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Holding Up the Universe Kindle Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 6,084 ratings
Teachers' pick for school years 1–9

From the author of the New York Times bestseller All the Bright Places comes a heart-wrenching story about what it means to see someone - and love someone - for who they truly are.

Everyone thinks they know Libby Strout.


I know the part I want to play here at MVB High. I want to be the girl who can do anything.

Once dubbed 'America's Fattest Teen', she is only seen for her weight. Not the girl underneath.

Since her mum's death she's been picking up the pieces in private, alone with her heartbroken father.

But now, Libby is ready. She's ready for high school, for new friends, for love and for every possibility life has to offer.

Everyone thinks they know Jack Masselin too.

Be charming. Be hilarious. Don't get too close to anyone.

Yes, he's got swagger, but he's also mastered the art of fitting in.

What no one knows is that Jack has a secret: he can't recognize faces. Even his own brothers are strangers to him.

He's the guy who can re-engineer and rebuild anything, but he can't understand what's going on with the inner workings of his own brain.

When Jack and Libby meet, they discover that the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel.


Praise for All the Bright Places:

'If you're looking for the next
The Fault in Our Stars - this is it' Guardian

'[A] heartbreaking love story about two funny, fragile, and wildly damaged high school kids'
Entertainment Weekly

'A do-not-miss for fans of
Eleanor & Park and The Fault in Our Stars, and basically anyone who can breathe' Justine Magazine

'At the heart - a big one - of
All the Bright Places lies a charming love story about this unlikely and endearing pair of broken teenagers' The New York Times Book Review

Product description

Review

★ "[Niven] creates two indelible characters and a heart-stopping romance." --Publishers Weekly starred review

★ "Written in short chapters of alternating perspectives, this is a thoughtful exploration of identity and self-acceptance, with commentary on overcoming adversities that will hit close to home." --School Library Journal starred review

★ "This is a worthy addition to any young adult collection; the story is engaging and difficult to put down." --VOYA starred review

"Niven's honest writing shares a story of friendship, confidence, strength, and identity--and it's not one to be missed." --Buzzfeed.com

"Libby and Jack are two characters who will reach out of the page and climb into your heart! . . . [A] beautiful love story." --Justine Magazine

"A novel about love and how important it is to be seen." --
Popsugar.com

"Moving. . . . The true heart of the tale lies in personal growth and learning to love yourself." --Bookish.com

"I've never fallen in love with characters as fast as I fell for Libby and Jack. . . .
Holding Up the Universe is a beautiful reminder of the power of understanding." --Jay Asher, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Thirteen Reasons Why

"
Gorgeously written and oh-so-deeply felt, Holding Up the Universe contains one of my favorite characters of all time! You will absolutely fall in love with Libby Strout!" --Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Everything, Everything

"At once hilarious and achingly poignant, Jennifer Niven's
Holding up the Universe brims with love and heart and hope. A gorgeous, life-affirming book that--like its lovable and resilient main character, Libby--will make you want to open your arms wide, lift your face to the sky, and twirl." --Kerry Kletter, author of The First Time She Drowned


Praise for All the Bright Places:

"[A]
heartbreaking love story about two funny, fragile, and wildly damaged high school kids." --Entertainment Weekly

"A do-not-miss for fans of Eleanor & Park and The Fault in Our Stars, and basically anyone who can breathe." --Justine Magazine

"At the heart--a big one--of All the Bright Places lies a charming love story about this unlikely and endearing pair of broken teenagers." --The New York Times Book Review

From the Back Cover

From the author of the New York Times bestseller All the Bright Places comes a heart-wrenching story about what it means to see someone―and love someone―for who they truly are.

Everyone thinks they know Libby Strout, the girl once dubbed “America’s Fattest Teen.” But no one’s taken the time to look past her weight to get to know who she really is. Following her mom’s death, she’s been picking up the pieces in the privacy of her home, dealing with her heartbroken father and her own grief. Now, Libby’s ready: for high school, for new friends, for love, and for EVERY POSSIBILITY LIFE HAS TO OFFER. In that moment, I know the part I want to play here at MVB High. I want to be the girl who can do anything.

Everyone thinks they know Jack Masselin, too. Yes, he’s got swagger, but he’s also mastered the impossible art of giving people what they want, of fitting in. What no one knows is that Jack has a newly acquired secret: he can’t recognize faces. Even his own brothers are strangers to him. He’s the guy who can re-engineer and rebuild anything in new and bad-ass ways, but he can’t understand what’s going on with the inner workings of his brain. So he tells himself to play it cool: Be charming. Be hilarious. Don’t get too close to anyone.

