BOOKS

Whether you're the heartbroken or the heartbreakee, there is no denying that breakups are hard. If you're looking for an antidote for the heartache of lost love, look no further. Books can be a great source of comfort—especially when you're feeling low—so put your coziest pajamas, pour some hot chocolate and curl up in your go-to reading spot with one of these five novels that will get you through even the toughest of breakups.

Image: @riepanini

The Museum of Heartbreak by Meg Leder

Penelope Marx is in mourning—of lost romance, friendship and childhood. To mend her breaking heart, Penelope begins collecting artifacts that remind her of her closest relationships and her worst heartbreaks. Although she is a hopeless romantic, recent events have led her to doubt her judgement when it comes to love. Penelope soon learns that what is harder than any individual heartbreak, however, is the need to let go of the happiness felt before any love was lost. Filled with poignant life lessons about the trials of losing loved ones, "The Museum of Heartbreak" will help mend even the saddest of hearts.

Image: @hobbytastrophe

Kale, My Ex, and Other Things to Toss in a Blender by Lisa Greenwald

After Mia's long-term boyfriend breaks her heart at the beginning of summer vacation, Mia is *totally* crushed. Assuming her summer will be a bust, Mia agrees to work in a snow cone truck with her BFF Justine. As Mia comes to term with the unexpected beakup, Justine hatches the perfect plan for revenge, involving catfishing, stalking and breaking her ex's heart in return (none of which we condone, BTW.) Even if revenge plotlines aren't your thing, this novel includes recipes for smoothies and milkshakes in each chapter, so if you need a quick-fix for a recent heartbreak, this might just be the *perfect* book for you.

Image: @lilrongal

When the Stars Lead to You by Ronni Davis

After Devon suffers after a devastating split from her summer love, Ashton, she doesn't think she will ever be able to mend her broken heart—especially when Ashton turns up out of the blue on her first day of senior year. As Devon struggles to make since of their failed relationship, and is forced to make decisions about their future, she begins to recognize that self-love is just as important as romantic love. This novel explores important issues like social justice, mental health and the power of forgiveness—making it a *perfect* read for anyone who is struggling to move on after a breakup.

Image: @kaylashauntedlibrary

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki & Rosemary Valero-O'Connell

"Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me" chronicles the story of Frederica "Freddy" Riley and her on-again, off-again relationship with her tempermental girlfriend Laura Dean. After Freddy's friends express their doubts about her desire to stay committed to Laura Dean, Freddy is forced to recognize that her relationship may not be as picture-perfect as she once thought it was. Formatted as a graphic novel, the story uses art to explore the complexities of young love, toxic relationships and finding yourself after losing your identity to a past love.

Image: @sassyjenglish

Audrey, Wait by Robin Benway

When Audrey Benton breaks up with her slacker boyfriend, she is expecting her life to go back to normal—that is, until she learns he wrote a hit song about their breakup. Now Audrey is being stalked by paparazzi, villified by the public and followed at school. The catch? Audrey doesn't want to be famous. As Audrey reels from her sudden rise to fame, she is forced to find a way to reclaim the narrative, before she loses control of the story—and herself—forever.

Have you read any of these books? Let us know by tagging us on social media @glbestiebookclub.

by Claire Hutto | 2/22/2021