I wasn't planning on reading Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me. But then I was in the bookstore. And it was there. So I sat down in a comfy chair and somehow an hour passed and the pages ran out.

The blurb hits the nail on the head with this one. Freddy's journey of love asks the reader to "consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need." There are very few stories out there about lesbian characters breaking up with each other, and even fewer where the toxic love interest isn't instantly replaced by a healthier romantic relationship. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me is a very important book to have for the young queer teens out there. Breakups aren't the only heavy topic, and I admired how Mariko's discussed

abortion, adultery/cheating, teen sex, coming out, and underage drinking

with great respect and dignity towards her characters. The artwork's soft, round lines and pink colors are beautiful and reflect the warmth of the story's world.

With the importance of this book, I wish I could give it the full five stars. However, the ending disappointed. While Freddy did improve and grow over the story, I felt like she wasn't done growing by the story's end. It's a definite "happy for now" vibe, with perils and pitfalls just around the corner. I almost wonder if Tamaki is planning a sequel.