A New York Times Bestseller From 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
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About the author
Jennifer Niven
Author
Jennifer Niven is a New York Times and international best selling American author who is best known for the 2015 young adult book All the Bright Places.
Holding Up the Universe
by Jennifer Niven
Books Like Holding Up the Universe
If you're looking for books similar to Holding Up the Universe, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
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A powerful novel about identity, social justice, and personal empowerment. The protagonist, Starr, navigates complex social dynamics and personal challenges, similar to the characters in 'Holding Up the Universe'. The book offers a profound exploration of individual experience and societal expectations. It emphasizes the importance of finding one's voice and standing up for oneself.
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A poignant story about two teenagers navigating love while facing significant personal challenges. Like 'Holding Up the Universe', it features complex characters who defy stereotypes and find deep connection despite their struggles. The novel explores themes of identity, resilience, and the transformative power of human relationships. It offers an emotionally rich narrative about seeing beyond surface appearances.
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A beautifully written novel about two teenagers forming a deep, transformative friendship. Similar to 'Holding Up the Universe', it explores personal identity and meaningful connection. The book offers a nuanced portrayal of adolescent experiences and emotional growth. It emphasizes the power of understanding and accepting oneself and others.
All the Bright Places
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Another powerful young adult novel by the same author that explores mental health and complex teenage relationships. The story follows Violet and Finch, two troubled teens who meet and form an unexpected connection. Like 'Holding Up the Universe', it delves into personal struggles, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of human connection. The book tackles difficult themes with sensitivity and emotional depth.
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A moving story about a boy with a facial difference navigating school and social challenges. Like 'Holding Up the Universe', it explores themes of acceptance, empathy, and seeing beyond physical appearances. The novel offers a compassionate portrayal of difference and human connection. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and kindness.
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A powerful coming-of-age story about a Native American teenager navigating identity and social challenges. Like Libby in 'Holding Up the Universe', the protagonist faces societal judgments and struggles with self-acceptance. The novel combines humor and serious themes, offering an honest portrayal of adolescent experiences. It explores resilience, personal growth, and finding one's place in the world.
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A contemporary young adult novel about a teenager navigating identity and acceptance. Like 'Holding Up the Universe', it explores personal struggles and the importance of being seen for who you truly are. The story combines humor, heart, and meaningful character development. It offers a nuanced exploration of self-discovery and authentic connection.
Eleanor & Park
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A tender love story about two misfit teenagers who find solace in each other. Set in the 1980s, it explores themes of body image, social acceptance, and first love. The protagonists struggle with personal challenges and societal expectations, similar to Libby and Jack's journey. The novel offers a heartfelt exploration of young love and self-discovery.
Dumplin'
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A body-positive novel about a plus-size teenager challenging beauty standards. The protagonist, Willowdean, embraces her body and enters a beauty pageant, challenging societal expectations. Similar to 'Holding Up the Universe', the book celebrates self-acceptance and personal empowerment. It offers a heartwarming story about confidence, friendship, and challenging stereotypes.
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A contemporary love story about connection and fate. Like 'Holding Up the Universe', it explores how unexpected encounters can profoundly change lives. The novel combines romance with deeper explorations of identity and personal journey. It offers a hopeful narrative about human connection and understanding.
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A unique novel about identity and connection that explores seeing beyond physical appearances. The protagonist, A, wakes up in a different body each day, learning to understand people beyond their external characteristics. Similar to 'Holding Up the Universe', the book challenges perceptions and emphasizes empathy and understanding. It offers a profound exploration of what truly defines a person.
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A unique coming-of-age story about friendship and personal growth. Similar to 'Holding Up the Universe', it offers a nuanced exploration of teenage experiences. The novel combines humor and serious themes, challenging typical young adult narrative expectations. It provides an honest, sometimes uncomfortable look at adolescent relationships and self-discovery.
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