Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven is a fictional story that brings together two struggling teens. The book is in the alternating perspective of Jack Masselin and Libby Strout as they both navigate how to live life and ultimately how to love each other.
Libby’s mom died from a tragic car accident years ago, and the grief spiraled Libby into a horrible eating disorder. For years she stayed in her house, locked away, until she was ultimately airlifted out of her home. After months of intense therapy, Libby was finally healthy enough and conjured up the courage to continue in-person highschool. As the fattest girl in school, she is extremely self conscious and afraid of what will happen.
Jack Masselin hangs out with the right crowd, has the prettiest girlfriend, and his life seems amazing. However, he reveals that not everything is the way it seems. Jack has face blindness, or prosopagnosia, which means he does not remember anyone’s face. In his own home, let alone high school, he struggles everyday to make sure he doesn’t mess up. But he has not found the courage to tell his parents who are on the brink of divorce.
As the story progresses, and the pair meet for the first time, readers see that they are not as different as they might seem. Actually, Libby and Jack met in an unfortunate circumstance, when Jack’s friend dared him to jump and hold on to “the fat girl” for as long as he could. Desperate to at least fit in, Jack completed the dare, but not without writing an apology letter before.
When the principle requires them to complete community service together, Jack and Libby are forced to be with each other often. Intense emotions grow between them, and they begin to understand each other on a deeper level. Libby assists Jack in navigating his diagnosis and Jack allows Libby to embrace her body.
Readers get to understand the complex personal lives of each narrator, and the struggles they face each day, while enjoying a cute love story that heals Libby and Jack. Holding Up the Universe is a novel that highlights that not everyone is what they seem like. The love story between Jack and Libby is one that defies the norms of society but teaches readers that you must give everyone a chance.
I personally gave this book a 4 star rating. Niven was able to create a thought-provoking novel that deals with self-worth, body image, and the complexities of relationships. The character development of both Libby and Jack is strong, and both journeys are inspiring to readers. While the growth of each character contributes widely to the overall theme, the romance between the 2 is a chance for moments of sweetness and humor. Though the love story follows a traditional trope, it is a part of their growth. Holding Up the Universe offers a story that carries a meaningful message: everyone is worthy of acceptance, respect, and love.
