A New York Times BestsellerFrom 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."
Niven is adept at creating characters. . . . [Libby's] courage and body-positivity make for
a joyful reading experience."
--The New York Times“
Holding Up the Universe . . . taps into the universal need to be understood. To be wanted. And
that’s what makes it such a remarkable read.”
—TeenVogue.com, “Why New Book
Holding Up the Universe Is the Next
The Fault in Our Stars”"Want a love story that will give you all the feels? . . . You'll seriously melt!" —Seventeen Magazine"Holding Up the Universe" by Jennifer Niven
In the captivating novel "Holding Up the Universe" by Jennifer Niven, Libby Strout and Jack Masselin, two seemingly different individuals, find their lives unexpectedly intertwined. Libby, a self-proclaimed wallflower, is struggling with the weight of her family's secrets and her own insecurities. Jack, an enigmatic and charming athlete, is grappling with his own demons. When Libby and Jack's paths cross, their lives take an unexpected turn.
Libby's world is turned upside down when her younger brother is killed in a tragic accident. As she tries to navigate her grief and the aftermath, she finds solace in an unlikely friendship with Jack. Their bond deepens as they learn to rely on each other, sharing their secrets and vulnerabilities. Jack's presence in Libby's life challenges her to step outside her comfort zone and embrace new experiences.
As their friendship blossoms, Libby and Jack discover a connection that goes beyond their shared pain. They find solace in each other's company, and their feelings for one another begin to grow. However, their relationship is not without its obstacles. Both Libby and Jack carry emotional baggage from their pasts, and they must confront their own fears and insecurities before they can fully embrace their love for each other.
"Holding Up the Universe" is a poignant and heartwarming story about love, loss, and the power of human connection. Jennifer Niven paints a vivid and realistic portrait of the complexities of adolescence, exploring themes of grief, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. With its unforgettable characters and emotionally charged narrative, "Holding Up the Universe" is a must-read for fans of contemporary young adult fiction.
