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No Big Deal
'It's not my body that's holding me back. I think it's more of a problem that people tell me my body should hold me back.'
Meet Emily Daly, a stylish, cute, intelligent and hilarious seventeen-year-old about to start her last year at school. Emily is also fat. She likes herself and her body. When she meets Joe at a house party, he instantly becomes The Crush of Her Life. Everything changes. At first he seems perfect. But as they spend more time together, doubts start to creep in.
With her mum trying new fad diets every week, and increasing pressure to change, Emily faces a constant battle to stay strong, be her true self and not change for anyone.
A warm, funny inspiring debut YA novel from Bethany Rutter: influencer, editor and a fierce UK voice in the debate around body positivity.
Meet Emily Daly, a stylish, cute, intelligent and hilarious seventeen-year-old about to start her last year at school. Emily is also fat. She likes herself and her body. When she meets Joe at a house party, he instantly becomes The Crush of Her Life. Everything changes. At first he seems perfect. But as they spend more time together, doubts start to creep in.
With her mum trying new fad diets every week, and increasing pressure to change, Emily faces a constant battle to stay strong, be her true self and not change for anyone.
A warm, funny inspiring debut YA novel from Bethany Rutter: influencer, editor and a fierce UK voice in the debate around body positivity.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2019
30 people are currently reading
3120 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Rutter
10 books200 followersHi! I’m Bethany Rutter. In my day job I am social editor at navabi, a women’s plus size fashion brand. On the side, I am a writer, editor and podcaster, and I still occasionally update my plus size fashion blog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
November 9, 2022
'It's not my body that's holding me back. I think it's more of a problem that people tell me my body should hold me back.'
No Big Deal follows Emily; a fun loving, intelligent and hilarious seventeen-year old, who also happens to be fat. Emily doesn't have a problem with herself or her body, but although she likes herself for who she is, she faces things that she shouldn't have to face. We follow her story, through doubts, and the increasing pressure of society, and learning how important it is to stay strong and not change for anyone.
This book is heartwarming and funny but also deep and delves into some of the things fat girls have to put up with, even though we shouldn't. As a bigger girl myself I'm always looking for positive representation that doesn't shy away from truth and the darker times. Bethany Rutter really delves into this book head on and provides such a positive message that is so important. Society today needs so much more of this.
'To realise that I can stand up for things I think are important, even when it means disagreeing with a really, really cute guy - and I don't have to panic when it happens.'
Even though Emily is seventeen, as a twenty-two year old I still connected so much to her character. Loving yourself and staying strong are messages that everyone should carry no matter their age. But I also connected to her because it made me think back to when I was her age and the struggles I was going through just a few years ago. And the fact that I'm here today living my happiest life and loving myself and my body for what it is. I honestly think so many young people will get so much from this book.
‘I am going to tell you this now, without any hesitation, and even though we have different bodies and different problems, I know this is true: never settle.’ She shakes me a bit more. ‘Do not allow into your world someone who thinks you’re second best, who thinks your body is a temporary “problem” that you’re going to solve, who puts you down in any way.’
The plot was much more unique that I thought it was going to be, it still has that YA contemporary feel while also giving it a fresh twist. It was both heart-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time and I found myself constantly cheering the main character on. And the support that the main character gets from her friends is just on another level and had me in tears a couple of times. It was empowering and beautiful.
The only aspects that fell a little short for me were that the ending felt abrupt, and a couple of scenes between the protagonist and the love interest felt slightly rushed. But I also liked the fact that this was a fast paced read, and that we just got a snippet into Emily's life. But I also want more lol.
Overall I loved the positive messages and underlying themes of this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good young adult contemporary, but also to those of us looking for more fat girl rep because this is excellent!
Thank you so much to Macmillan for reaching out to me and providing me with a review copy!
My blog: https://www.sophieelaina.com
No Big Deal follows Emily; a fun loving, intelligent and hilarious seventeen-year old, who also happens to be fat. Emily doesn't have a problem with herself or her body, but although she likes herself for who she is, she faces things that she shouldn't have to face. We follow her story, through doubts, and the increasing pressure of society, and learning how important it is to stay strong and not change for anyone.
This book is heartwarming and funny but also deep and delves into some of the things fat girls have to put up with, even though we shouldn't. As a bigger girl myself I'm always looking for positive representation that doesn't shy away from truth and the darker times. Bethany Rutter really delves into this book head on and provides such a positive message that is so important. Society today needs so much more of this.
'To realise that I can stand up for things I think are important, even when it means disagreeing with a really, really cute guy - and I don't have to panic when it happens.'
