Review ~ “Holding Up the Universe” by Jennifer Niven

Star Rating ~ 2/5

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Synopsis

“Holding Up the Universe” by Jennifer Niven tells the story of Libby, an overweight teenager who is returning to public school for the first time in five years. We also follow Rhys, a popular boy, silently suffering with prosopagnosia, a condition where he cannot recognize faces, not even his own. As they both try to negotiate high school, a cruel prank brings them together and both of their lives are changed forever.

Trigger Warnings ~ Bullying and Mental Health

What I like about “Holding Up the Universe”

I liked that the book covered an already difficult social situation and added in the difficulties of body image and mental health. It was interesting to look at a relatively unknown condition (to me at least) and it’s always great to bring them forward to raise awareness.

What I disliked about “Holding Up the Universe”

Although it’s great to highlight different conditions, there has to be a reason for them. It felt a bit like Rhys’ condition was there just so the author could add an extra layer of awkwardness to his year. It didn’t add anything or change anything. It’s sort of implied that with this condition, Rhys is realising what a jerk he has been and that his friends are jerks too, as if the prosopagnosia has made him realise this. However, it’s also implied that he’s had this condition since he was about six…so…he was a jerk even WITH the prosopagnosia…so, what is the point of giving him this condition? He was a jerk with it, now he’s not wanting to be a jerk. Does that make sense? I wasn’t really keen on the romance of it either, as it felt very forced. It was very sudden and didn’t make a lot of sense and I actually think it would have been better if Libby and Rhys just became really good friends.

Overall Thoughts on “Holding Up the Universe”

I gave “Holding Up the Universe” 2 stars. I liked that it brought brought awareness to this condition, though I feel it was for the wrong reasons. The romance was a bit unnecessary and there was no reason that the end goal of these characters couldn’t be a strong, solid friendship.

You can grab a copy of “Holding Up the Universe” here

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