The Breakup Book: A Girl's Guide to Putting the Pieces Back Together

by Diane Mastromarino

THE We will call them Boy and Girl, because the pain, the heartache, the insanity, and the ultimate survival (believe it or not) ARE universal. Boy breaks up with Girl. Girl is very sad. Boy is sad that Girl is sad, but not that sad. Girl contemplates hibernation, the possible move to another country, pitching a tent outside his house, and calling his mother to have her intervene. In the mass of this confusion, somewhere in between the words "It's not you, it's me..." and "I'd really like to still be friends...," all the options seem sane to Girl. To Boy... not so much. THE Girl's life has changed drastically. She has taken on the role of a single female, and though this idea seems frightening at first, with the help of THE BREAKUP BOOK, Girl will soon be on her way to a new beginning. This book offers the reassurance of an old friend, the consolation of a bowl of chocolate fudge swirl, and the comfort of flannel pajamas, all in one package. From the very first moments of shock to the final stages of acceptance, Girl will experience the advice and guidance needed to get on with her life. And in the end, Girl will find herself single and loving it -- a lone goddess in complete control of her kingdom. She will have no one to thank but Boy for breaking her heart and giving her the chance to put the pieces back together... better than before.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

About the author

My mother had a brain tumor when I was five years old, and when I brought her greeting cards my kindergarten class had made, she smiled and spoke for the first time after her surgery. I was convinced greeting cards saved my mom, and my dream job became to write them.

I moved from Brooklyn, NY, to Boulder, CO, in 2000 to write greeting cards for Blue Mountain Arts publishing company. In the six years I spent at BMA, I wrote and published four self-help books for teenage girls.

I realized I didn’t just want to put the advice on a book shelf; I wanted the opportunity to deliver it first hand. I graduated from CU-Denver with an MA in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education in 2006, and now I feel like the luckiest person in the world to not only have accomplished my dream job, but to now work in my new dream job as the counselor at New Vista High School.

That’s my story in a nutshell.

Reviews

[Jennie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for any age to help soothe the pain of breaking up. The message is sweet and compassionate. Also, the author is realistic. She advises to go for that extra bowl of ice cream but she turns it into growth. She effectively pulls the broken hearted out of their pity party. I bought this for my daughter and for my cousin. I decided that I had better read the book since I was giving it as a thoughtful gesture during a painful time. I was pleasantly surprised. My daughter has not gone through a break up yet but I believe this will definitely help her. I highly recommend this book.

[Sydney | sydneys.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I'm going through a self-help phase.

Even though I'm not yet old enough to date, recently in my life there has been quite a bit of drama so this book was a must read. The poetry and info graphics throughout kept the book interesting. If you or anyone you know is suffering from a breakup or just boy trouble in general, pick this up. It is very inspirational and will help you handle the drama and woe in a healthy and composed manner.

[Samantha Zhang · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is indeed a soothing book that gives assurance to any broken heart. I first read it back in high school. Never realized I'd need it again 7 years down the road. Her words are ageless, like an old friend sitting next to you sharing his/her shoulder for you to lean on.

Thanks for helping me bringing myself back together.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!! I bought a couple of books when I went through a break up with a broken heart including "he's just not into me" but this is the book that helped me through it the best!! The pages are so colourful as well! I love this book and will be passing it down to my daughter when she goes through the same thing.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started strong but got a bit weak for me in the end. I liked the premise, coupled with humor and heartfelt poetry. Gives good, funny advice that might seem easy and no-brainer but on some days, I put it down because I know I can't follow what Mastromarino advises. Simple advices but some are hard to swallow and follow through.

[Ligaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book... helped me during those times when I needed...