You can basically sum up Holding Up The Universe in six simple words: You are wanted. You are loved. 
 First, I want to point things out about representation. Holding Up The Universe connected with me in a deep level because I felt that girls in my size were well-represented. I know that it is not an issue of who is thin and who is not. Who was bullied and who was not. We all want to be represented, no matter what size we are. Holding Up The Universe did representation justice. How? Through it's second aspect. 
 Second, the characters gave the book it's life. It was the characters that gave this book a direction and a path to move forward to. We have Jack Masselin and Libby Strout, who both have incredible differences. But through those differences, they managed to create a special bond that gave them the courage to be themselves and find each other through the process. They also show how they can be each other's support in going through the hard part of their lives. 
 Now truth be told, I have never been emotionally attached to a female character this way. I don't feel it, I know it. Libby Strout is the perfect voice for anyone who has ever had a hard time. Libby shines like a true diamond, and she makes other people feel the same. That they are wanted and loved. She makes it all better, and reading her experience will make you feel for her. I could go on all day about how awesome of a character she is, but we don't have that, don't we? But in the end, it all comes down to how she will create an impact on you. 
 Jack Masselin is another case. It's like how I feel about Libby. In this case though, it is the best to say that I love how Jack grew in the story. It is hard to cope up with a disease that you don't know what to do about. Thanks to Libby, he learned to embrace the present and know what it really means to be with the one you love. He's got swagger, yes. But underneath all that, Jack is your family guy. The relationship between him and his younger brother is the nicest sibling relationship that I have read in a while. It is also nice to showcase the things that the older sibling is willing to do for the younger one. One word: Legos. 
 Third, the family and friends. They are one of the loveliest people and it proves how family and friends are always there for you. It's not about being alone, and that there is someone who cares. Libby's dad is the real MVP for being the best dad ever, and as I mentioned earlier, Jack and his little brother. Shoutout to Libby's wonderful friends who are equally beautiful like her. Sometimes I wish they had their own story written as well, but if it's for another day I will gladly take it. 
 Holding Up The Universe is the kind of book that will make you cry, but in a good way. It will make you feel that you are wanted and loved, no matter who you are. All you have to do is to accept what you are. This books deserves all of the love and support because it truly shines as a one-of-a-kind book that will make you feel good about yourself. Go ahead and treat yourself. You deserve a book that will give you all of the best feelings in the world.