Random House Children's Books
Holding Up the Universe
Holding Up the Universe
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                        ABOUT
                      
                    From the author of the New York Times bestseller All the Bright Places comes a heart-wrenching story about what it means to see someone—and love someone—for who they truly are.
Everyone thinks they know Libby Strout, the girl once dubbed “America’s Fattest Teen.” But no one’s taken the time to look past her weight to get to know who she really is. Following her mom’s death, she’s been picking up the pieces in the privacy of her home, dealing with her heartbroken father and her own grief. Now, Libby’s ready: for high school, for new friends, for love, and for EVERY POSSIBILITY LIFE HAS TO OFFER. In that moment, I know the part I want to play here at MVB High. I want to be the girl who can do anything.
Everyone thinks they know Jack Masselin, too. Yes, he’s got swagger, but he’s also mastered the impossible art of giving people what they want, of fitting in. What no one knows is that Jack has a newly acquired secret: he can’t recognize faces. Even his own brothers are strangers to him. He’s the guy who can re-engineer and rebuild anything in new and bad-ass ways, but he can’t understand what’s going on with the inner workings of his brain. So he tells himself to play it cool: Be charming. Be hilarious. Don’t get too close to anyone.
Until he meets Libby. When the two get tangled up in a cruel high school game—which lands them in group counseling and community service—Libby and Jack are both pissed, and then surprised. Because the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel. . . . Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world, theirs and yours.
Jennifer Niven delivers another poignant, exhilarating love story about finding that person who sees you for who you are—and seeing them right back.
"Niven is adept at creating characters. . . . [Libby's] courage and body-positivity make for a joyful reading experience." --The New York Times
“Holding Up the Universe . . . taps into the universal need to be understood. To be wanted. And that’s what makes it such a remarkable read.” —TeenVogue.com, “Why New Book Holding Up the Universe Is the Next The Fault in Our Stars”
"Want a love story that will give you all the feels? . . . You'll seriously melt!" —Seventeen Magazine
                      
                      
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                        STANDARD, PRIMARY, DM AND VARIANT COVERS
                      
                    Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.
In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.
The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.
                      
                      
                        PRODUCT TYPES
                      
                    Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories. 
Here's a brief overview of the main types:
Omnibus
- Large, hardcover collections
 - Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
 - Typically 800-1000+ pages
 - Higher price point, often €100-€150
 
Oversized Hardcover (OHC)
- Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
 - Collect shorter runs or story arcs
 - Usually 300-600 pages
 - Priced between €30-€50
 
Hardcover (HC)
- Standard-sized hardcover books
 - Collect 6-12 issues typically
 - Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
 - Priced around €25-€35
 
Trade Paperback (TP)
- Softcover collections
 - Standard comic book size
 - Usually collect 4-6 issues
 - Most affordable option, typically €15-€25
 
Other Formats
- Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
 - Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
 - Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues
 
The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs