Because Fat Girl

by Lauren Marie Fleming

For everyone who’s ever felt too big, too weird, too queer—or just too much—comes Because Fat Girl, a hilarious, emotionally piercing, unapologetically fat novel that is Chasing Amy meets Romantic Comedy. The only man Diana has ever wanted is golden and goes by the name of “Oscar.” Now this off-her-game filmmaker has a chance to make her dream come true...but to get her Hollywood ending, she’s going completely off-script.

Genres: Romance, Queer, LGBT, Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, Plus Size

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Hi friend! I could start with my fancy official bio (that's below if you want it) but the first thing I want you to know is that I'm total book nerd, just like you.

Check my profile and you can see my GoodReads challenges all the way back to 2015. I LOVE a great new find and GoodReads has helped me to connect with fellow readers for years, including you!

So, let's be friends! I'd love to answer your questions about my upcoming queer romcom BECAUSE FAT GIRL (Amara/Entangled, October 2024). Check out BecauseFatGirl.com for behind-the-scenes looks at the book and an intimate sneak peek into the publishing process.

We don't gatekeep education around here, so if you're an aspiring author and want some support, check out my company SchoolForWriters.com. We've got everything from free workshops to paid programs, all designed to help diversify publishing by supporting you in telling your story.

I'm excited to connect with you!

Love,
Lauren


P.S. If you're looking for it, here's my official bio:

Lauren Marie Fleming is an insightful author, impactful entrepreneur and inspiring speaker. She is the founder of School for Writers, where she and her team help aspiring authors tell their stories and thrive in their creative lives.

Her popular program Write Your Friggin’ Book Already™ helps aspiring authors go from idea to publishable book. Through WYFBA and on the School for Writers podcast, Lauren helps historically silenced people rediscover their voice, carve out time for creativity in their busy lives, and stand in the truth that your story matters now more than ever.

In her twenty years as a professional writer, Lauren has written multiple books, been featured in prominent media outlets including Good Morning America, VICE, Cosmo, Curve, and the Huffington Post. She is also a sought after and entertaining public speaker, and has spoken at prestigious conferences and colleges including Yale, Brown, Wordstock, and BlogHer.

For over three decades, Lauren has coached writers and speakers to tell heartfelt tales in the most impactful and entertaining way possible. Lauren has worked with some of the world’s most distinguished presenters and authors, including two years directly supporting Tony Robbins on his content and coaching the speakers on his stage.

Lauren is an avid reader, has lived all over the world, and will try anything once, as long as it’s gluten free. When not writing, coaching clients or traveling the world, Lauren can be found walking her dog on the beach in San Diego listening to a good audiobook.

Head to SchoolForWriters.com to get free resources from Lauren and other experts in the field of writing, publishing, and creative entrepreneurship.

Reviews

[Lauren Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this book about 333 times and each time the characters speak to me in a different way. My love grows for their chosen family and I identify more with their struggles. I’m grateful for these characters sharing themselves with me and cannot wait to share them with you, dear reader. ❤️

For behind the scenes looks at how this book formed and the characters developed — including deleted scenes! — check out BecauseFatGirl.com.

[Rikki Ziegelman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was kindly granted an ARC of this book from NetGalley for an honest review, and, well….honestly? I really did not like this book.

First of all I felt the synopsis was misleading. This was not the romance I anticipated reading, but I did think the two romantic leads had good chemistry and great banter. That is why this got 2 stars instead of one.

I think my main problem with this book was that it felt like a lecture in this author’s views (told through her protagonist) about sexuality and gender. I didn’t really feel like the main character had much of an arc besides good things happening to her and being in the right place at the right time - and her preaching about being plus sized. Which, as a plus sized woman myself, I’m all for it - but while the plus-size preaching was trying to be uplifting, to me it came across as condescending. Talking about how much this plus sized girl loves food felt offensive to me. Her generalizations about fat women felt rude and at times really extreme. Not to discredit anyone’s experiences, but I just felt like this book did the opposite of its intention.

