Holding Up The Universe

Everyone thinks they know Libby Strout, but no one's ever looked past her weight to see who she really is. Since her mum's death, Libby's been hiding, but now she's ready for high school. 

I want to be the girl who can do anything.

Everyone thinks they know Jack Masselin too- sexy, aloof and too cool for school. But Jack's swaggering confidence is hiding a secret he must keep at all costs.

Be charming. Be hilarious. Don't get too close to anyone.

Then Jack meets Libby. And their worlds change. 

Because sometimes when you meet someone, the whole universe just comes into focus. - excerpt from book.

Holding Up The Universe from Jennifer Niven is a young adult contemporary story. Firstly I have to say the tile sounded serious where it somehow indicated to me that it's tough to carry burdens. Never judge a book by its title of course as in taking in its literal meaning. This book is about a girl with a struggle meeting a boy with a different struggle from very unlikely social circles. The struggles faced by both parties are somewhat unique especially the boy's. What drawn me to the book is the fact that the first book this author wrote gained many fans so I decided to give her another shot. I preferred this book more than the first because of those struggles.

The point of view was a swap between the two of them and I guess I'm used to this style of writing from her previous book so it wasn't amazing or anything. It's good to have two perspectives because we all view the world and our struggles differently. Taking into account of what the main characters are going through, it is quite realistic and also a slight eye opening effect on the boy's condition. Needless to say I've learnt something from this book.

The interaction between characters were quite good and I love how they react to other people's actions. I love the attitude of the girl and how she tries to overcome her struggles. The boy was just okay as I thought he would step up more but alas he did not meet my expectations. The plot of the book was mediocre, having some flashbacks were good while the twists were just minor shocking for me. The pace was slow at the start and it picked up halfway through. I had a hard time reading it at first but power through the middle and got my attention captured awhile.

I would not say this was a fantastic contemporary book as it did not make an impact for me. I did not cry or feel related to the characters. In the end, it felt like a book telling me about the problems of this world and I just learn a little bit about what could be the reactions of a teenager. If you loved the author's first book then I'm pretty sure you'll like this too but I wouldn't recommend this for those who wants your emotion drawn out.

The Boy is Back

Reed Steward thought he'd left all his small-town troubles - including a broken heart- behind when he ditched tiny Bloomville, Indiana, ten years ago to become rich abd famous on the professional golf circuit. Then one tiny post on the internet causes all those troubles to return... with a vengeance.

Becky Flowers has worked hard to build her successful senior-relocation business, but she's worked even harder to forget Reed Stewart ever existed. She has absolutely no intention of seeing him when he returns- until his family hires her to save his parents.

Now Reed and Becky can't avoid another- or the memories of that one fateful night. And soon everything they theought they knew about themselves (and each other) has been turned upside down, and they- and the entire town of Bloomville- might never be the same, all because The Boy Is Back. - except from book.

The Boy Is Back from Meg Cabot is a standalone book in the Boy series. I absolutely loved this book as it was so funny from start to end. I laughed out loud multiple times and have gotten weird glances those times. The format of the book is text messages, emails and etc which made it a breeze to read and it was quite refreshing for me. I noticed I quite like formats like these most of the time and that's because it's simple and straight to the point conversations. Sometimes I don't see the point of romance novels with too much descriptions, I love reading more on interactions or conversations between characters.

Whenever some event happens it's talked about in their conversations and it is so funny to read about because the reactions of the characters are reflected through it. How they handle the situation is also wonderfully projected in the conversations. I honestly think Meg Cabot is quite an expert when it comes to romance comedy, she will pull you in with the comedy and the romance subtlety at first and it just gets better and better.The plot of the book is smooth with some twists and turns that were interesting. It has page turning effect on you.

I would call this a quick read for sure as it's not too thick of a book but the entertainment value of it is just great. You'll not be disappointed if you love romcoms and I guarantee that if you're a Meg Cabot fan you'll love it even more. If you have not read anything from this author previously, I'm pretty sure this will hook you in, just be ready to laugh out loud in public.