The Universe Is Expanding and So Am I

February 26, 2018
Virginia Shreves is back in Mackler’s sequel to her award-winning 2003 novel, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things. She’s still worried about her weight, still worried about boys and finding love, but most of all worried because her brother, Byron, has just been arrested. Mackler infuses momentum into Virginia’s story by returning to the alleged sexual assault Byron committed at Columbia, for which he faces trial and possible jail time. Virginia must parse her feelings about her brother and what he did (or may not have done)—not an easy subject, but one that Mackler handles with sensitivity and complexity. Meanwhile, Virginia resists getting her driver’s license and embarks on a secret romance with the brother of the woman who accused Byron of rape. Though a sense of impending doom looms over their new relationship because of the circumstances, the tension doesn’t lead to predictable conflict. Mackler provides Virginia with plenty of opportunity for growth as she navigates romance, family difficulties, and relatable struggles with self-image. A thoughtful and engaging read. Ages 14–up. Agent: Tina P. Schwartz, the Purcell Agency.

March 1, 2018

Gr 8 Up-Virginia Shreves is back in the sequel to The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things. Initially, not much has changed-she and Froggy are still hot and heavy, the drama of Byron's rape charge seems to be going away, and her relationship with her parents remains tense. She misses Shannon who has moved to Spokane, but she and Alyssa have developed a friendship. The status quo changes quickly. Her feelings for Froggy have changed and she really does not want to continue their relationship. The girl Byron raped has pressed charges against him, his future is at stake, and Virginia's parents keep trying to present a perfect family facade to the world. Virginia's new crush just happens to be the brother of the girl Byron raped. Life has become complicated and uncomfortable, and Virginia finds herself unsure of what to do about all of the issues surrounding her. She continues to be a well-rounded and maturing protagonist although the same cannot be said for most of the other characters. The plot, while continuing to elaborate on events from the previous volume, gives enough background that familiarity with the first book is not necessary for enjoyment and understanding. As Virginia struggles to find herself and make the right decisions, she and the universe are truly expanding. VERDICT A welcome read for those who loved the first book, but also strong and enjoyable enough to stand alone.-Janet Hilbun, University of North Texas, Denton

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2018
A New Yorker grapples with mixed loyalties.Readers met Virginia Shreves in The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things (2003). One semester on, the 16-year-old, who attends an expensive private school, has dyed her hair purple and green and wears brightly-colored bras. She's trying to reconcile her list of rules entitled "How To Make Sure Skinny Girls Aren't the Only Ones Who Have Boyfriends"--a personal campaign--with no longer having feelings for her boyfriend, Froggy. Then Annie Mills, a young woman Virginia's 20-year-old brother raped last fall, unexpectedly presses charges. Byron, the brother she once idolized, now faces prison. Coincidentally, Sebastian, the dreamy blond boy Virginia meets at a bagel shop, turns out to be Annie's 17-year-old brother. Despite Annie's adamant discomfort with Virginia and Sebastian's connection, their relationship ultimately brings solace to Annie's mother. Annie's feelings on the matter are sacrificed, making the otherwise-delicious romance harder to root for. Virginia's challenges are her family--cold, controlling, and image-obsessed--and her own body image, which she triumphantly levels up, though eschewing the term "fat" in favor of "curvaceous chick." Her secondary romance is Manhattan, detailed and buzzing, though whiter than is realistic; Chinatown and its inhabitants are exoticized and presented as foreign. The Mills and Shreves families are white.Well-written humor and fizzy romance wrapped in an uneasy plot. (Fiction. 14-16)

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