But, I am merely just one person and opinions are personal! Thank you NetGalley & the publishers for the ARC :)

[amarachireads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this one a-lot, i need people to check out entangled publishing books. They have more than red tower books and have underrated gems in their other imprints.
This book follows the fmc who is a fat queer woman in the dressing celebrities/ people business(i don’t know the official name lol). She is a writer and has been trying to get her big break in Hollywood. She dresses a celebrity named chris and by chance gets invited to his party and meets his friend drew. Drew is unlike any other movie star she’s met and they become friends.

I really loved seeing the fmc journey with being queer and fat in a world that doesn’t give positive space for these identities. The fmc deals with fat-phobia and anti queer rhetoric in the workplace and when trying to get far in her writing and movie career. I loved the person journey and commentary on bisexuality and how other queer individuals treat Bi individuals. The romance was so cute i loved the progress and internal struggles the fmc went before she gavr into her feelings. Overall this is a hopeful book that addresses issues in society while exploring different forms of love and friendship. Thank you to Entangled for this arc!

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Complicated feelings about this one. It's good and also not so good at the same time? The characters are both rich and shallow, and likeable and not likeable at different points (and no, I'm not gonna complain that Diana was too mean, because I think too often we're doing the work of the patriarchy when we fall into that pit, because, like, I don't have to like her to want her to be happy, and she doesn't have to be softer to be worthy of love.) I also, I kind of felt meh about how the actual relationship between the MCs worked out, it felt a little too insta-love on his part and I also didn't always entirely understand why either wanted the other, especially since she spent so much of the book actively fighting how much she wants him. There's a lot of actively -phobic content that kinda has to be to make the story go, but it's grinding? And sometimes it definitely felt like I was getting a lecture. I also wanted more from the side characters? I don't know, I think I just wanted more richness that I don't think was there.

[Michelle Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing and will resonate with anyone who has fought hard for a dream and to be respected for their worth. I couldn’t put it down and cried at the ending. It is fantastic!

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. I didn’t really like it. The writing wasn’t very strong. There was a lot of telling instead of showing moments that weakened the story. The main character is not likable, and is quite a jerk in many instances. I liked the idea of seeing a fat, queer woman struggling to follow her dreams to make a movie, as well as the way the love story challenged biphobia. I just wish I found myself liking her as a character and wanting to root for her. Instead, I found her mostly insufferable. It was hard to watch Diana lament the way she had been judged as a fat, queer woman, and then watch her turn around and judge others for being skinny, good looking or rich and automatically be rude or snarky to them. It was rough watching her fight with her sister when she was in the wrong for lying and needed to apologize, and instead she bitched at her sister about drama from their past we as readers weren’t privy to. We only saw Cecily being kind and supportive and then saw Diana rip into her about stuff we as readers just found out about during the fight scene. Again, telling instead of showing, why they had issues and instead just making Diana look like the asshole. I’m glad this kind of story exists. I just wish the actual meat of the story was better.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important debut women's fiction/romance featuring a queer, fat aspiring filmmaker in Hollywood who finds herself becoming enmeshed in the life of a posh male celebrity who is interested in helping her produce her movie.

This had AMAZING queer/trans rep and didn't shy away from the darker sides of celebrity. I liked that the author narrated the audiobook but found they read a little too quickly for comfort.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I'm excited to read what Lauren Marie Fleming writes next!

[Kylee Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the few books I’ve finished in a matter of days, I could not put it down. The storyline has a ton of twists and it’s filled with laughter, heartbreak, and triumph. By the end you will have fallen in love with all the characters and finish wishing there was a sequel!

[Brittney Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! It’s so well written and attention grabbing. I had no clue what this book was about when I started it. It’s not normally something I would choose and I was so surprised at how much I liked it. Diana is a writer and filmmaker who is plus sized, queer and femme. She’s trying to achieve her dreams of getting her movie made while having to navigate so many obstacles. Definitely recommend giving this book a read!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book CONSUMED ME! I had things to do and I would put it down and 20 minutes later I was reading it again. Just one more chapter. This book was so refreshing. I cried for the inclusion of EVERY human in this story. Ultimately this book is simply about loving every human being as they are. That we do not need hate when love, understanding and acceptance are more powerful. Just love yourself as you deserve to be loved.

