Holding Up the Universe, a book review

Before I get into the description of Holding up the Universe by Jennifer Niven, I have to ask: do you recognize the name Jennifer Niven? If the answer is no, go directly to start and do not collect $200 dollars. Instead, go directly to your nearest Barnes and Noble to buy All the Bright Places. No book has ever tugged at my heart strings more than her first novel, and I still have yet to cry as hard at a book as I did reading that one. Seriously. I read it the entire way home from a high school basketball game on our team bus with a reading light attached to the pages, sobbing the whole time. Needless to say, when I heard Jennifer Niven had written another book, I knew I had to pick it up, so I did.

Holding up the Universe by Jennifer Niven

(pictured above)

My Rating: 6/10

Favorite Quote: "It's easy to give everyone what they want. The problem with doing this is you lose sight of where you truly begin and where the fake you, the one who tries to be everything to everyone, ends."

Synopsis: Holding up the Universe is told from the dual perspectives of Libby and Jack. Libby has just returned to a normal life, well as normal as can be after going from being cut out of her own house as 'America's Fattest Teen' to an overweight teenager transitioning back to real life. Jack, on the other hand, is a popular boy with a secret: he has no idea who anyone is. He can't remember faces. Ultimately, the two get tangled up in a dramatic high school bullying episode and wind up in counseling, where they begin to really see each other for the first time. Then, they begin to realize how much better your life becomes when the right people walk into it.

Review: As much as I hate to admit it, I was disappointed by this read. Yes, the message was incredible. Yes, the characters were flawed, yet dynamic and brilliant. Yes, I appreciated the unique challenges presented by the plot line, but I was semi-bored while reading. I was able to put the book down, walk away, and completely forget about the story, which is something I can't do when I find myself really invested. Overall, I think I would have enjoyed the story better had I not had such high expectations stemming from All the Bright Places.

Final Thoughts: I don't want to be the only reason why you choose not to pick up a book. Just because a book wasn't up my alley this week doesn't mean that it couldn't make you laugh so hard you cry and fall in love with every single character. This novel really was a story of overcoming major challenges and fighting to be true to yourself, no matter the social costs. If you need a really inspiring, easy-read to get you through a tough week, this could be the one for you.

seriously, i can't get enough of books at the moment. i'll keep saying it until i'm blue in the face, so please send any recommendations my way. i'm on the hunt for something new and different from my usual go-to easy romances. feel free to share your favorites with me, no matter the genre. you'll get my thoughts in exchange!!

happy reading, lovelies.

xoxo madison