Love is a Four-Letter-Word.

There’s a book that might be more appetizing than Ben and Jerry’s after a breakup. Love is a Four-Letter Word, edited by Michael Taeckens, is a selection of essays on the topics of breakups, bad relationships and broken hearts.

Reading about other horrible relationships can feel good. Laughing at other people’s misfortunes and forgetting about what may have happened may feel better in the meantime. That is what this book can do, at least in most cases.

The editor picked diverse authors to write about their own breakups, and this is apparent in each and every story. Where else is there the viewpoint of a gay, transsexual and straight person in the same book about relationships? There is no way someone will feel left out.

There is a table of contents that displays each story with its title and author, so no need to go in order. Pick the juicy title and savor the surprise that awaits.

Even if one story leaves a bad taste in the mouth, there are 23 stories to pick from. Also, find out more about the authors in the back and other books or stories they’ve written. There may be more good times to come.

Quirky stories (or comics) outweigh gravely dismal ones. Heck, lose yourself in these stories and forget that you just got dumped or can’t find a date. Or, if lucky enough to be in a relationship, read and relish the comfort of having a significant other who is not cheating. Get engrossed in dilemmas of the writers. At least they can make their problems sound better than they really are.

Contact the reporter at reweaver@asu.edu