Oprah just released her 2025 Book Club list, and while we love Oprah, we thought, what’s better than having our own book club or giving options of books featuring fat and plus size characters or books by plus size women… because representation matters!
Sometimes, you just want to read a book by someone who… gets it, you know? An author who writes about life as a plus size woman, not from a far, but who has lived it… or by a plus size woman addressing life and your challenges, right? Well, today, we have rounded more than a few must read books featuring or by plus size women!
Below, are some of our recs to add to your Audible or to your nightstand. You’re encouraged to peruse all of the titles, and try a book outside of your comfort zone!
While writing this post, the most common (and tired) storyline seems to be, “Plus size person exists. Good looking (generally thin) person notices them. Plus size person can’t believe their luck, etc etc.”
I’d like to see some more storylines where the main character is fat, and it’s not The Ultimate Plot Point, ya know? I know I’m a plus size baddie (tooting my own horn), and there’s a lot more to the relationships I have, than my size.
Right? Right.
Plus Size Characters You Need to Meet
If It Makes You Happy by Claire Kann follows Winnie, a confident, plus-size, Black teen spending the summer at her grandmother’s small-town diner, where she’s crowned Summer Queen—a title that comes with unexpected responsibilities and scrutiny. As she navigates family tensions, her deepening feelings for both her queerplatonic partner and a charming new love interest, Winnie learns to balance her desires with the expectations of those around her. The novel explores themes of self-love, identity, and challenging societal norms while celebrating joy, queerness, and body positivity.
One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London follows Bea Schumacher, a plus-size fashion blogger who unexpectedly becomes the lead on a Bachelorette-style reality dating show. Determined to change the narrative around body diversity in romance, Bea navigates the highs and lows of televised love, battling public scrutiny, self-doubt, and the authenticity of the contestants’ intentions.
The Summer of Jordi Pérez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles) by Amy Spalding is a fun and heartfelt LGBTQ+ rom-com about Abby Ives, a plus-size, fashion-obsessed teen who lands a coveted internship at her favorite boutique. As she unexpectedly falls for her fellow intern, the artistic and enigmatic Jordi Pérez, Abby navigates first love, body image, and career aspirations while also helping a new guy friend on a quest to find the best burger in L.A.
Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli follows Leah Burke, the snarky, bisexual best friend of Simon Spier (Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda), as she navigates the ups and downs of senior year. While she appears confident, Leah struggles with insecurities about her body, friendships, and her growing feelings for someone unexpected. This coming-of-age novel explores identity, self-acceptance, and the messy, beautiful nature of love and friendship.
In The Good Ones Are Taken by Taj McCoy, Maggie, a lawyer recovering from a bad breakup, is pressured by her best friends to find a date for their upcoming weddings. Despite a series of unsuccessful online dates, she meets a charming doctor at the gym who seems promising. However, when her college best friend, Garrett, confesses his love for her, Maggie must choose between pursuing a new relationship or exploring the potential for something deeper with the person who's been by her side all along.
Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade is a charming rom-com about April Whittier, a plus-size fanfiction writer who gets the chance to date her celebrity crush, Marcus Caster-Rupp, the star of her favorite fantasy TV show.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert is a witty and heartwarming romance about Chloe, a chronically ill, introverted web designer who creates a "get a life" list to push herself out of her comfort zone.
Curves for Days by Laura Moher is a contemporary romance novel set in the fictional North Carolina mountain town of Galway. The story follows Rose Barnes, a woman with a curvy figure who hires Angus Drummond, a big, bearded contractor, to renovate her new house. Despite initial antagonism, their unlikely friendship blossoms into love as they work together on the house.
Just Our Luck by Denise Williams is a contemporary romance centered on Sybil Sweet, who finds herself at a crossroads after a series of unfulfilling jobs and relationships. A spontaneous late-night purchase of a lottery ticket at a donut shop leads her to a chance encounter with Kiran Anderson, a former medical student struggling to keep his family's bakery afloat. When Sybil discovers she has the winning ticket but inadvertently leaves it behind, Kiran's attempt to return it turns into a viral sensation.
If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy is a charming, body-positive retelling of Cinderella, following Cindy, a recent fashion school graduate who finds herself competing on a Bachelor-style reality dating show. Though she initially joins for career exposure rather than romance, Cindy soon captivates audiences—and possibly the prince-like bachelor himself—with her confidence, humor, and style.
The Union by Leah Vernon (plus size author) is a dystopian novel set in a future America where racial and class divisions have been violently restructured. In this society, Black elites hold power, while the remaining white population, known as "Lower Residents," are enslaved to rebuild the nation.
Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen is a contemporary romance novel that follows Aaliyah James, a confident and successful plus-size woman approaching her thirtieth birthday. After a one-night stand with her ex and facing family pressure about her single status, Aaliyah decides to find a boyfriend to accompany her to her birthday celebration.
Are you one who loves to read and your favorite s not on the list? Let us know! We want to know who to keep our eye on!
Which plus size characters are you excited to get into? Let us know in the comments!
I loved Agnes and the Hitman, too.
Oh??? Cool!!!!
Excited to read through this list! Little dissapointed that many of the cover arts don’t reflect the beauty of the curvy/fat body.
I know, I noticed this and I wonder if it was publisher or a personal choice…
Also disappointed! I’ve been told by friends who are authors that authors often have little control over the cover art. Really appreciate SM Reine’s cover art for this reason!
I’d also recommend the Odelia Gray series.
WAKE up I’m Fat by Camryn Mannheim should be here.
Ohhhhhhh, I have yet to read this one. Thank you for the suggestion!
Also recommend ‘The Fairy’s Take by F.D.Lee – a mix of Terry Pratchett/ Neil Gaimen / George Orwell with a plus size female protagonist!
Oh, thank you for the add… I like the mix and am curious!
For romance, I’d reccomend ‘Bottom’s Up’ by Holly Renee <3 Great cover, great author, hot story!
ohhhhhh thanks for the suggestion, we will check it out!
This is a great list… I’m going to get them all soon! I am also an author of books for fat girls!
“Change How You See, Not How You Look: Power Tools for Celebrating Your Body,” 2004 and
“I Am Who I Am: Sacredly Accepting My Body Temple,” 2016
Thanks again for this wonderful list.
Blessings,
J. Alison Hilber
Ohhhh thank you!
This is a great list – thanks! Looking forward to seeing more.
I highly recommend Dietland by Sarai walker. It was my best read of 2016. Refreshenly subversive. The tag line is the diet revolution is here and it is armed.