Lauren, oh Lauren, THANK YOU for this book! I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone, but thank you Lauren! This book is for my 5 and 3 year old. To show anyone they can do and be whatever their dreams are and to go after whatever they want.

Thank you Brittany Zimmerman and NetGalley for allowing me the BEAUTIFUL GIFT to read this ARC. I was not paid for anything that I said. At 30% in I told my local library to order it and told 5 friends they needed to read it asap!!!

[gracie · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a hot mess!

I do not even know where to start with this book and it's issues because there's a lot! First of all, I do not think we should be letting authors narrate their books unless it is a memoir or they have a history with narration/spoken word. The author narrated this book and oh god it was horrible. There were no pauses, no changes in pitch or inflection to indicate different characters speaking nor the difference between thought or speech, her enunciation wasn't very good either and I kept zoning out of it.

Secondly, and I have to state beforehand that I am a fat, queer, black woman, the entire book comes off as preachy and far too on the nose, and our main character an insufferable person. Every other paragraph in this has the phrase, 'fat, queer woman' and I WAS SO TIRED!! The fmc was rude, stupid, irritating and so reactionary it was crazy that the narrative was actively painting her as the perfect victim ughhhhhhh.

The thing that bothered me the most was how the book was subliminally promoting rape culture. Our fmc says at the beginning of the book that she doesn't date cishet men, that's fine! my bisexuality doesn't extend to cishet men either. When she meets the love interest, she tells him the same, only for this man to continuously pressure her and harp on her to hangout with him. Even when she rejected him multiple times he kept pushing, I was literally so uncomfortable reading it. Even if the fmc was attracted to him, pushing when she said no is rape culture and having her finally give in and get with him is promoting the 'i can fix her/you just haven't met the right man yet' mentality whether that was the author's intent or not. Giving him lesbian moms doesn't cancel that out!!

A fucking dumpster fire of a book, I should have stopped while I was ahead.

[Daryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yesterday, I read the first 80% of this book, and had it pegged at 3 stars. I couldn't rate it lower, because it was holding my attention. The writing was good and entertaining. But I was so uncomfortable reading it, and reading the last 20% this morning really highlighted that discomfort.

The protagonist is loud and proud about being fat, queer, and gender nonconforming. As a fellow fat, queer, and gender nonconforming person, I do not tend to be loud and proud unless I'm surrounded by safe people. I think this book was an uncomfortable read for me because it highlighted how often I opt to hold back my authenticity and slide by in my life cosplaying a mild mannered apologetically-fat woman, who doesn't speak about her queer identity in spaces like work, let alone gender identity, when its easier to she/her eir way through life than explain the neopronouns that make eir heart sing.

I think more of us - the scared fat queers who fat-shame themselves and are still learning their bravery - should read this book and feel uncomfortable by it, because its not the discomfort of a bad book, its the discomfort of having a piece of media cause you to stare down visceral insecurities and consider, maybe, being more bold and outspoken. Or maybe at least trying.

The writing was solid, the cast was believably flawed and human, and at times I got angry at the protagonist for making stupid interpersonal mistakes, but also, those mistakes made her very human, and I think my anger was in how easy it would be to see myself in the same position.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Kristen's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review, as always thanks to Entangled Publishing for letting me in their circle of Insiders :)

This book was sent to me exactly when I needed to read it. The story covers so many diverse and relevant topics that you don't have to be fat and/or queer to be able to find something relatable. This book brings forward all kinds of insecurities and prejudices that need to be in the spotlight so we can confront them and fix them. For me it brought things to light that I hadn't thought of or considered before and it will make me a better friend to those around me who are able to relate to the topics in this story. If a fictional book can make me feel like a better person after reading it, EVERYONE needs to read this story and share their story too!

[Stephanie ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing for a copy of this book!

This book is out now!

