Breakups are tough—there’s no denying it. Whether you’re dealing with a heartbreak from a partner, a friend, or a family member, it’s never easy to navigate those emotions. But what if you had a guide to help you through the pain, one that mixes humor with heartfelt wisdom? That’s exactly what Suzy Hopkins and her daughter Hallie Bateman did when Suzy’s 30-year marriage ended unexpectedly.

From Heartbreak to Healing

But the heartbreak wasn’t just personal—it became the catalyst for a new, creative project. Instead of just moping in sadness, Suzy and Hallie decided to turn their pain into something powerful and relatable. They created What to Do When You Get Dumped: A Guide to Unbreaking Your Heart, a graphic novel designed to help anyone going through a breakup find hope and healing.

Why This Book Is Different

“I wanted a roadmap to help me out of the deep grief I was in,” she says. This heartfelt desire is what drove Suzy and Hallie to create a guide that blends comfort, humor, and practical advice for anyone experiencing heartbreak. Their book offers a compassionate approach to navigating the painful emotions of a breakup. With personal insights and a touch of lightheartedness, it helps readers find a way through their sorrow. It’s a roadmap to healing, offering support when it’s needed most.

Navigating Grief with Humor

Hallie, who was also affected by the breakup as the daughter of the couple, brings her unique perspective as an illustrator and writer to the project. Together, mother and daughter weaved a narrative that combines deep sorrow with lightheartedness. This balance is key because, as Hallie points out, heartbreak doesn’t just involve sadness; it’s a mix of emotions, including confusion, anger, and even humor.

“I hope people walk away from the book with hope,” says Hallie. “It’s about finding warmth in the most painful experiences. You can laugh about it, and that makes the pain a little easier to bear.”

The Power of Vulnerability

What makes this book even more impactful is the vulnerability it carries. It’s not just a self-help guide; it’s a raw look into the emotional journey of recovery. Suzy explains that while there’s pressure to “move on” after a breakup, the grief should not be underestimated. In fact, she learned to appreciate the slow and painful process of healing—giving herself compassion and time.

For Hallie, the book was also a reminder of her own strength. She found it inspiring to watch her mother channel her grief into something beautiful and creative, transforming pain into art.

A Book for Anyone Who’s Ever Had a Broken Heart

Whether you’re going through a breakup or not, What to Do When You Get Dumped offers something everyone can benefit from: validation. It shows that heartbreak isn’t just something to get over; it’s something to process, understand, and, eventually, heal from. It’s a perfect read for anyone feeling lost after a relationship ends—no matter how long ago it was.

As Hallie wisely says, “Something beautiful can be born from incredible pain.” This sentiment is at the heart of What to Do When You Get Dumped, a book born from the raw grief of a personal experience. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, growth and healing are possible. If you’re dealing with heartbreak, whether from a breakup or other emotional loss, you’re not alone. This guide combines humor and heartfelt wisdom to help you navigate the tough journey of recovery. Grab a copy, and let it remind you that healing, though painful, can lead to something beautiful. Embrace the process, and you’ll find strength you never knew you had.