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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Positively,Absolutely a Great Novel

I listened as a reader, educator, student, mother, and author. I loved the dialogue, the differing perspectives and well written point of view of each youth. Congratulations Jennifer Niven

Good J. Nlven story .

the story was very enjoyable except for the foul language. I know that's how kids talk today but I'm uncomfortable heart it

Great plus size representation

I loved this book. The characters are so well rounded. They seem like real people who I can actually relate to. Beautifully written and the performance by the voice actors was spot on. I just wish the ending gave a little more closure. Would definitely read again.

Good idea, not good book.

You know what’s going to happened half an hour into the book and it’s just very cliche. A few quotes from the main character are “what will my story be” and “I’m just quirky and different” very clingy.

Good story

Story did start to drag on a little and could have been shortened somewhat.

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.

Highly recommend!

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

amazing

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

You are wanted - loved holding up the universe

I loved this book, so easy to listen to, heartwrenching but at the same time feelgood. I laughed and cried at times, so many important messages in a great little story. I loved the characters and quite honestly will always wonder how they're doing I feel I know them. I guess we are them in ways.

LOVE THIS BOOK!

This book makes me feel so happy and warm love it! Definitely recommend to anyone

Cute teenage love

Cute and stunning story about a fat girl and boy with special needs falling in love. Well written, little bit predictable, but still adorable.
Perfect for teenagers (although I’m 27 and still reasonably liked it)

Enjoyed the story but the book kept skipping

Had to return in the end. I've never had a problem with any other audible book like this. It kept skipping and missing bits out

Surprisingly real

I didn't know what I was going to make of this one, but it was good. It was gritty, and real. The characters are complex, and three dimensional, and the little details make it. The relationship Jack has with his younger brother, Dusty, is one of my favourite things.

Just gorgeous.

Loved it. It took me a few days because it was my bedtime book of choice and I kept snoozing, but it's a beautiful story, well narrated.. A proper heart warmer.

Holding up the universe

My first impression was that the female narrator was to cherry and a little bit squeaky but as it went on it was fine and I actually think it suits the character well. Overall it was very enjoyable and easy going although at times I felt like it needed a little more excitement, I love the way Jennifer Niven always has unique characters never have I ever come across a book with a character who has face blindness it definitely shines a light onto the challenges that come with the disorder, also the way that Libby Strout was overweight and how Jack always had to search deeper into someone and how he doesn’t obviously judge a book by the cover as he can’t. Overall I love the characters and book just felt like it was a bit slow at times.