Holding Up the Universe

By: Jennifer Niven

Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie, Robbie Daymond

Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

From the author of the New York Times best-seller 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 reengineer and rebuild anything in new and badass 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.

©2016 Jennifer Niven (P)2016 Listening Library

Critic Reviews

"[Niven] creates two indelible characters and a heart-stopping romance." ( Publishers Weekly)

"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)

Decent Story

It wasn't horrible, certainly, but I guess I was just expecting more. I knew the ending before the halfway point and the closer it got to the ending the more I felt the author just rushed to finish. The relationship between the main characters felt inauthentic at times, and it took some time to warm up to Jorjeana Marie's (voice of Libby) speech style and cadence. All in all it's a decent read if you're used to Jennifer's writing style and want a simple teen "love story". Definitely won't make my reread list, though.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

We Need Diverse Books

Niven follows the movement and offers an obese heroine and a hero with prosopagnosia. In the world of YA, her writing style is engaging as was this book. Her first, All the Bright Places, was amazing. This one is interesting, but lacks the connection between the two main characters. They just started liking each other after a rather traumatizing beginning and I never understood why. Seemed a little forced.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS - YOUNG AND OLD

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely!!! Because Libby wants to change the world, and everyone should know the reason why.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Holding Up the Universe?

All of them! All of the moments in this book are so big, that it's impossible to choose just one as most memorable.

Which scene was your favorite?

The end scene. But also, I was proud of Libby in her purple bikini scenes.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Oh yes. It made my heart happy, it made it sad, but mostly it made me happy to be alive, and I hope Ms. Niven's message is shouted throughout the universe. It is THAT remarkable.

Any additional comments?

This book should NOT go unread, and I think every high school should have it on their To Be Read by ALL students list.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

You are wanted

We should all write that on ourselves. This is a story of a teenage girl who already knows who she is, a rarity in teens, and how others see her. It's also about a boy who can't see faces and how he realizes that he can see the girl. Powerful and smart story. Thankful that the fat girl doesn't need to lose weight to be better, those stories suck. Fabulous readers.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Interesting Concept .. annoying story

I was so interesting to pick this up as it got so much hype across all bookish platform, and I heard a lot of praise about the writing style and the premise was so intriguing .. I never read a book from an over weight person view .. but sadly I was hugely disappointed as the story was so boring .. nothing was really happening and the short chapters made it such an uncomfortable ride for me with this book
I liked Libby's character .. she one of the best protagonists I've read in a while, but I didn't like Jack as much, I feel a little let down but I don't regret reading the book

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Got hooked listening to sample

I listened to this book almost straight through. I love the female narrator. It is coming of age Y A fiction, but more than that it's a book about being who you are. While in this story it is teenagers being phony defensive and cruel, I run into the same thing at some workplaces and churches so I call it human behavior. The heroine of this story was a broken person who got better and used her past to make a better future, without being sappy or unbelievable. There were a lot of good life lesson reminders in this book which has excellent narration. I also learned a lot about face blindness.

What a find!

Where does Holding Up the Universe rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is on the top of my list and I look forward to this one again

What did you like best about this story?

Reminds me that you don't know someone's journey because everyone has a unique story of their life with their struggles.

Enjoyable but nothing to write home about

3.5 stars. Enjoyable overall, but I was mostly interested in Jack’s own story, and somewhat in Libby’s. The romance part felt rushed and not wholly believable—not because of the characters, but because it didn’t seem like the plot developed fully enough to make it feel natural, instead of something forced for the sake of getting the characters together. I think “All the Bright Places” was much better, but this was still enjoyable. The narrators were very good, especially Robbie Daymond, who I felt captured Jack’s personality perfectly.

Beautiful Story

The story of Jack and Libby is a beautiful one about two broken people who are afraid of who they are. They help each other grow and be seen in a world where being different isn't seen as ok. Misconceptions be damned, because love overcomes in this book.

Five Stars All Around

I really enjoyed this story. Both readers were excellent and the book itself was moving and interesting. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a book that wasn't written by Ellen Hopkins this much. It was worth every penny.

Wonderfully written

I was a little apprehensive about reading this book because I'd seen quite a few bad reviews however I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a rather moving story.
the characters were engaging and unique (how many characters have you read about having prosopagnosia?)
I would recommend you give it a go.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Highly recommend!

I heard mixed reviews so I read it unsure what to expect but it was an excellent read! Highly recommend it

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

amazing

it was amazing and i just wish it went on longer i was in love with the story

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

fantastic

This book is a beautiful coming of age story that I really enjoyed. 5 stars as it had me really gripped. lovely, heartwarming, would recommend even if you're not a young adult.

wow!!

I love this book!!
The characters and the storyline are great, I didn’t want it to end!!

Beautiful

This book is written in a way like no other book. The comparison between Libby and jack even though they have their differences they are so alike. I loved his book and the idea and story for is amazing

cute serious but yet touching

this is such a sweet story. maybe i identify particularly with Jack because i have actual site issues so I really knew what was being talked about when he talked about not recognising people. its a really serious issue and it's a really sad story but it's also heartwarming and brilliant and I loved it!

Waste of Time

Was excited about the release of this book but my god, what a disappointment. The story could have been good but instead comes across as preachy and ill informed. Don't bother.

0 of 2 people found this review helpful

boring

predictable and boring. pretty pointless really wish I hadn't wasted my time. I really don't know how they get published and hyped.

0 of 2 people found this review helpful