The Little Book of Heartbreak

I'm quite the cynic. Based on my circle of friends and coworkers I'd say it's what led me to journalism way back when and what has kept me in newsroom since. My cynicism also carries over to my bookshelf. I've always leaned toward non-fiction, and when I've chosen to read fiction leaned toward more realistic stories.

Which means no, I didn't read Twilight. Or Pride and Prejudice. Or anything that could be considered romantic literature.

But I was excited to read The Little Book of Heartbreak by Meghan Laslocky. When I read the back of the book, my immediate reaction was "Perfect! It's like SparkNotes for all those sappy stories I hate but should know about!" And it was way better than that.

The Little Book of Heartbreak: Love Gone Wrong Through the Ages is divided into five sections:

• History
• Culture
• Music and Art
• Film and Literature
• Conclusion and Practical Advice

My absolute favorite was definitely Culture. I loved learning about how heartbreak really does mess with our minds and about detachement theory.

As far as design goes, I like the simplicity of the cover with the basic line icons. Especially the dead bird, which also appears on the side. I find it pretty funny.

Obviously another highlight was this Harry Potter reference on page 11. After reading this, I knew I'd love the rest of the book:

I do have to say my one complaint about the book is the little breakout boxes that are scattered between chapters. They kind of reminded me of reading a book in middle school about boys or becoming a woman. I think I would have rather had a movie list at the back or at the end of each chapter. But this is just person preference. 

I can't say this book inspired me to read Pride and Prejudice or to see Twilight or suddenly believe these stories that I still find ridiculous. But I can say that I loved the historic side to The Little Book of Heartbreak and I'll be reading a lot more of Meghan's work. 

You can learn more about The Little Book of Heartbreak on Meghan's website. 

And because it is almost Valentine's Day, and almost February:
Field Notes Love 
& one of my favorite pieces from an Augusten Burroughs book