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.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

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

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

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.

7 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

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.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

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.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

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.

A shallow exploration of characters with potential

To preface, I am a fat person.

If you like fluff without much substance, I think you'll like this book.

I had high expectations for this book. I was excited for the premise. I was excited to read a story about a young girl who doesn't fit into society's standards of beauty, who was traumatized by public exposure and shaming while she was at her lowest, and finding love and self-acceptance regardless. But that girl doesn't exist.

Our main character Libby's positivity is so forced. Right from the get-go she is self-assured. Sometimes she brings up how bad her past was. Sometimes she reacts poorly in scenarios where any average person would be embarrassed or uncomfortable. There is hardly any of the "fat experience" in this book. Six hours in and not a single relatable moment from the main character. Her fatness isn't part of her character at all, and that's not a positive thing. Fat people's fatness is a part of who they are. A character like Libby should struggle and overcome in this book. Her characterization is a flat line.

Our other main, Jack, of course falls for Libby. (Conceptually it's already a little icky that the only person who seems to be attracted to Libby is one that can't recognize faces. Seems a little backwards for a book that is supposed to be empowering.) But there's no build up. There's no insight into how he feels about her body. Is he attracted to her? Is he disgusted by her physically at first but learns that this part of her isn't important? Who knows? He just goes from someone who is aware of her, then suddenly finds himself wanting to kiss her. That's it.

I tried to be very patient with this book but I opted for a refund after trudging through most of it. This is not an empowering love story. This is fake fat-positivity at its finest.