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thisgrrlreads's review
4.0
I remember loving The Earth, My Butt and Other Round Things, though to be honest, I didn't remember what happened. Mackler does a great job getting us back into Virginia's story of her body and her family. I had completely forgotten anything about her brother and the date rape at Columbia that has continued to cause trouble in the family. In this book, Virginia grows up and starts to forge her own path, in spite of--or maybe even because of--her brother's behavior and the way her family treats the situation. We also get to meet her older sister Anais for a little bit, as she comes home from the Peace Corps and throws a wrench into everything.
I read this book in one sitting, in my backyard on a Saturday, and it was a real treat.
I read this book in one sitting, in my backyard on a Saturday, and it was a real treat.
evelyn14's review
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this e-arc
Check out my Review! http://evelynreads.com/review-the-universe-is-expanding-and-so-am-i/
Check out my Review! http://evelynreads.com/review-the-universe-is-expanding-and-so-am-i/
booksinthemountains's review
2.0
I liked revisiting Virginia Shreves, I reread the first one in preparation: big mistake. If you read this, read it as a stand-alone its probably better. Or read it without rereading the original. But just read one (I vote the first one) because its essentially the same story (there are differences but the growth that the characters showed in the first one seem completely disgarded) and there are inconsistencies in the second book. For example, the first one takes place in 2005 when it was published, TRL was still on. Now we are in 2018 and the Fates and the Furies and Americanah have been published and netflix is a thing. I hated that, but I guess the author wanted to give young teenage girls today their own Virginia Shreves, so whatever. The book also has some errors in connecting the two: Anais went to Dartmouth in the first book, she went to Brown in this one. It's just annoying because the first was fresh in my mind.
The best part of this was Virginia and her commentary, I also liked watching her really fall in love with someone and explain the concept of falling out of like.
It was an okay reading experience, it was disappointing because I wanted more.
The best part of this was Virginia and her commentary, I also liked watching her really fall in love with someone and explain the concept of falling out of like.
It was an okay reading experience, it was disappointing because I wanted more.
zombiezami's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I am glad that this sequel exists. I think I like it more than the previous book. It was very heartfelt and sweet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Body shaming
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Bullying, Sexual content, Eating disorder, Cursing, and Alcoholism
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Infidelity
per_fictionist's review
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.
jenception's review against another edition
4.0
I read the first Virginia book a few weeks ago when I saw that this sequel was being released. I thought it was wonderful and charming and made me feel very seen (though, luckily, as a Curvaceous Chick myself I have much more support from family and community). This follow up was so well done - I love that Mackler updated the world without breaking any of the continuity. The sexual assault plot line is explored with compassion and grace, though I did wish it was a little less wishy-washy at times. I'm so glad that Virginia found love - that even though it's complicated it's not confusing or fraught. It's absolutely what she deserved.
bookswitheleni's review
4.0
4
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first book, and so much more than I thought.
I didn’t realise ‘The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big around Things’ was published in 2003, which explains some of the outdated themes.
This book however addressed so many important topics in a much more relevant way than the first book, while also remaining cute and light.
Virginia was much more likeable in this book. The moody teenage angst was gone, and replaced with an awareness and acceptance of herself and her body. She embraced who she was and it was a much more enlightening and enjoyable perspective compared to the first book.
The family dynamic in this is so intricate in interesting. On one hand, Virginia loves her family, but she can see how utterly flawed and imperfect they are.
I found it very frustrating when her parents were in scenes as they really pissed me off, but I think that was the purpose of their roles. Additionally, Byron made me want to punch something, but I loved how Virginia approached his situation, and put the blame on him and his actions. There is no excuse for rape.
The romance element of this book was again, so much better than the first book. Sebastian was 10 000 better than Froggy Welsh the Forth. He was such a cutie and he was so genuine and caring. I also loved that him and Virginia hardly fought. While they did disagree, there were very few miscommunications or over-reactions.
One thing I didn’t really connect with in this book was Virginia’s age. In this instalment, she’s 16 and 3 months. I’m 16 and 5 months and I don’t think she cared the same age as me.
I couldn’t fathom running off with a boy and being so cam about it at this age. Although maybe that’s just me. Additionally, sometimes I felt she acted like a 10 year old, so it was a bit disconnected for me.
But overall, this book was such a pleasant surprise, and even if you didn’t love the first book, I’d highly recommend giving this one a go. Such a quick easy YA contemporary romance.
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first book, and so much more than I thought.
I didn’t realise ‘The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big around Things’ was published in 2003, which explains some of the outdated themes.
This book however addressed so many important topics in a much more relevant way than the first book, while also remaining cute and light.
Virginia was much more likeable in this book. The moody teenage angst was gone, and replaced with an awareness and acceptance of herself and her body. She embraced who she was and it was a much more enlightening and enjoyable perspective compared to the first book.
The family dynamic in this is so intricate in interesting. On one hand, Virginia loves her family, but she can see how utterly flawed and imperfect they are.
I found it very frustrating when her parents were in scenes as they really pissed me off, but I think that was the purpose of their roles. Additionally, Byron made me want to punch something, but I loved how Virginia approached his situation, and put the blame on him and his actions. There is no excuse for rape.
The romance element of this book was again, so much better than the first book. Sebastian was 10 000 better than Froggy Welsh the Forth. He was such a cutie and he was so genuine and caring. I also loved that him and Virginia hardly fought. While they did disagree, there were very few miscommunications or over-reactions.
One thing I didn’t really connect with in this book was Virginia’s age. In this instalment, she’s 16 and 3 months. I’m 16 and 5 months and I don’t think she cared the same age as me.
