A review by tlaynejones
Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado

emotional hopeful sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

Cute. Better than I thought it would be. I’m wary of books with fat protagonists that seem as though the story is all about being fat. This story definitely includes a lot about how Charlie’s body fat affects her relationship with her Mum, her experiences in the world, and her sense of self. However it didn’t feel gratuitous, shaming, or anti fat in the messaging. Some of the people in Charlie’s life are grossly fat phobic, but Charlie understands- intellectually- the damage of such beliefs, and is trying to negotiate her fatness is a healthy way. The main m/f romance is quite lovely, and there is queer representation in secondary/peripheral characters. This definitely YA, with insecurities, misunderstandings and angst, but these felt fairly realistic and not just the same old tropes. Recommended
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