Holding Up the Universe

by Jennifer Niven

[Sam@WLABB]

I was really touched by this book. You could tell how personally invested in this story Niven was from the way the story hits you right in the feels. I was originally worried that this book would gut me the way All the Bright Places did. Note: I asked Niven at BEA how sad it was on a scale of 1 to ATBP, and she said a 7. However, I found myself not shedding tears of devastation, but rather, tears of joy and happiness.

This story is told in alternating POVs from Libby, formerly America's fattest teen, and Jack, who secretly struggles with a neurological disorder. These characters are both very well developed, and have so many wonderful layers. It was a privilege to get to know both of them, and to be part of their world for the short time it took me to read this book.

For me, Libby was the standout character. She had suffered personal losses, verbal and written attacks, but she made a decision to still get out there in the world, and experience everything. She did not wallow in self pity (only a little), and she reluctantly accepted her "job" as the one to teach people kindness and empathy. And Jack, he can see her, like really see down through her flesh to the depths of her beautiful heart and soul. I really got a full picture of this wonderful character by reading her thoughts and actions, but also by the way she is described by other characters, especially Jack.

Jack was so complicated. He wanted to be a better person. He was a better person, but he often made poor choices to cover for his disorder. This caused many complications in his life. I have heard of prosopagnosia (face blindness), but never knew anyone who had it. I thought Niven did a good job educating the reader, and I always appreciate walking away from a book having learned a little something. One thing I really loved about Jack was his relationship with his little brother. He took his role as the big brother quite seriously, and you could see that in his interactions with Dusty. He wanted to be better, to be a role model, but he also admitted when he failed or was wrong, and that was important too.

I really appreciated a lot of the not-in-your-face social commentary, because I agree with many of the observations. The way people felt they had a right to send rude and cruel missives to Libby after she had to be removed from her home or how they had the right to condemn her father as a poor parent. The way people often see bullying and either stand by and watch or join in. But there are also some people out there like Libby, who will assert their right to say that they matter, they are wanted, they are loved. There is a line in there from one of the most unlikely characters about how we all are a little messed up in some way, but that's ok.

I am happy a book like this exists. It joins a list of books I think are wonderful, and I wish existed when I was younger. I am disappointed that people passed judgement on this book without reading it, because I know Niven's words with resonate with many readers, and may be important to many readers. Thank you Jennifer Niven for another very special and heartfelt book (and for no soul crushing deaths.)