Holding Up The Universe

Jack’s rejection has sent Libby into an emotional spiral. She goes to the local Walgreen’s to stock up on junk food for an apparent binge, but before she can check out, she starts to feel a panic attack coming on. She runs into the parking lot and passes out, which reminds her of the rescue incident three years ago. She gets herself up and returns home where she puts on her purple bikini and begins typing on her laptop.

Libby’s near-binge brings readers to the next section of the novel, titled “The Next Day.” Libby she attends her gym class’s first swimming session. Instead of wearing the school-regulated swimsuit, though, Libby walks into the Aquatic Center in her purple bikini and “I am wanted” written across her stomach in permanent marker. She climbs out of the pool and still clad in her bikini, Libby heads to the school’s main hallway where she stands in front of everyone. She and Iris start passing out sheets of paper printed with Libby’s “Treatise for the World” (424) that she has penned in response to her anonymous letter writer/harasser. Libby’s note explains that she is wanted—by her family, friends, even boys—and concludes with encouragement for everyone.