Analysis Of Holding Up The Universe By Jennifer Niven

High school can be tough, but when people add traumatic events, life changing situations, and judgemental teenagers to the mix it can get worse. The world may seem like it’s ending, but it's important to remember that this is only a small portion of life. Not only like, but the world. The key to getting through high school is close and important friends. In the novel Holding Up The Universe by Jennifer Niven, the author tells the reader that trust is not given, but earned.
There are many contributing factors for high schoolers struggling. The peer pressure for one, may lead to a traumatic event of another. This can alter life immensely. Traumatic events can shape people's personalities and how they’ll respond to situations for the rest of

their lives. Even though those being bullied feel small and powerless, it’s important to remember “that the people who are most afraid are the ones who hide behind mean and threatening words” (123).1 After people go through struggles they can be tempted to seek revenge. This is demonstrated when Jack gets angry for hurting Libby. She wisley reminds him though that “If you’re not careful you’re going to run into someone angrier than you” (170). But even though peer pressure caused Jack to hurt and humiliate Libby so badly, she wasn’t going to let Jack take all the blame, “[Jack] you don’t get to be the villain and the hero” (93). Deep inside Libby knows that she still has dignity and won’t let Jack have all the satisfaction.
After experiencing events that change lives it seems hard to begin again, but starting over is key to experiencing trust and love.

Although it may seem simple. The process is not just cutting toxic people out of a life. It is a thorough and tasking process. As with any experience there are people that need to come along for the process of starting over. Those who are starting to resurrect their old lives can struggle if another person is bringing them down. As Libby is trying to regain her confidence in herself she reminds the readers that, “We can’t fight another person's battle no matter how much we want to “ (64). As Libby goes through trials of betrayal from Jack. Libby is tempted with depression and anxiety, but she knows the true meaning of ife and sensibly states, “you can’t stop living” (95). Libby is a prime example of someone who has gone through trials and can overcome them with perseverance and strength. She learns that there is a purpose to everything she

experiences.
It seemed that even as Libby was restarting what she knew to be her life, there were still things that came about and made the process more of a struggle than need be.

When Jack thought that his past actions defined him he tried to leave Libby. Their relationship had only been getting stronger and he simply turned his head from her at one point, “If you walk away [Jack] don’t come back. You don’t get to do that and come back” (175). Even though Libby said she wouldn’t let him back into her life she still did, because she knew love had a grip on her heart and that it meant much more to her than holding a grudge. As time progresses Jack is still insecure about his and Libby’s relationship and can’t imagine that she actually cares about him, “You deserve to be seen” (225). Jack says this to Libby because he doesn’t want her weight to define her. He believes that her personality should be what people remember her for. Not her weight. Jack is worried that he can’t provide the security, love, and trust that most people, including Libby desire. He learns though that not only do your looks not define you, neither does your

past.
Looking back on life it is important to remember that the fleeting years of high school will not define the person that may become of those who complete the school. They will rather strengthen an individual and make allow the mistakes of ignorance to come out in a much less weighty environment. Those who allow growth and faults to shine in the younger years of life will experience great friendships, recovery, love and trust. Of course you can’t get these joyus things without the less great things such as, traumatic events, peer pressure, and betrayal. In the end keep the thought in mind that, it’s not what is done or happens, it’s the reaction and response that will shape a life.