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A review by ericarobyn
The Universe Is Expanding and So Am I by Carolyn Mackler
5.0
The Universe Is Expanding and So Am I by Carolyn Mackler is the follow up novel to one of my all time favorites, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things.
When I heard that this book was coming out, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! Of course I had to do a quick reread of the first book before diving in to this one.
I'll admit it, my expectations were very high. And I'm so glad to say that this book did not disappoint!
I LOVE that this one picks up in a similar fashion as the first book.
First sentence of the first book: Froggy Welsh the Forth is trying to get up my shirt.
First sentence of the second book: Froggy Welsh the Forth is trying to get inside my jeans.
Yet again, I have to say that the relationship between Virginia and Froggy was very realistic. What Virginia went through when "falling out of like" was so spot on with how I felt with my first boyfriend it's not even funny... Complete with going a bit quiet and not knowing how to break up with someone for the first time ever.
This book was a wonderful follow up, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone! In the first few chapters, the author does a great job reminding the reader what happened in the previous book, but in a way that could be read with fresh eyes without straying into info-dumping.
I can see why some people struggle with this book. I'm on the side of the divide that absolutely loves it because of how real and raw it was. The main character was so relatable and so realistic. When she was being negative, or having trouble coping with something, it reminded me so much of myself when I was a teenager.
There are some situations that will get your blood boiling, some things make you feel irritated, but there is also a lot of really lovely and heartwarming scenes. I was so happy to see some great things happen in Virginia's life, and with each one, I just wanted to stand up and cheer for her!
And Sebastian! I LOVED his character! It was so refreshing to see someone like him; he was so calm, openminded, and understanding. There was a scene outside of Magnolia's Bakery that made me tear up because of how sweet he was.
My only irk is pretty slight. There were just a few sentences that ended really abruptly, like they were missing a few words. One example was during a conversation, “...I’ve said to remember us little people when." When, what?
My favorite passages:
Mountains of doubt followed by valleys of justification.
It’s hard to imagine that the world is still turning when mine has been shaken upside down.
My final thoughts:
I'm so very happy that we finally got to see what happened next in the life of Virgina Shreves. While I would be happy with the story ending here, I would be equally happy to read more! I would just love to see what happens next.
When I heard that this book was coming out, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! Of course I had to do a quick reread of the first book before diving in to this one.
I'll admit it, my expectations were very high. And I'm so glad to say that this book did not disappoint!
I LOVE that this one picks up in a similar fashion as the first book.
First sentence of the first book: Froggy Welsh the Forth is trying to get up my shirt.
First sentence of the second book: Froggy Welsh the Forth is trying to get inside my jeans.
Yet again, I have to say that the relationship between Virginia and Froggy was very realistic. What Virginia went through when "falling out of like" was so spot on with how I felt with my first boyfriend it's not even funny... Complete with going a bit quiet and not knowing how to break up with someone for the first time ever.
This book was a wonderful follow up, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone! In the first few chapters, the author does a great job reminding the reader what happened in the previous book, but in a way that could be read with fresh eyes without straying into info-dumping.
I can see why some people struggle with this book. I'm on the side of the divide that absolutely loves it because of how real and raw it was. The main character was so relatable and so realistic. When she was being negative, or having trouble coping with something, it reminded me so much of myself when I was a teenager.
There are some situations that will get your blood boiling, some things make you feel irritated, but there is also a lot of really lovely and heartwarming scenes. I was so happy to see some great things happen in Virginia's life, and with each one, I just wanted to stand up and cheer for her!
And Sebastian! I LOVED his character! It was so refreshing to see someone like him; he was so calm, openminded, and understanding. There was a scene outside of Magnolia's Bakery that made me tear up because of how sweet he was.
My only irk is pretty slight. There were just a few sentences that ended really abruptly, like they were missing a few words. One example was during a conversation, “...I’ve said to remember us little people when." When, what?
My favorite passages:
Mountains of doubt followed by valleys of justification.
It’s hard to imagine that the world is still turning when mine has been shaken upside down.
My final thoughts:
I'm so very happy that we finally got to see what happened next in the life of Virgina Shreves. While I would be happy with the story ending here, I would be equally happy to read more! I would just love to see what happens next.