Book Review: The Universe is Expanding and So Am I

4/5 stars!

CAUTION: SPOILERS AHEAD! This is the sequel to The earth, my butt and other big round things which I reviewed here. Carolyn has hinted that there will be a third book and I'm VERY excited.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Sexual violence, eating disorder, negative body image

We continue to follow Virginia, five months after the events, as she struggles internally with her body image and externally with "the ordeal" involving her brother. We know going into this book that Byron raped a girl when he was at college.

Virginia's parents are still the most frustrating people! They are sexist, pressurising, supporting their rapist son!! etc. However, I do like the fact that they are actually present in the main plot line because this doesn't happen all the time in YA.

Virginia meets a significant person who is connected to the plot and I didn't see the link coming. It is a forbidden romance because of the connection, however, we know Virginia is quite stubborn. Once she has set her mind on something, it's hard to change her. This is also true for her entire family. Also I didn't predict the ending and it definitely keeps it open for a third book!

I love the book references that Virginia shares with Sebastian. "I love the way the words complement the illustrations and the illustrations complement the words." (p.169)