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per_fictionist's review against another edition
5.0
am pretty sure the first question that pops up in your mind is that ," Can I read this book as a standalone?". And the answer to that is YES. Definitely YES.
The Universe Is Expanding and So Am I , is a sequel to the Virginia Shreves series by Carolyn Mackler and as I haven't read the first book " ", I didn't keep my expectations very high. And and and THE UNIVERSE IS EXPANDING made me rethink about picking up YA Contemporary books more often.
The protagonist Virginia also known as Gin is an overweight teenager who is struggling with her life. Being the youngest of the three siblings and having a perfect brother-sister elder duo doesn't make her life easier as she is constantly being pointed out of her imperfections and asked to up her game. The only solace she has is her boyfriend Froggy and her best friends Shannon and Alyssa.
But Virginia is left distraught when she feels that her relationship with Froggy isn't working out and she doesn't feel the same way for him like she used to. Apart from that her tenuous relationship with her family worsens when her brother Bryon is accused of a date-rape and the whole family has to face the consequences. However in all this tragedy, Virginia finds someone to hold on to? A hope in her otherwise gloomy world? But will she be able to fight her parents to be with him? Will it be worth it?
I absolutely adored Virginia as a fat rep. She has her good days and days when she undermines herself but she isn't one to give up. She finds her humor in the most wackiest and awkward situations and that is something positive about her. I personally was hoping the book would be light considering it is a YA, but I am so glad that the author has put to light some of the rare issues that get sidelined otherwise. Bryon who is to be absolutely loathed for his stupidity also has his own part. to tell and it was commendable how Carolyn gives us both the sides of the story.
Mackler, just takes the back seat and lets the story flow to the readers, without being judgmental and give us the story in an enjoyable manner.
The Universe Is Expanding and So Am I , is a sequel to the Virginia Shreves series by Carolyn Mackler and as I haven't read the first book " ", I didn't keep my expectations very high. And and and THE UNIVERSE IS EXPANDING made me rethink about picking up YA Contemporary books more often.
The protagonist Virginia also known as Gin is an overweight teenager who is struggling with her life. Being the youngest of the three siblings and having a perfect brother-sister elder duo doesn't make her life easier as she is constantly being pointed out of her imperfections and asked to up her game. The only solace she has is her boyfriend Froggy and her best friends Shannon and Alyssa.
But Virginia is left distraught when she feels that her relationship with Froggy isn't working out and she doesn't feel the same way for him like she used to. Apart from that her tenuous relationship with her family worsens when her brother Bryon is accused of a date-rape and the whole family has to face the consequences. However in all this tragedy, Virginia finds someone to hold on to? A hope in her otherwise gloomy world? But will she be able to fight her parents to be with him? Will it be worth it?
I absolutely adored Virginia as a fat rep. She has her good days and days when she undermines herself but she isn't one to give up. She finds her humor in the most wackiest and awkward situations and that is something positive about her. I personally was hoping the book would be light considering it is a YA, but I am so glad that the author has put to light some of the rare issues that get sidelined otherwise. Bryon who is to be absolutely loathed for his stupidity also has his own part. to tell and it was commendable how Carolyn gives us both the sides of the story.
Mackler, just takes the back seat and lets the story flow to the readers, without being judgmental and give us the story in an enjoyable manner.
mckinlay's review against another edition
Wow, that’s officially the fastest I’ve ever quit a book. I didn’t even finish the first chapter. Maybe thin people should just not write about what it’s like to be fat. Not all of us just sit around trying to figure out how to get a boyfriend. We certainly don’t do it simply so the skinny girls don’t snag em all. Like are you effing serious?
kawarwick's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed spending time with Virginia again. She’s come a long way and she’s going to be fine.
owls_rainbow's review against another edition
4.0
Ebook provided by NetGalley for review. Thank you.
Read Nov 18
Virginia is a fat character! She is fat and proud and confident when he family would make it so easy for her not to be. Heck none of the people around her seem to be particularly there for her over a difficult summer. Byron’s rape situation is handled fairly sensitively but there is a ‘money can fix anything’ kind of vibe around it.
I loved Anais and her “love is love is love” attitude, I wish her character could have been explored more. I loved Sebastian though! He was small and sweet, and he loved Virginia for who she was, curves and all! They had a great relationship. Overall sweet but short and there didn’t seem to be a clear ending.
Read Nov 18
Virginia is a fat character! She is fat and proud and confident when he family would make it so easy for her not to be. Heck none of the people around her seem to be particularly there for her over a difficult summer. Byron’s rape situation is handled fairly sensitively but there is a ‘money can fix anything’ kind of vibe around it.
I loved Anais and her “love is love is love” attitude, I wish her character could have been explored more. I loved Sebastian though! He was small and sweet, and he loved Virginia for who she was, curves and all! They had a great relationship. Overall sweet but short and there didn’t seem to be a clear ending.
linzer712's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting idea to have, among other subplots, the story of a college rape told from the rapist’s younger sister’s teenaged perspective as she’s trying to negotiate the resultant complexities and family drama, but this ya novel ultimately fell flat for me and just didn’t feel real. It was also really hard to read so much sympathy for a rapist. While well meaning, i ultimately don’t think this book sends a strong enough message that even if rapists are handsome and wealthy students at Ivy League colleges, they still deserve to be punished under the law like anyone else.
bertthelamb's review against another edition
4.0
I was surprised and thrilled to see this follow-up to one of my favorite books I read in high school. I reread “The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things” to prepare for this, and instantly understood why 15 years later the author would write a sequel set only 5 months later. The ways the first book deal with body image and sexual assault do not stand the test of time, and I really appreciate that this author wanted to address those issues. I enjoyed this book not only because I got to revisit one of my favorite characters and learn more about her, but also because its existence is a testament to how society has made some progress related to body positivity and response to rape.
sashreads's review against another edition
4.0
At the start Virginia was down on herself and I wasn't here for it. I loved her growth and acceptance of herself. I'm glad she is now eating in front of boys.
Sebastian is so adorable. He is such a big nerd and I hope they work out!
I'm glad that things escalated with Byron from the last book. I felt he got it too good but with everything that is happening it feels right that he should be punished more.
I received a review copy from Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.
Sebastian is so adorable. He is such a big nerd and I hope they work out!
I'm glad that things escalated with Byron from the last book. I felt he got it too good but with everything that is happening it feels right that he should be punished more.
I received a review copy from Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.
mwiedwald's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jennywithaz's review against another edition
YALSA #BFYA2019 nominee; read review here: http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2018/09/21/bfya2019-nominees-round-september-21-edition/