Title: Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak
Author: Adi Alsaid
Publisher: Harlequin TEEN, Inkyard Press
Publication Date: April 30, 2019
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Summary
Lu Charles writes a relationship column for a well-known online magazine, all set to go to college for journalism in the fall. When her boyfriend, Leo, breaks up with her, she experiences writer’s block, trying to write about relationships when she doesn’t really believe in them anymore. All the while, she’s trying to figure out a way to get her ex-boyfriend back. If she loses her job, then she also loses her scholarship to school in the fall.
When Lu overhears a couple breaking up in a park in New York, she thinks this is her chance, especially when one of them leaves behind their wallet. The ideas start flowing again, but there’s a catch. She wants to write about the couple, but she has to get their permission first. Will exploring their breakup help her get past her own? Will it help her to finally get past her writer’s block and save her future?
Review: Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak
Thanks to Harlequin TEEN and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! I haven’t read any of Adi Alsaid’s books before, but this one was an enjoyable ride. This is the perfect spring release, and will definitely get you in the mood for summer.
I loved the premise of this book at the beginning. Lu is a journalist, desperate to find her next muse. She’s also worried about keeping her future in check, something I think a lot of seniors will relate to. The idea that Lu listens to conversations around her, especially in New York City, in order to get ideas for her articles makes the book overall a fun read. Sure, she’s struggling with heartbreak, but she gets to have a lot of fun adventures too.
The other aspect of this book that I loved was how it was realistic about teen relationships. Lu has a lot of introspection thinking about the fact that many teens can be unrealistic about their relationship goals, something you see a lot of in YA too. Maybe breaking up is the best thing because it could allow you to remain friends. Maybe you’re meant to be! No matter what, your high school school relationship might not be the end all.
Though I loved the premise, the plot lagged a bit in the middle for me. Lu kind of gets lost in following this couple around, becoming their friend, and consequently, the plot feels like it gets a little bit lost as well. By the end, I think it finds itself, but the middle of the book just slows down a bit for me.
Filled with adventure, this will make the perfect summer read. Pair this with Serious Moonlight for some great summer romance!
3/5 stars