Main Character Energy: Summer Books Featuring Plus Size Leads

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Summer is officially here, and there is nothing better than lounging in the sun (or in the AC) with a book you simply cannot put down. But as plus size women, finding stories where we get to be the main character and the one who gets the romance, the adventure, and the happy ending can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. We don’t want to be the quirky sidekick anymore; we want the spotlight.

This summer, we are curating a “Fatty Friendly Summer Reading” list to celebrate authors who center plus size women having their own unapologetic experiences. Whether you love a steamy sports romance or a heartfelt rom-com, these books need a spot in your beach bag.

1. The C*ck Down The Block by Amy Award

If you haven’t discovered the Amy Award yet, consider this your official introduction. Her entire catalog is dedicated to curvy heroines, and The C*ck Down The Block is an absolute standout. It’s a hilarious, low angst, friends-to-lovers sports romance featuring a confident plus size librarian, her hot quarterback best friend who falls first, and a pet rooster named Luke Skycocker. It is funny, incredibly sex positive, and perfectly captures what it means to be a plus size woman owning her worth.

2. Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade

Olivia Dade is a powerhouse when it comes to fatty-friendly romance. Spoiler Alert follows a plus size geologist and fanfiction writer who ends up on a date with the star of her favorite fantasy TV show. It’s a beautiful exploration of fandom, body positivity, and demanding to be loved exactly as you are.

3. Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Talia Hibbert’s Brown Sisters series is a masterclass in inclusive romance. Chloe Brown is a chronically ill, plus size computer geek who creates a step-by-step plan to “get a life,” enlisting the help of her rugged, motorcycle-riding superintendent. It is witty, deeply romantic, and refreshing.

Join the Community: Just Because Socials by Lorrine

Reading is great, but talking about what you just read with people who get it is even better! If you are looking for a supportive, engaging community to share your reading journey with this season, starting Sunday, July 5,  join Just Because Socials by Lorrine @justbecausesocials and Lorrine Ross at @ladiross to explore Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen. Lorrine has cultivated an amazing space for curvy women to connect, discuss fantastic books, and celebrate representation together.

Grab your e-reader or head to your local bookstore, and let’s make this a summer of unapologetic, main character energy.

What are you reading right now? Let us know your favorite Fatty Friendly books in the comments!


Latoya Burris

Latoya is the Art Director of Shapely. She also is the co-host of The Weigh-In podcast by Shapely. You can follow her on Twitter @toyadoitbig.

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