening to the national because i've been really into this one album by them lately since my boss played it over the really nice studio speakers at my internship and i was like whoa this is good. so i was listening to that album and i was like wait didn't i read a book where the main character really liked the national when i was younger. and i was like yes it was this book. so then i searched all around my room for it because i'm home for my brother's graduation and i found it and i read it all today because it's a book for children so it read really fast and lol. lol lol lol. like i texted maya basically this book is my straight i'll give you the sun. i was sooooo obsessed. i remember the first time i read it i got it out of the library because i loved the font and it had a really cute cover but then i bought a copy because i loved it so much. and i tried to keep it a secret from my parents that i loved it so much because i was embarrassed i guess even though it's such a normal like late tween young teen book, but obviously they knew i loved it because i fucking read it like twenty times and brought it around with me constantly. i wanted to be the main character so bad i was obsessed with all her outfits and her jewelry and stuff and i wanted to have her story be my story so badly. after i read about her stealing ephs gray sweatshirt and wearing it with a scrunchie and leggings and doc martens i was like oh my god i need that outfit and i started wearing leggings all the time with sweatshirts and my pink doc martens and these crazy green scrunchies. and i rubbed dirt in my doc martens so they would look older because hers were really beat up and worn and i wanted mine to look like that too. lol. and honestly this book was still cute. it's so ridiculous and dumb because it's literally for fourteen year olds but like fourteen year old me was eating it up like i would read it whenever i couldn't sleep. the writing style is so ridiculous and the writer just like gave all her gen x cool girl traits to penelope the main character because all the characters are really into 2000s like indie proto indie sleaze bands and read watchmen and like audrey hepburn and stuff. but respect to her for making the main guy such a dick and into keroauc cuz i don't fuck with him but maybe the reason i don't is because of this book. the story just is so fun tbh and like the way the author writes is so silly and the main character is really whiny but also very real for a sixteen year old character i don't know it was just nice to get to read this story again that i remember reading sooo much. i think there's a reason why when i was really deep in my lesbian denial i was really into these girl falls for boy best friend but doesn't realize it because i felt like oh even if i don't initially feel really attracted to a man maybe our friendship can be a foundation for a relationship and like someday it will just dawn on me - and also him because boys were never really into me because they could smell the dyke honestly because who couldn't there were like three years where the only clothes i would wear were lacrosse shorts, bermuda shorts, and skinny plaid pants with basketball shoes and shaun white target collection t-shirts shout out shaun white i wonder what happened to him fr - that we were in love. like i thought that love would just take me by surprise that way because i never really felt it for dudes cuz obviously. but yeah it's so funny now because i am not at all the kind of lesbian to be into a best friend so it's just silly how that turned out. but yeah this was really fun to read, i'm obsessed with the structure, the museum thing is soooo funny like girl why did you make him a whole museum basically about your other relationship with a freak! i like how the mean girl is like this crazy mix between cool and mean girl, the new york references are so silly and slay, ugh it was just so fun to read this again, it's my i'll give you the sun fr fr, and i love reading bad books it's such a fun time. this was a really long review but i think the hold this book had on me when i was fourteen is very psychologically interesting. if you read this when you were fourteen please text me about it. nobody else seems to have read it but if you have please come out of the woodwork and speak up ok bye
February 24, 2019
Rating: 4.25/5
This book was so stinking cute and such a sweet surprise!
Ultimately, this is a coming of age tale. We follow Penelope who, at 16 has never been kissed and is naive in the ways of love. She feels herself being left behind by her best friend Audrey, who is more wordly but also friends with her archnemsis and mean girl Cherisse. And Ephraim, who himself is a ladies man and seems to be growing out of their small social circle.
When Penelope draws the attention of Keats, a boy who doesn't have the best reputation, she falls quickly, ignoring all of the signs that tell her he is not the one for her and having to deal with her fracturing friendships in the process. But when she realizes that what she and Eph have may be more than friendship, she
I am so surprised by how much I loved this book and how much I was touched by the stort. Though only 279 pages, it packed a lot of heart in a short amount of time and fully utilized the space perfectly.
I absolutley adored Ephraim, who, has become one of my newest cinnamon roll characters and I loved the friendship group depicted here. There were a lot of lessons about finding hope in new beginnings rather than focusing on unhappy endings and how change might actually be worthwhile.
I will say that this definitely reads as a YA novel. The tone is very young and I often found myself screaming internally at Pen as she falls for this jerk of a guy. But in that way, it was also relateable. I can remember many similar moments in my teenage years.
This is definitley worth your time and for many, it could probably be read in a day or two. Definitely loved it.
This book was so stinking cute and such a sweet surprise!
Ultimately, this is a coming of age tale. We follow Penelope who, at 16 has never been kissed and is naive in the ways of love. She feels herself being left behind by her best friend Audrey, who is more wordly but also friends with her archnemsis and mean girl Cherisse. And Ephraim, who himself is a ladies man and seems to be growing out of their small social circle.