Until he meets Libby. When the two get tangled up in a cruel high school game―which lands them in group counseling and community service―Libby and Jack are both pissed, and then surprised. Because the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel. . . . Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world, theirs and yours.

Jennifer Niven delivers another poignant, exhilarating love story about finding that person who sees you for who you are―and seeing them right back.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01BFGIYIC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin; 1st edition (6 Oct. 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2879 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 424 pages
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 6,084 ratings

About the author

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Jennifer Niven
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Jennifer Niven is the Emmy Award-winning, #1 New York Times and International bestselling author of nine books, including All the Bright Places and Holding up the Universe. Her books have been translated in over 75 languages, and All the Bright Places has won literary awards around the world, including the GoodReads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Fiction of 2015. It was named a Best Book of the Year by Time Magazine, NPR, the Guardian, Publisher's Weekly, YALSA, Barnes & Noble, BuzzFeed, the New York Public Library, and others, and was the #1 Kids' Indie Next Book for Winter '14-'15. The film starring Elle Fanning, Justice Smith, Luke Wilson, and Keegan-Michael Key, is currently streamable on Netflix, with a script by Jennifer and Liz Hannah (The Post).

Jennifer is at work on her fourth and fifth novels for young adults, with number three-- Breathless just out now. She also oversees Germ, a literary and lifestyle web magazine for girls and boys age high school and beyond that celebrates beginnings, futures, and all the amazing and agonizing moments in between. Her previous works include four novels for adults, as well as three nonfiction books. She divides her time between Los Angeles and coastal Georgia with her husband, kids, and literary cats.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
6,084 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable and readable. They praise the heartwarming story, relatable characters, and writing style. However, some feel the plot is predictable and boring.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

66 customers mention ‘Readability’66 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They describe it as a light read with a good message. The story is described as emotional and keeps readers hooked until the end. Readers mention it's a must-read for coming of age, with an interesting and insightful message about empathy.

"...This book was so good that I devoured it within a few hours...." Read more

"A must read for the coming of age. Empathy for others is a good message. Acceptance of people who are different and we all have crosses to bear." Read more

"I loved this book. Growing up in high school I pretty much felt the same. However, I gave in and lost 4 stone...." Read more

"...It was a quick read and was still incredibly captivating and I do believe people who are going through similar issues as the protagonists may enjoy..." Read more

41 customers mention ‘Heartwarming story’41 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging and inspiring. They describe it as an interesting read that makes them reevaluate their lives. The book touches on relatable topics and has many meanings for them.

"...This book is heartwarming and realistic in the best ways possible. The characters are far from perfect and that makes them so completely relatable...." Read more

"A must read for the coming of age. Empathy for others is a good message. Acceptance of people who are different and we all have crosses to bear." Read more

"...Once after New years and once around my birthday because it just refreshes my mind and allows me to be vulnerable." Read more

"...It was a quick read and was still incredibly captivating and I do believe people who are going through similar issues as the protagonists may enjoy..." Read more

19 customers mention ‘Writing style’16 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style and pacing of the book. They find it very readable and relatable.

"...The characters are far from perfect and that makes them so completely relatable...." Read more

"...On the one hand, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and the pacing of the book and thought the plot line was great...." Read more

"...I found it very well written and I fell in love with the story instantly...." Read more

"I recommend this book for anyone who has been bullied. It's very relatable...." Read more

14 customers mention ‘Character development’14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's character development. They find the characters well-written and inspiring. Readers also appreciate the dialogue and plot.

"...The characters are far from perfect and that makes them so completely relatable...." Read more

"...I also enjoyed reading about the male protagonists life and about the issues this book presents (bullying, eating disorders, and more)...." Read more

"Beautiful, just amazing! Loved the story line and how inspiring both the characters were...." Read more

"The plot is a bit of a stretch but an unusual and heart-warming protagonist in Libby Strout really transforms this from a typical boy-meets-girl..." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Charm’10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and diverse.

"Beautiful, just amazing! Loved the story line and how inspiring both the characters were...." Read more

"...I would 100% recommend that book, it is truly beautiful and heart-breaking...." Read more

"Nice. A lovely read about being alone inside and about the courage you need to reach out and see other people...." Read more

"...Again another very poignant book from Jennifer Niven which was beautiful." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Age range’4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suitable for younger teenagers and adults. It tackles issues that can be relatable to different age groups.

"...She is different. She is wonderful. Thoroughly recommend for adults & teens. We need more of this message in our lives :)" Read more

"Good book for younger teenagers, but was too simplistic to be for young adults." Read more

"An amazing read tackling many issues that can relate to many different age ranges." Read more

"Great teen/young adult book, would recommend" Read more

3 customers mention ‘Humor’3 positive0 negative

Customers find the humor in the book funny.

"THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!! this book is emotional and funny and made me feel every emotion possible...." Read more

"...bright places" and the book is just as good as the first one and funny." Read more

"Funny and charming, couldn't put it down. Will definitely be passing this one on. Can't wait to read more from Jennifer Niven." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Plot quality’0 positive7 negative

Customers find the plot predictable and boring. They find some situations unrealistic. While it's a solid message for teens, it's not a literary classic.

"...However, I found some of the situations and responses highly unrealistic..." Read more

"The plot is a bit of a stretch but an unusual and heart-warming protagonist in Libby Strout really transforms this from a typical boy-meets-girl..." Read more

"...However, I found it boring and was waiting for something big to happen. I read it because I wanted something t happen and it did not...." Read more

"...It's no great literary classic, but has a really solid message for teens of all genders, shapes, sizes and neurological capability." Read more

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5 out of 5 stars
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 October 2016
    I was a huge fan of 'All the Bright Places' and naturally I had to pre-order this book when I saw it. I wasn't expecting it to be as good as all the bright places but I was pleasantly proved wrong. This book is heartwarming and realistic in the best ways possible. The characters are far from perfect and that makes them so completely relatable. This book was so good that I devoured it within a few hours.

    There is so much more that I could say about the writing techniques and the way that you begin to root for the characters, but it would never compare to the reality. The best thing to do is read the book for yourself and fall in love with the characters yourself.
    9 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 February 2024
    A must read for the coming of age. Empathy for others is a good message. Acceptance of people who are different and we all have crosses to bear.
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 April 2022
    I loved this book. Growing up in high school I pretty much felt the same. However, I gave in and lost 4 stone. I was originally 11 stone in year 9 and I went down to 7 stone going cold turkey. I have a hip condition which caused me to gain so much weight as I couldn’t walk properly!

    I wish I had the strength Libby had!! I’m now a mum and I’m still quite big but now I know im me! If people don’t like it I’ll be like Libby and prove that just because your big doesn’t mean it should affect friendships and relationships!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 January 2023
    I adore Jennifer Niven as an author but this book means the world to me. I re-read it twice a year. Once after New years and once around my birthday because it just refreshes my mind and allows me to be vulnerable.
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 November 2020
    I have mixed feelings on this book.
    On the one hand, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and the pacing of the book and thought the plot line was great. I also enjoyed reading about the male protagonists life and about the issues this book presents (bullying, eating disorders, and more).
    However, I found some of the situations and responses highly unrealistic (although I will admit I’ve never been to an American school so if it’s like that there then fair enough) and I found it hard to sympathise with the female protagonist since the way she responded to things felt too perfect and unlikely given the age of the character and the things she’s dealt with.
    All in all I would recommend reading this book especially if you like the author (I can’t comment on how well it compares to her other books). It was a quick read and was still incredibly captivating and I do believe people who are going through similar issues as the protagonists may enjoy it a lot more than I did. I still love it, I just didn’t love the female protagonist and I do believe it would be ideal for those between 13-15 ( I as a 17 year old wasn’t as keen on it as I would have been at a younger age ) however, if you’re buying for someone else be wary that there is some profanity in. Nothing extremely offensive, but still there.
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 September 2017
    Beautiful, just amazing! Loved the story line and how inspiring both the characters were. I found it very well written and I fell in love with the story instantly. I thought the book had an interesting take on what love really is and proved that it's the personality which matters over anything. Very inspiring and great to read. Definitely recommend.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 June 2021
    The plot is a bit of a stretch but an unusual and heart-warming protagonist in Libby Strout really transforms this from a typical boy-meets-girl coming of age story into a really enjoyable read. 4 stars
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 April 2020
    This book was bought for my daughter. She said its a great read by Jennifer Niven - she had read others by her hence picking this one. It’s an addictive read that she couldn’t put down. Strong storyline, she invested in the characters easily. A story of being seen - being accepted and love. We all need a little of that