Listen I am kicking myself for waiting to read this book. I absolutely LOVED this book and it is not getting the flowers it deserves.
This book is a mixed fiction & romance. The romance weaves throughout the book but we really don't see the characters fully connect until later in the book.

It is hard to put into words why I enjoyed this book so much. If you know me, you know I love pop culture and all things Hollywood, so that aspect really pulled me in. The way that Fleming wrote the characters and the chapters just had me tapping on my screen page after page. I am not a queer person so I appreciated getting Diana's inner monologue on how she struggled to be falling for a man. What frustrated me was how she kept suppression her feelings for Andy because of a failed relationship years and years ago and only dated non men since. And it frustrated me because all relationships have a chance of failing. Whether you are with a she, he or they, they all have a potential to fall apart.

Andy/Drew was the MMC of my book dreams. He was just such a gem throughout this book. And his mom was such a fun side character! He just was so drawn to Diana from the moment they met at a party and pretty much the whole book is him trying to convince Diana that he is the one for her. There was a moment where she texts him during a date and he suddenly appears with a requested cheese fries - SWOON. He just loved her for who she was. Diana was apprehensive about Andy from the very beginning. And I understood why she did not think the romance would not work. The public is very critical of bigger bodied women and if she would be ripped to pieces if she was seen dating a famous movie star.

I loved all the side characters in this book especially Chris. We went on a journey with Diana throughout the book (she is the star of the show) but a big part of this book is her relationship with Chris, Andy's best friend. And honestly I need a book about him.

This book snuck up on me as a favorite of mine this year. I highly recommend!

If you enjoy behind the scenes of movie making, frenemies, friends to lover, diverse cast, queer rep and so much more!

Some of my favorite lines:
"I know fatphobia is a big issue for gay men, trans people and nonbinary folk too. And straight men don't have a pass from it, but life will always be easier for white, straight, cis men like Drew, even when they're fat."

"Grief had left me living in sweatpants for so long that I'd forgotten how much I loved making a statement as I walked into a room."

"I haven't felt this closeted since college. You'd think it would be easier, saying you're falling for a guy."

"You act this way every time you fall for someone, regardless of their gender. You go in the downward spiral of insecurity until you've convinced yourself there's no way this person could like you. Or if they like you, then there has to be something with them. Just stop already."

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅My thoughts:
A beautiful, inspiring story about fighting for what you want for your life. Something you have dreamed about since you were a young child.
Can dreams really come true?
Will Hollywood be achieved?
Is it possible to stay true to yourself and others?
The characters were engaging.
I loved the growth and chemistry felt throughout the story.
Because Fat Girl was a heartfelt, feel good read.

All opinions expressed are my own.

[Grace Stafford]

It's time to accept I'm not going to finish Because Fat Girl. It's relatively entertaining, but after reading it for a day, I could not get myself to pick it up again. This title was advertised on Edelweiss as a "queer love story" and while, yes, the main character is queer, the love story at the heart of this novel is between a man and a woman. Nothing wrong with that! Just not at all what I was interested in. We absolutely do need more romance titles with bi/queer and fat women, but I have 0 interest in reading them (sorry, but I'm a lesbian and have too much on my TBR as it is).

Generally, I think regular romance readers will enjoy this! Though I really doubt I will recommend this to any queer readers as most of the discussion of queerness feels targeted and watered down for a straight audience.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was one of the lucky ones that was able to snag this ARC from the publisher. I was supposed to read this arc in a readathon on the publishers Facebook page. I honestly had no clue what I was signing up for because I didn’t read the description ahead of time. Yet, I couldn’t stop reading it. Wow, I was pleasantly surprised. It was that good. I loved the themes in the story. Diana was a plus size ( I personally have a hard time saying the word fat) queer writer/director that wanted a big break in Hollywood. After her brother’s death to cancer she suffered from deep depression. She finally found a big break after meeting actors Chris and Drew at work as a personal clothes shopper. Along the way she would have her new chosen family and friends that supported and loved her for who she was. Her best friend Janelle was probably my favorite character. She was feisty, loyal, funny and supportive, everyone should have a bestie like that. I adored Drew for his compassion, loyalty, kindness and respect. Both of them held her up and helped her overcame insecurities, self doubts, and her lack of self love. Diana, ah, what can I say. I really wanted to like her, which I did eventually. Except she needed a lot of guidance, she had too many insecurities that made her a bit insufferable at time to others. She was unsure how to be bisexual within her own community. She was really mean to her sister and best friend and she went back and forth with her new feelings with Drew. I liked the other characters more than her at times. It took her a long time to love herself. Yet, when she finally did she became a happier and healthier person. The ending was predictable yet filled with hope, love, acceptance, and friendship. Overall, I really enjoyed this beautiful story and the message the author was trying to convey. A huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley.

[Saadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Be the kind of person who bids on your own dreams.”

Because Fat Girl is a contemporary romance about a writer and filmmaker, who is queer, fat, and femme, trying to achieve her Hollywood dream of getting her movie made but on her own terms, while also navigating her growing feelings for a cisgender, heterosexual male film star, which makes her question her sexuality and identity in the queer community. However, this story is so much more as it deals with so many important topics:

✨ overcoming grief and crippling depression,
✨ dealing with fatphobia (including internalized fatphobia), biphobia, transphobia, homophobia, and self harm,
✨ navigating the world of Hollywood, which is full of obstacles for queer, fat and BIPOC artists,
✨ dealing with an identity crisis and where you belong,
✨ navigating friendships and complicated sibling relationships,
✨ how to feel comfortable in your own skin through self love and self acceptance,
✨ and most importantly, not giving up on your dreams!

The epilogue made me cry happy tears. 🥹 I highly recommend this book - I devoured it in a day and a half because I couldn’t stop reading!

Thank you, Lauren Marie Fleming for sharing this story, which left me feeling hopeful. 🫶🏻

Thank you, Entangled Publishing, Net Galley and Lauren for the eARC and physical copy of Because Fat Girl. All opinions are my own.

[Dria Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars---I went back and forth with the final review because there was a lot to like about this book. I loved alot of the points that were made but I feel that Diana self-sabotaged a LOT and caused a lot of the negative things around her to transpire due to her own negative worldview based solely on her own confirmation bias. Fleming did touch on that point a little bit, but not nearly enough for me, as Diana irked my nerves lol. But I loved so many of the side characters and I liked the storyline in general as well.

[Kayt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally, I had been given a copy of Because Fat Girl for an Entangled Insider’s read along but I ended up with too much on my plate. So, here we are a few months later and I decided to give it another go. I questioned finishing the book because I was having a tough time getting into the story, but I powered through and fell in love with Diana and Drew. Because Fat Girl is so many things: representation, found family, finding oneself, and taking a stand. Diana was not afraid to be her own queer self and take a stand for others. Laura Marie Fleming wrote a book that made me feel so many feelings. I love love loved it! Thank you, Entangled Publishing and Laura Marie Fleming, for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Kayla Bello · Rating 3 out of 5]

as a fat woman, there were quotes in this book that made me go “EXACTLYYYY”. However, i’m not sure how to describe the writing. It felt preachy at some points and the conversation felt really unnatural. Bc wdym you’re going on a rant about how society treats black, queer, fat women while the other character in the scene stands like an NPC with nothing to say? the only reason i’m giving it 3 stars it’s bc the actual content in the book is good. it should’ve just been an academic essay or something ngl.

[Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

***I received a free ARC of this book from Entangled Publishing through NetGalley.***


I disliked the dialogue in the book. These characters are much older than the dialogues portrays making them seem young and immature.

As a fellow “fat girl” the over the top portrayal of being hangry is ridiculous. You can be hangry and not let it affect the way you treat and speak to others around you.

I didn’t like the morning conversation with Cecily when Diana keeps trying to steal food and it being known every Sunday she grabs a piece of bacon even though she will burn her mouth each time. Diana being rude continuously trying to steal the food and being slapped with a spatula doesn’t seem cute or endearing but immature, does she not have any table manners because she is fat?