When Penelope draws the attention of Keats, a boy who doesn't have the best reputation, she falls quickly, ignoring all of the signs that tell her he is not the one for her and having to deal with her fracturing friendships in the process. But when she realizes that what she and Eph have may be more than friendship, she
I am so surprised by how much I loved this book and how much I was touched by the stort. Though only 279 pages, it packed a lot of heart in a short amount of time and fully utilized the space perfectly.
I absolutley adored Ephraim, who, has become one of my newest cinnamon roll characters and I loved the friendship group depicted here. There were a lot of lessons about finding hope in new beginnings rather than focusing on unhappy endings and how change might actually be worthwhile.
I will say that this definitely reads as a YA novel. The tone is very young and I often found myself screaming internally at Pen as she falls for this jerk of a guy. But in that way, it was also relateable. I can remember many similar moments in my teenage years.
This is definitley worth your time and for many, it could probably be read in a day or two. Definitely loved it.
January 13, 2019
Aw. This was really cute and made me remember what it was like to have hopes for the future, lol.
To be honest, the plot is your typical high school story and the characters kind of do fall in stereotypes, but I liked it very much anyway. The writing is pretty good and I could really feel the emotions it evokes. To me, it was easy to empathize and identify with Penelope, I think we're very alike and oh how I wish I had had an Ephrain and a Grace and Miles when I was 16.
Loved the Kerouac roasting (I haven't read his books but it's not surprising to find out classic male authors are trashy. I will read his work one day anyway, to have my own opinion about it). The little Twilight roasting was pretty good too, lol. Actually I really liked how the author gave these kind of opinions to Penelope.
To me, this was a very beautiful book, very cute, made me sad bc it reminded me how hopeless and hollow I am lol
To be honest, the plot is your typical high school story and the characters kind of do fall in stereotypes, but I liked it very much anyway. The writing is pretty good and I could really feel the emotions it evokes. To me, it was easy to empathize and identify with Penelope, I think we're very alike and oh how I wish I had had an Ephrain and a Grace and Miles when I was 16.
Loved the Kerouac roasting (I haven't read his books but it's not surprising to find out classic male authors are trashy. I will read his work one day anyway, to have my own opinion about it). The little Twilight roasting was pretty good too, lol. Actually I really liked how the author gave these kind of opinions to Penelope.
To me, this was a very beautiful book, very cute, made me sad bc it reminded me how hopeless and hollow I am lol
June 17, 2024
Novel YA ini khas YA Amrik standar aja sih buat aku. Gurih, humor kering dan lelucon ttg buku² klasik/terkenal. Ceritanya ttg pencarian cinta oleh FMC kita Penelope Marx.
Penelope memiliki 2 sahabat super karib yaitu Audrey dan Ephraim (disingkat Eph). Pen naksir berat dgn Keats Francis, cowok tajir yg banyak disukai gadis² di sekolahnya termasuk Cherisse. Nah Cherisse ini jg "merebut" Audrey sampai Pen meng-ulti Audrey, pilih dia atau Cherisse.
Hubungannya dgn Eph juga tidak lebih baik krn ternyata Eph diam-diam juga sdh lama memendam hati pd Pen, tapi krn Pen lagi kasmaran pd Keats, jd Pen sangat bodoh dan gak bisa menangkap sinyal tsb hingga klimaks cerita.
Bagi saya, novel ini biasa aja, kalau mau baca yg ringan dan sweet, cocok lah baca novel ini. Cerita ttg romance dan persahabatan yg dipadu. Minim konfliknya sih tapi jg nyaris gak ada solusinya. Buat fans YA unyu² macam Kasie West atau Sarah Dessen, nah novel ini setipe dah. Selamat membaca.
Penelope memiliki 2 sahabat super karib yaitu Audrey dan Ephraim (disingkat Eph). Pen naksir berat dgn Keats Francis, cowok tajir yg banyak disukai gadis² di sekolahnya termasuk Cherisse. Nah Cherisse ini jg "merebut" Audrey sampai Pen meng-ulti Audrey, pilih dia atau Cherisse.
Hubungannya dgn Eph juga tidak lebih baik krn ternyata Eph diam-diam juga sdh lama memendam hati pd Pen, tapi krn Pen lagi kasmaran pd Keats, jd Pen sangat bodoh dan gak bisa menangkap sinyal tsb hingga klimaks cerita.
Bagi saya, novel ini biasa aja, kalau mau baca yg ringan dan sweet, cocok lah baca novel ini. Cerita ttg romance dan persahabatan yg dipadu. Minim konfliknya sih tapi jg nyaris gak ada solusinya. Buat fans YA unyu² macam Kasie West atau Sarah Dessen, nah novel ini setipe dah. Selamat membaca.
May 26, 2025
This book is the president of the Trying Too Hard to Be Different and Quirky Club.
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