Author: Meg Leder
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: June 7, 2016
Rating:
In this ode to all the things we gain and lose and gain again, seventeen-year-old Penelope Marx curates her own mini-museum to deal with all the heartbreaks of love, friendship, and growing up.
Welcome to the Museum of Heartbreak.
Well, actually, to Penelope Marx’s personal museum. The one she creates after coming face to face with the devastating, lonely-making butt-kicking phenomenon known as heartbreak.
Heartbreak comes in all forms: There’s Keats, the charmingly handsome new guy who couldn’t be more perfect for her. There’s possibly the worst person in the world, Cherisse, whose mission in life is to make Penelope miserable. There’s Penelope’s increasingly distant best friend Audrey. And then there’s Penelope’s other best friend, the equal-parts-infuriating-and-yet-somehow-amazing Eph, who has been all kinds of confusing lately.
But sometimes the biggest heartbreak of all is learning to let go of that wondrous time before you ever knew things could be broken.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: The Museum of Heartbreak by Meg Leder
The Museum of Heartbreak by Meg Leder is a book like no other. It is so relatable and contains very well-developed characters. With everything from actual artefacts for the main character’s museum to themes of family and friendship, this book is sure to entertain everyone.
❀ A Creative Story
This book is one of the most creative books I’ve read this year. When I saw the title, “The Museum of Heartbreak,” I had no idea that the book would be about an actual museum. Well, not an official museum, but a museum nonetheless. I found it so original how each chapter focuses on one item from Penelope’s Museum of Heartbreak and how she acquired it. The way that the story is written is just so perfect and I was able to read it in one or two sittings.
❀ Relatable Main Character
Penelope is such a relatable character. She is dealing with the typical high school drama that we all go through, and I felt like I could really connect with her. Penelope has a great personality and sense of humour, as well. She is honestly so well-developed that she seems almost real. I could see myself being friends with her if she did actually exist.
❀ Family and Friendship Themes
I loved the themes of family and friendship in The Museum of Heartbreak. Penelope is going through a tough time with her friends, especially her best friend who is starting to move on. The theme of finding who your true friends are is so important and I’m so glad that this book touched on that. My favourite part of the book was probably Penelope’s family, especially her dad. I don’t know why, but I always seem to love books with families more. I think it’s probably because it makes the characters seem more real or just the fact that seeing those bonds is so sweet.
❀ Perfect for Summer
The Museum of Heartbreak by Meg Leder is a unique story about a girl dealing with all sorts of heartbreak. I loved the main character and found her to be so relatable. The themes of family and friendship added even more to the book, and made me really happy. I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance as this is a quick and cute read, perfect for summer.
Book Quotes: The Museum of Heartbreak by Meg Leder
“By educating and enlightening the viewing public, the MoH seeks to remind visitors to be vigilant. Because just like a hapless old dinosaur innocently eating leaves or gleefully munching on the bones of its prey, if you have a heart, you too can be flattened by the metaphoric meteor known as heartbreak.
About Meg Leder
A former bookseller and teacher, Meg Leder currently works as a book editor in New York City. Her role models are Harriet the Spy and Anne Shirley. She is the coauthor of The Happy Book, and spends her free time reading, looking for street art, and people watching. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.