I understand this is a book that the major focus is on the main character being queer but the author overused gender/sexuality terms like cishet, niblings, sapphic, etc.

Diana comes off as really self centered and like she thinks she is above everyone else. She was extremely rude when she met Drew Williams the first time and when he called her about playing golf she immediately tried to get her way out of it and was rude then as well. When she finally goes out to putt putt she keeps thinking Drew is hitting on her and has to keep bringing up the fact that she likes women and hates cishet men and won’t date them. WE. GET. IT. We got it at the first mention no need to keep bringing it up.

Diana allows too much of her personal experiences affect her professional life. The way she overstepped when helping Alex with a suit when the mother clearly wanted a dress. While we can understand her wanting to help the child, “they” were obviously a child. I think the whole pronoun and putting a tux on the child was out of line. The parent should not have left the child alone with a store clerk. In the end, she doesn’t know what will happen to Alex once they leave so it’s wild to try and get into a situation where she doesn’t know the outcome.

Diana comes off as very anti-men and anti-straight/skinny people. Overall, Diana is not a likable main character in my opinion which led to me being unable to force myself to read the remainder of the book.

[Caterina · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review, as always thanks to Entangled Publishing for letting me in their circle of Insiders :) I was supposed to read this arc in a readathon on the publishers Facebook page. I honestly had no clue what I was signing up for because I didn't read the description ahead of time. Yet, I couldn't stop reading it. Wow, I was pleasantly surprised. It was that good. I loved the themes in the story.

I really loved seeing the fmc journey with being queer and fat in a world that doesn't give positive space for these identities. The fmc deals with fat-phobia and anti queer rhetoric in the workplace and when trying to get far in her writing and movie career. I loved the person journey and commentary on bisexuality and how other queer individuals treat Bi individuals. The romance was so cute I loved the progress and internal struggles the fmc went before she gavr into her feelings. Overall this is a hopeful book that addresses issues in society while exploring different forms of love and friendship.

This book is amazing and will resonate with anyone who has tought hard for a dream and to be respected for their worth. I couldn't put it down and cried at the ending. It is fantastic!

[Keri Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diana is a queer plus size personal shopper in a Hollywood upscale store for celebrities and A listers, living with her sister in the suburbs, but she really wants to be a writer, director, and actor. Diana is invited to a celebrity thrown charity event held by famous action star Chris Stanson. She and her best friend show up hoping to do some networking and end up meeting Chris's famous actor best friend, Drew (Andy) Williams. Andy starts to pursue her, but Diana thwarts his advances and tries to keep him in the friend zone, insisting she's only into women. As Chris and Drew invest in Diana's script for a film and they start working closer together, Diana begins to question the feelings she has for Drew and if she, as a fat queer woman, can have a relationship with a hot movie star and be accepted and taken seriously in both Hollywood and Queer societies.

This was an emotional self-discovery journey and showed so much character development for Diana. She needed to learn to trust in the people who love her and herself. It's okay to be different and pursue your dreams outside the norm of what's expected. I loved every bit of Drew's character and his determination to never give up on Diana. This was such a great story theme to never give up on your dreams or love no matter what size you or they are... because fat girl!

[Thindbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows a woman who just moved with her sister and works in the world of Hollywood. I have to say when I read the summary, this book sounded really intriging. I wanted to find out who Diana is and how she will change Hollywood. The beginning was pretty good but then it just got kind of mild. There weren't many conflicts and too many pieces were just getting jumbled together. I felt as though the author wanted to make their point but just too many were happening at the same time. I did enjoy the setting and seeing how the industry could be like. This book is told from Diane's pov.

Diane is a great character and I enjoyed seeing her development. She's comfortable in her own skin and I loved how she didn't care for others (well except for the pops). There were many side characters in this book but the main ones were Diane's best friend and Drew. I liked Drew who was more down to heart big time hollywood star. There is romance in this book but I wish that Diane got to explore more of her sexuality. The romance is instant love, friends to lovers, and slow burn.

