Why We Broke Up is a novel by author Daniel Handler. The story follows the main character, Min, as she recounts the relationship she had with her ex-boyfriend, Ed, and all of the reasons they broke up. During their relationship, Min saved various items related to their relationship in a box she hid in her closet to keep her mother from snooping. Now that it has been some time since they broke up, Min is ready to return the box of items to Ed by dropping it on his front porch.

As the novel unfolds, Min is writing a letter to Ed to include in the box. Min goes item by item, telling Ed what each object is and what it represents in regards to their relationship. Since Ed and Min come from very different worlds and lead very different lives, Min's story recounts in hindsight all of the reasons that she and Ed should never have been boyfriend and girlfriend to start.

In this coming of age story, Min is able to overcome her emotions, pain and hurt for the loss of her relationship with Ed by explaining all of the reasons that their relationship did not work. Along the way, Min also learns how to cherish the existing relationships that she has with her friends, especially her friendship with Al.

Min provides the reader with an insider view to the euphoria couples feels as they meet, start to date, and fall in love. She also chronicles the pain, suffering, and emotions that couples deal with when the relationship ends. In this novel, the reader gains insight into one point of view in a relationship, from the girl that is cheated on and betrayed.

Finally, Min illustrates how to see the signs that relationship might not be what you believe it to be. She provides clues in her letters that she should have realized and that in hindsight, makes her realize precisely why the relationship between her and Ed was doomed from the start. Since all of the characters see this except for Ed and Min, it also shows that "love is blind" because those engrossed in the relationship see things much differently than those outside of the relationship.

In the end, Min finishes her letter to Ed. She inserts it into the box. Al drives her the rest of the way to Ed's house, so that Min can drop the box off on Ed's front porch.