Why We Broke Up

Written by Daniel Handler · Illustrated by Maira Kalman

A breakup letter reveals the truth hidden in a box of memories.

3.5 Goodreads · 60,154 ratings

354 pages· 55,831 words· Est. 5 hour read· 900L

$20.00Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Min Green pens a heartfelt letter to Ed Slaterton, detailing their breakup through a box of mementos. Each item, from bottle caps to a toy truck, tells a story of their whirlwind romance. As Min recounts their journey, the reasons for their split unfold, leaving readers to wonder: what truly led to the end? Discover the secrets and heartbreaks hidden within this poignant collection.

From the publisher

I’m telling you why we broke up, Ed. I’m writing it in this letter, the whole truth of why it happened. Min Green and Ed Slaterton are breaking up, so Min is writing Ed a letter and giving him a box. Inside the box is why they broke up. Two bottle caps, a movie ticket, a folded note, a box of matches, a protractor, books, a toy truck, a pair of ugly earrings, a comb from a motel room, and every other item collected over the course of a giddy, intimate, heartbreaking relationship. Item after item is illustrated and accounted for, and then the box, like a girlfriend, will be dumped.