The ending was good but not the best. I just wish there were more conflicts or conflicts that stood out. It's still a great read as it deals with societal topics though I wish it was explored in a different way.

*this book was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*

[Orsayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because Fat Girl is a beautifully crafted story about resilience, self-acceptance, and pursuing dreams. Diana Smith, a queer, plus-sized aspiring filmmaker, faces grief and setbacks that seem to pull her further from her goal of creating award-winning movies. Yet, she remains determined to showcase the diversity of her community on the silver screen.

Lauren Marie Fleming captures the complexity of navigating Hollywood as an outsider, where Diana is both celebrated and scrutinized. The unexpected romance with a famous action star adds tension and heart, forcing her to grapple with fame, her identity, and her deepest ambitions.

What makes this book stand out is its honest portrayal of a woman who's unapologetically herself. Diana’s journey is not just about finding love or career success, but about reclaiming her power in a world that often sidelines women like her. This book is inspiring, refreshing, and a must-read for anyone who has ever felt “too much.”

A powerful and uplifting read, Because Fat Girl will resonate deeply with those seeking a story about breaking barriers, finding your voice, and redefining what success looks like.

[Haley Milhon · Rating 3 out of 5]

i really really wanted to love this book and see myself represented in it but unfortunately that was not the case. plus size women are still severely underrepresented in media, and when they are represented, there’s a stereotype. diana could’ve been an amazing character, but to my dismay i found her incredibly insufferable (to the point of eye rolling). plus size women are allowed to love food- but when that’s all your character talks about, or when she blames the blatantly mean things she says on being “hangry,” the stereotype of fat women is only fed (no pun intended). queer women and characters are absolutely allowed to take up space, and should be represented, but when the character talks about it obsessively to the lengths that diana does, or continuously talks about how she refuses to date cishet men, it loses its meaning. diana also says some pretty mean, disgusting things to people she loves as well, and maybe the point was to dislike her. one of the only redeeming qualities of this book was the mmc, drew. i absolutely adored him and would probably actually read this story from his perspective and love it.

[Maggie Crean · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book made me realize and accept that i’m fat and it’s okay. that im queer and its totally okay to be proud of who i am and what i look like. even if i wasn’t convinced that diana was truly as fat as she thought. she described one client as being big like her but she was a 12/14 size and the average size of a woman is 16/18. with that being said i loved that diana was not afraid to do what was right in her job and go above and beyond for that kid alex and do right by them. not everyone is blessed to see people like themselves in the real world and im so glad diana and her team got to make the movie so queer fat and poc can see themselves in a movie. its so important to be able to look up to people who look like you and this movie got it. i understand diana’s fear with not being seen as queer enough and im glad that she was able to put that out of her mind and just be herself and go for the person that makes her happy regardless of gender which is still pretty queer in my mind.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

eARC

This was a fun, occasionally sob-inducing (mostly at the end), beach read of a book (if you keep your sunglasses on to hide the crying). Diana is a fat girl in L.A., a Hell I cannot imagine, but she is also a filmmaker and writer who put her dreams on hold to mourn the loss of her brother. When a famous actor hits on her, she has difficulty taking him seriously–in part because he's famous and buff, but also because he's a dude and she's been over dating cis men for a while now.

The book can be a little 101 at times when it comes to body positivity, but likely some of the readers will find the info new so it's probably necessary. It also has some great flawed characters and a romance that isn't as important as watching this woman succeed in her career.

Anyway, loved it. And now I have to rehydrate.

[Dr. des. Siobhán · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free book.*

I really enjoyed "Because Fat Girl" as a fat person. It's over the top rom-com material but self-aware and fun. I found the romance bit somewhat boring and I am no fan of the rich guy fixes things trope, but then again... The book is full of sassy queer characters and I loved that. I'm not here to pass a literary criticism judgement, this is a guilty pleasure book and a good one. Is the ending super hardcore happy? Absolutely. Is it so cheesy it hurts? Yes. Did I like that? Yes. So whatever, I want more books with happy fat protagonists.