Holding Up the Universe Review

A Brief Description of the Book: 

This story centers around two teens: Libby Strout and Jack Masselin

Libby Strout, was formally known as America's Fattest Teen and has spent most of her young teenage life getting healthy. She has gone from weighing 600 pounds to a little over 300 pounds.Libby knows she's nowhere near thin, but she's happy with the way she is.No one has ever looked past Libby's weight to get to know who she really is.All they see is her weight and who she used to be. Libby struggles with her grief after the death of her mother. However, she is ready to start afresh and stop home-schooling and go to high school.

Jack Masselin is popular, has a pretty girlfriend and a lot of friends in addition to the mysterious 'too-cool-for-school' persona. He's funny, charming and cool. However, he struggles every day, every moment of his life. Jack has a secret that NO ONE knows: he has prosopagnosia which means he can't remember or recognize faces, including his family.

Libby wants to be the girl who can do anything. Jack vows never to get too close to anyone.

The two teens meet in a very unconventional way and end up in group counselling caused by an incident at school. As the time goes by, they feel less alone when they're together.

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"Sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world, theirs and yours."

I've previously read All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven and I didn't particularly enjoy it as I have other contemporary books. I decided to take a chance and read Jennifer's other book Holding Up the Universe; I am glad I did. Holding up the Universe was an interesting and touching novel with complex characters and a very unique storyline. 

Libby is a fantastic character and I love that she doesn't try to anyone else but herself. She also has a great relationship with her father and meets some good friends throughout the story. Moreover, I adored the fact that even though Jack believes he doesn't deserve her help most of the time, she is always there for him because that's the kind of person she is. I personally loved their relationship even though it was complicated at first. Libby and Jack's relationship grew and developed as the story progressed and it wasn't rushed.

Jack absolutely won me over early in the book, just knowing that he was the person that sent a note saying her was rooting for her after her infamous incident after her mother's death; it warmed my heart. 

Libby's message to the student body nearly had me in tears. I won't go into too much detail about it because I wouldn't want to spoil the reading experience for you, but I will say that the meaning behind that letter is something that is very relevant in today's society. People will want to tear you down; make you feel as if you are nothing or not essential. However, you should have confidence in yourself. Don't let anyone change who you are or make you feel less wanted. Be happy in your own skin and do what you love no matter the negative comments. You keep doing you sweetheart because in a world full of hate, spread love and positivity; starting with LOVING YOURSELF FOR WHO YOU ARE. 

Another part of the book I enjoyed was when Libby and her father addressed their grief and struggles of continuing life after the death of Libby's mother. I was so moved and this quote....

"It's not moving on...It's moving differently. That's all it is. Different life. Different world. Different rules. We don't ever leave that old world behind. We just create a new one."

It gave me a new perspective of losing a loved one. Everyone says they will move on after the death of a family or friend. But, moving on might imply forgetting those memories shared, and the lessons learned with each other. Moving differently remembering that loss and those memories, yet continuing to live life the best way possible. Never forgetting, instead, creating a new path forward. 

"This is what I know about loss:
  * It doesn't get better. You just get (somewhat) used to  it.
  * You never stop missing the people who go away.
  * For something that isn't there anymore, it weighs a ton."

Overall, I really enjoyed this unique and original novel. I give it 4 stars out of 5.