I couldn’t fathom running off with a boy and being so cam about it at this age. Although maybe that’s just me. Additionally, sometimes I felt she acted like a 10 year old, so it was a bit disconnected for me.
But overall, this book was such a pleasant surprise, and even if you didn’t love the first book, I’d highly recommend giving this one a go. Such a quick easy YA contemporary romance.
betweentheshelves's review
4.0
Virginia Shreeves is still trying to figure out how to deal with her brother's date rape charge and suspension from Columbia. Meeting Sebastian, a New York tourist/artist, helps a bit--and the two make a pact not to share their personal dramas. But hiding their personal lives starts to take a toll--one that might end their relationship forever.
Virginia's voice feels very realistic throughout the text, from her insecurities to her nerdy love of popular culture. She constantly feels like she doesn't fit in, with her classmates and her own family. Her story is one of triumph, finally finding her voice and that she fits into her family in ways that she never though possible. Virginia's, and her family's, growth within this book is what makes the story most appealing.
Though the romance at the core of the story feels a bit fairy tale-esque, readers will get swept up in the New York adventures that Virginia and Sebastian have. They are scenes almost taken right out of a romantic comedy, which definitely will make this book a fun summer beach read.
Virginia's voice feels very realistic throughout the text, from her insecurities to her nerdy love of popular culture. She constantly feels like she doesn't fit in, with her classmates and her own family. Her story is one of triumph, finally finding her voice and that she fits into her family in ways that she never though possible. Virginia's, and her family's, growth within this book is what makes the story most appealing.
Though the romance at the core of the story feels a bit fairy tale-esque, readers will get swept up in the New York adventures that Virginia and Sebastian have. They are scenes almost taken right out of a romantic comedy, which definitely will make this book a fun summer beach read.
samwlabb's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed meeting Virginia in the previous book, and I was happy to see her grow and define herself even more in this book. But, I must confess, I almost feel like this book is a response to all those, who felt Byron wasn't punished enough in the last book, because once again, the family drama focused on him, and was a major plot point in this book. I think some readers will be happy that it was revisited, but I was most excited about the romance.
Virginia had that one awesome romantic at the very end of book one, but in this book, she has a full-on, wonderful, swoony romance. The problem was that it was sort of a forbidden romance, and let me tell you, it's quite a sticky situation. But I loved it! And adored the pairing and their dynamic. They were sweet and adorable and perfect together.
It was great to have Anias back with the rest of the Shreves clan. We didn't really get to know her in the first book, but I knew she was a big influence on Virginia. I don't think the Shreves family has worked through all their issues, but I thought they made some headway, and Virginia continued to find her voice and come into her own.
I was a little caught off by how open the ending was. I would be delighted to read more of Virginia's adventures, especially given the romantic possibility we were left with, but if you are looking for closure of any sort, there is none.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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Virginia had that one awesome romantic at the very end of book one, but in this book, she has a full-on, wonderful, swoony romance. The problem was that it was sort of a forbidden romance, and let me tell you, it's quite a sticky situation. But I loved it! And adored the pairing and their dynamic. They were sweet and adorable and perfect together.
It was great to have Anias back with the rest of the Shreves clan. We didn't really get to know her in the first book, but I knew she was a big influence on Virginia. I don't think the Shreves family has worked through all their issues, but I thought they made some headway, and Virginia continued to find her voice and come into her own.
I was a little caught off by how open the ending was. I would be delighted to read more of Virginia's adventures, especially given the romantic possibility we were left with, but if you are looking for closure of any sort, there is none.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
thereadinghobbit's review against another edition
5.0
When I got this book** I was so, so excited to be reading it, and it didn’t disappoint. The previous book, The Earth, My Butt and Other Big, Round Things, was a favorite of mine when I was a teenager, and honestly I still love it. Virginia is such a cool character who really learns how to become herself and do what she loves to do, not what her family wants her to do. To me it’s especially great because there are so few fat girls in YA literature who do not solve all their problems by losing weight, but decide to live their lives anyway even though the whole world seems against them sometimes. At fifteen it was an amazing role model to have and I wish that there were more of them.
I really love that Virginia gets another book develop as a person. Because the previous book always felt a little bit ‘unresolved’ to me. Her family never really got the chance to develop as people, but they do in The Universe! I especially liked how her parents (especially her mom) finally showed some actual character growth, and actually seemed to learn something new themselves this time. Especially concerning Byron and his ‘ordeal’.
Besides a lovely continuation of a wonderful story, it’s also just a really lovely book about (forbidden) romance, friendship, family and overcoming your own fears and prejudices. It’s a fast read, full of lovely details and I finished it within a day! The only thing that annoyed me was Mackler was ‘telling’ too much instead of showing, especially the background info, which was basically a summery of what happened int he previous book, spread throughout the first few chapters.
If you loved the previous book, you should definitely read this one too, and if you love contemporary YA you should definitely read both of them
I really love that Virginia gets another book develop as a person. Because the previous book always felt a little bit ‘unresolved’ to me. Her family never really got the chance to develop as people, but they do in The Universe! I especially liked how her parents (especially her mom) finally showed some actual character growth, and actually seemed to learn something new themselves this time. Especially concerning Byron and his ‘ordeal’.
Besides a lovely continuation of a wonderful story, it’s also just a really lovely book about (forbidden) romance, friendship, family and overcoming your own fears and prejudices. It’s a fast read, full of lovely details and I finished it within a day! The only thing that annoyed me was Mackler was ‘telling’ too much instead of showing, especially the background info, which was basically a summery of what happened int he previous book, spread throughout the first few chapters.
If you loved the previous book, you should definitely read this one too, and if you love contemporary YA you should definitely read both of them