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Racheal Donnelly
    5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THIS BOOK!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on 17 February 2024
    I love this book literally soooo much and it was a 5 star read, it was kind of a heavy topic but if you don't mind that it was a veryyyy good book it was so cute at the end too I feel like I can never read a book that was like this one, BUY THISSSSSSSS you will regret it if you dont ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
    Customer image
    Racheal Donnelly
    5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THIS BOOK!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on 17 February 2024
    I love this book literally soooo much and it was a 5 star read, it was kind of a heavy topic but if you don't mind that it was a veryyyy good book it was so cute at the end too I feel like I can never read a book that was like this one, BUY THISSSSSSSS you will regret it if you dont ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
    Images in this review
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  • Yves Blache
    5.0 out of 5 stars Se li bien
    Reviewed in Canada on 5 January 2023
    Pour un cadeau
  • Amazon-klant
    5.0 out of 5 stars aanrader
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on 29 June 2020
    mooi boek, goede kwaliteit kaft
  • Montserrat Vigil
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente libro
    Reviewed in Mexico on 21 June 2018
    Súper libro, te deja picado y no lo puedes dejar de leer, una historia de amor, la vida y sus obstáculos.
  • Arun kumar
    5.0 out of 5 stars A refreshing read from a trusted author
    Reviewed in India on 10 July 2019
    #BookReview ~
    Name of the book: Holding Up The Universe
    Author: Jennifer Niven (@jenniferniven )
    My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5/5
    ~
    I picked this book up because Jennifer Niven had my heart when I read All The Bright Places all those years ago. If you asked me to pick out a reason as to why I love her work, it would be because she writes about things that matter and she writes it in a way that make them matter to YOU. I had ATBP when I had no clue about mental health disorders and I still felt it. That's what good writing does to you. Makes you feel what you cannot.
    ~
    Coming back to Holding Up The Universe, I loved it for two reasons: the characters and the character development. This book is about Libby Strout and Jack Masselin. Libby Strout is America's fattest teen and Jack Masselin has prosopagnosia (face blindness). Their story is naked and vulnerable because you'll feel the humiliation and you'll feel the struggle. Libby and Jack have a rough start but they're both compassionate, both outlaws so they fall for each other. There's sunshine and roses until there isn't.
    ~
    Through Jack I could only imagine how difficult it would be not to remember faces and not recognize people except by identifiers. When Jack says "You deserve to be seen" I know he means it. Libby is brave and Libby will take you out. She's the kind of character we all wish we knew because she fight body shaming. At one point Libby says "My only crime was that I was fat" and that's the best line in the book. This book made me hopeful, made me think that there is an end to bullying and body shaming and all the horrible things people do to feel about themselves. Hope is what takes us forward.
    ~
    Things I liked:
    📚Characters - real, naked, lovable
    📚Focused on character development than plot
    📚Seeing through Jack's eyes
    📚Realistic, nondramatic situations that'll feel natural
    📚Didn't end in suicide and that brought hope (mental health books can have an impact without the characters dying)
    ~
    Things I didn't like:
    📚The fact that it probably could have had a little more story to it but that's find
    ~Do I recommend?
    Yes! If you like reading about things that matter, then yes.
    Customer image
    Arun kumar
    5.0 out of 5 stars A refreshing read from a trusted author
    Reviewed in India on 10 July 2019
    #BookReview ~
    Name of the book: Holding Up The Universe
    Author: Jennifer Niven (@jenniferniven )
    My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5/5
    ~
    I picked this book up because Jennifer Niven had my heart when I read All The Bright Places all those years ago. If you asked me to pick out a reason as to why I love her work, it would be because she writes about things that matter and she writes it in a way that make them matter to YOU. I had ATBP when I had no clue about mental health disorders and I still felt it. That's what good writing does to you. Makes you feel what you cannot.
    ~
    Coming back to Holding Up The Universe, I loved it for two reasons: the characters and the character development. This book is about Libby Strout and Jack Masselin. Libby Strout is America's fattest teen and Jack Masselin has prosopagnosia (face blindness). Their story is naked and vulnerable because you'll feel the humiliation and you'll feel the struggle. Libby and Jack have a rough start but they're both compassionate, both outlaws so they fall for each other. There's sunshine and roses until there isn't.
    ~
    Through Jack I could only imagine how difficult it would be not to remember faces and not recognize people except by identifiers. When Jack says "You deserve to be seen" I know he means it. Libby is brave and Libby will take you out. She's the kind of character we all wish we knew because she fight body shaming. At one point Libby says "My only crime was that I was fat" and that's the best line in the book. This book made me hopeful, made me think that there is an end to bullying and body shaming and all the horrible things people do to feel about themselves. Hope is what takes us forward.
    ~
    Things I liked:
    📚Characters - real, naked, lovable
    📚Focused on character development than plot
    📚Seeing through Jack's eyes
    📚Realistic, nondramatic situations that'll feel natural
    📚Didn't end in suicide and that brought hope (mental health books can have an impact without the characters dying)
    ~
    Things I didn't like:
    📚The fact that it probably could have had a little more story to it but that's find
    ~Do I recommend?
    Yes! If you like reading about things that matter, then yes.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image

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