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Back to topThe Universe Is Expanding and So Am I (Paperback)
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Description
"[Mackler's] teens feel lived in to me--smart, observant, but realistic. . . Much to discuss here in the age of #MeToo." --Gabrielle Zevin, New York Times bestselling author
From Carolyn Mackler, author of the Printz Honor-winning The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, comes a story of what happens when "happily ever after" turns out to be less than perfect.
It's been five months since sixteen-year-old Virginia Shreves thought her life was finally back on course: she has come to terms with who she is both inside and out, and she's even started to rebuild her relationship with her older brother Byron, whose date-rape charge completely shattered everything.
But just as she's getting used to the new normal, Virginia's world turns upside down again. Sparks with boyfriend Froggy Welsh the Fourth fade, her best friend Shannon bombshells bad news, and then the police arrest Byron.
As Virginia struggles to cope, she meets Sebastian, an artist with his own baggage. The pair make a pact not to share their personal dramas. But secrets have a way of coming out, and theirs have the potential to ruin everything.
In this follow-up to the acclaimed The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, Carolyn Mackler brings Virginia's story satisfyingly full circle in a hope-filled tale of forgiveness, love, friendship, and the beauty in life's imperfections.
About the Author
Carolyn Mackler is the acclaimed author of the YA novels The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things (a Michael L. Printz Honor Book), Infinite in Between, Tangled, Guyaholic, Vegan Virgin Valentine, and Love and Other Four-Letter Words, as well as the co-author of The Future of Us. She also wrote the middle grade novel Best Friend Next Door. Carolyn lives in New York City with her husband and two sons.
carolynmackler.com
@carolynmackler
Praise For…
“Fans new and old will enjoy watching Virginia's journey towards self-acceptance in this well-timed, thoroughly enjoyable sequel.” —Booklist
“Well-written humor and fizzy romance.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A thoughtful and engaging read.” —Publishers Weekly
“A welcome read for those who loved the first book, but also strong and enjoyable enough to stand alone.” —School Library Journal
“The deft interweaving of romance and family drama makes this effective for fans of both genres, and the novel will satisfy both established fans of Virginia and newcomers.” —BCCB
“Virginia's . . . rejection of societal body norms and her intuition about 'fat shaming' are exceptional. . . [T]he novel earns high marks for tackling a contemporary issue well.” —VOYA
“In this long-overdue sequel to The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things (she's a title maven!), Mackler continues to tackle real-world problems--body issues, love issues, consent issues--without forgetting that real life can still be fun.” —Family Circle
“[Mackler's] teens feel lived in to me--smart, observant, but realistic in terms of their insecurities and limitations. I particularly appreciate the candid and non-judgmental way she depicts teen sensuality and female desire . . . Much to discuss here in the age of #metoo.” —Gabrielle Zevin, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY
“Carolyn Mackler is a remarkably astute observer of human frailties and hearts.” —E. Lockhart, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of WE WERE LIARS
“I loved this book. It's funny, sweet, and most of all, hopefully. It should be required reading for all girls, everywhere.” —Sarah Dessen, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author, on THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS
“Mackler writes with such insight and humor . . . that many readers will immediately identify.” —Booklist on THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS
“Worthy of applause.” —Publishers Weekly on THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS
“Readers will be rooting for Virginia all the way.” —Kirkus Reviews on THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS
“Virginia's story will interest readers who are looking for . . . teen angst, a bit of romance, and a kid who is a bit like them and their friends.” —SLJ on THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS
“Mackler keeps all five story lines clear, absorbing, and integral to the larger story of friendship, perseverance, and hope.” —Publishers Weekly on INFINITE IN BETWEEN
“Characters live, grow, and ultimately come of age in a beautifully constructed world.” —Kirkus Reviews on INFINITE IN BETWEEN
“A wonderfully written peek into adolescence gushing with relatability.” —School Library Journal on INFINITE IN BETWEEN
“The characters' insight, humor, and idiosyncrasies ring true.” —VOYA on INFINITE IN BETWEEN