It’s Called A Breakup Because It’s Broken (Book Review)

It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken was given to me 6 months ago by my best friend, Laura. When I first glanced at the cover, I thought it was another attempt by Laura to get me out of bed and over my recent ex-boyfriend of three years. (I know she meant well!). The book was just lying around;

I hesitated reading it because I just wanted to wallow in pain. I guess nobody wants to admit that they, if not now, then at some point in their lives, might actually need to hear why it’s called a breakup!
Eventually, after a few weeks, I finally picked up the book, with the intention of just to browsing the pages. What seemed like a casual browse, lasted for a few hours and I ended up reading the entire book at one go.

It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken is structured in two parts. The first part, “The Breakup” centers around coming to terms with the reality that the relationship is truly over, and the next part “The Breakover” focuses on coping with this new reality.

The Breakup

This section starts out with an introduction by the two authors, Greg Behrendt and his wife, Amiira Behrendt. They explain past relationships that practically destroyed them. It goes on to let you know that the person wasn’t meant for you and no matter how bad it hurts you will eventually get over it. Basically, this was a good re-assurance of hope and that you WILL get through this.

Every section has a Dear Greg section where people have wrote these questions and Greg answers them. One or more of these questions is bound to help you or at least be similar to the situation you are going through.

The chapters end with a workbook segment offering simple questionnaires, exercises and even recipes. A few out of the ordinary ones as well like the “Psycho Confessional”-in other words, mistakes that you want to avoid during your own breakup. Not forgetting, the really neat crossword puzzle, to make you feel better!

The Breakover

Part 2 of the book centers around seven “Breakup Commandments,” a list of very strongly recommended suggestions such as “No Backsliding!” For each commandment, the authors offer practical advice for following through, details on how to handle special circumstances (such as working together or kids together), and finally, information from over 500 breakup surveys conduct by the authors, including highlights from the worse breakups ever.

Wrap up

• Every section contains the best and worst news.

This was one of my favorite parts of the book. It features these things called Awesome Thoughts that actually make you feel better; like the first awesome thought is that annoying thing your ex did will never bother you again.


• I felt the authors were genuinely sympathetic about just how painful the loss of a relationship can be, yet at the same time, they provide an oft-necessary “kick in the pants” on the road to recovery.
• The book is based very much on their experiences as well as the experiences of the anonymous people they use for anecdotes throughout the book. Many of the tales are funny, some are sad, and others are plain ridiculous. Whatever you are going through, there is a story in the book that can come close. There is always something to relate to. (I am very much ashamed to admit that I saw myself in so many of the scenarios of this book.)

Is It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken For You?

Getting over a breakup is never easy. But there are good ways and bad ways to deal with it. I’ve experienced both!

Overall, this book is more geared towards women, all intended to provide the breakup victim with a much-needed self-esteem boost, include “Pretty Lady” and “Hot Stuff.” However, as Greg makes clear from his own story, either sex can be the one that gets dumped. Therefore, the authors encourage guys to read the book too! At least the bonus chapter “Dude, Get Off Her Lawn.” For men or women stuck in post-breakup purgatory, this book might be just what they need to set themselves free.

Good luck, I wish you all the best!