“Holding Up the Universe” by Jennifer Niven is the story about Libby, who was once voted “America’s fattest teen”. Jack Masselin, who has a mental disorder that makes it impossible for him to recognize faces. Even his family are strangers to him.

They meet, they fall in love, and you know the rest, but this is more than a simple love story. It’s about how everyone deserves a place in this world, and to love and get love in return no matter the struggles you face in your life.

Can you imagine not being able to recognize anyone ever? Not even your family or friends. Every time when you see them, you see a stranger’s face. Every time when you ever walk in a room is always a room full of strangers.

That’s what Jack’s live within the novel Holding Up the Universe, a condition called prosopagnosia. There is also another character Libby lives with a burden of being America’s fattest teen. All over the country she was hated by people and who made sure she knew that by sending her hate mails.

Both characters are struggling with their inner demons. They also end up working together at a community service because of some school prank. The more they spend time together the more the feel less lonely.

The author has addressed a lot of issues faced by teenagers at school like bullying, body shaming and also the psychological damage all of this does.

Overall, a great book for teenagers, would definitely recommend it.