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A review by bookswitheleni
The Universe Is Expanding and So Am I by Carolyn Mackler
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I didn’t realise ‘The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big around Things’ was published in 2003, which explains some of the outdated themes.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I didn’t realise ‘The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big around Things’ was published in 2003, which explains some of the outdated themes.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.