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 MagazineJourney into the captivating world of "Holding Up the Universe," a compelling novel by Jennifer Niven that explores the complexities of teen relationships, mental health, and the transformative power of friendship and love.
Dive into the story of Libby Strout, a witty and intelligent teen grappling with the aftermath of a tragic accident that left her with a physical disability. Libby navigates her high school life, facing challenges and insecurities while simultaneously discovering her own strength and resilience.
As Libby's path intertwines with Jack Masselin, a popular football player with a troubled past, their lives take an unexpected turn. Despite their differences, they find solace and understanding in each other, forming an unbreakable bond that transcends societal expectations and stereotypes.
Through Libby and Jack's eyes, readers embark on an emotional journey filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments. Niven masterfully delves into the depths of teenage angst, mental health struggles, and the search for self-acceptance in a world that often fails to understand.
"Holding Up the Universe" is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit. It's a story that stays with readers long after they finish the last page, inspiring them to embrace their own uniqueness and find beauty in life's imperfections.