Even though Emily is seventeen, as a twenty-two year old I still connected so much to her character. Loving yourself and staying strong are messages that everyone should carry no matter their age. But I also connected to her because it made me think back to when I was her age and the struggles I was going through just a few years ago. And the fact that I'm here today living my happiest life and loving myself and my body for what it is. I honestly think so many young people will get so much from this book.
‘I am going to tell you this now, without any hesitation, and even though we have different bodies and different problems, I know this is true: never settle.’ She shakes me a bit more. ‘Do not allow into your world someone who thinks you’re second best, who thinks your body is a temporary “problem” that you’re going to solve, who puts you down in any way.’
The plot was much more unique that I thought it was going to be, it still has that YA contemporary feel while also giving it a fresh twist. It was both heart-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time and I found myself constantly cheering the main character on. And the support that the main character gets from her friends is just on another level and had me in tears a couple of times. It was empowering and beautiful.
The only aspects that fell a little short for me were that the ending felt abrupt, and a couple of scenes between the protagonist and the love interest felt slightly rushed. But I also liked the fact that this was a fast paced read, and that we just got a snippet into Emily's life. But I also want more lol.
Overall I loved the positive messages and underlying themes of this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good young adult contemporary, but also to those of us looking for more fat girl rep because this is excellent!
Thank you so much to Macmillan for reaching out to me and providing me with a review copy!
My blog: https://www.sophieelaina.com
August 10, 2019
This is a book about the radical idea that fat girls are cute, stylish, fun, lovable, smart, dateable, carefree. There aren’t enough books like that and I wish I’d had it when I was a cute chub teen. Every school library needs this liberating book. Please read No Big Deal, please review No Big Deal, please share No Big Deal with the teens in your life! No Big Deal is a VERY BIG DEAL 🧁💋
August 10, 2019
As a champion of plus-size rights and body positivity, Bethany Rutter is the perfect guide to steer us through the ups and downs of teenage confidence crises. This is my favourite young adult novel of the year, and it is clear that Rutter understands the need for books that emanate positive messages. Despite the title, this book is a HUGE DEAL! Emily is the fiercest protagonist I've encountered in some time and the story consists of many uncomfortable attempts by Emily's friends, family and other kids to push her into dieting and changing her appearance. They try to make her see "being fat" as a shameful act that is within your power to change and should be. This takes her on a journey of self-discovery where she comes of age and realises she is happy and content exactly the way she is, and I loved her strength, courage and wit throughout. We would all like to be a bit more like this amazing young woman and stand up against those who seek to change us.
Ask yourself: do I really want to be friends with someone who judges others based on how attractive/unattractive, big/small, fat/thin they are?
This is an inspiring, amazing and highly rewarding read, and the diversity within its pages was on point. The two lesbian girls were beautiful souls and accepting of both themselves and others whilst also raising the LGBTQIA+ flag. This is not a book to be categorised in terms of age but in terms of mindset; those who are full of self-doubt and have low self-esteem will gain such a lot from it as it simple radiates positive reinforcement from first page to last. Not conforming to societies "norms" or " standards" should be celebrated rather than shot at. Emily is what really makes the story what it is as she is very easy to relate to and written in such a sensitive but passionate manner. It deserves to be on every school library shelf and in the hands of those with body confidence issues. Touching on themes surrounding fad diet culture, sex/consent, coming-of-age, dating and plus-size fashion, this is a captivating and unforgettable novel. Many thanks to Macmillan Children's Books for an ARC.
Ask yourself: do I really want to be friends with someone who judges others based on how attractive/unattractive, big/small, fat/thin they are?
This is an inspiring, amazing and highly rewarding read, and the diversity within its pages was on point. The two lesbian girls were beautiful souls and accepting of both themselves and others whilst also raising the LGBTQIA+ flag. This is not a book to be categorised in terms of age but in terms of mindset; those who are full of self-doubt and have low self-esteem will gain such a lot from it as it simple radiates positive reinforcement from first page to last. Not conforming to societies "norms" or " standards" should be celebrated rather than shot at. Emily is what really makes the story what it is as she is very easy to relate to and written in such a sensitive but passionate manner. It deserves to be on every school library shelf and in the hands of those with body confidence issues. Touching on themes surrounding fad diet culture, sex/consent, coming-of-age, dating and plus-size fashion, this is a captivating and unforgettable novel. Many thanks to Macmillan Children's Books for an ARC.
September 29, 2019
I really did not enjoy it. Emily is a stalker. Horrible instant-love concept. Emily does not love herself: trust me, as a person who is fat, too, I know: she lies to herself. There is NOTHING good in this book: it does not teach you to accept your body: it promotes wrong concept of body positivity when it comes to... ruining your health.
Honesty, hated it with a passion.
Honesty, hated it with a passion.
July 23, 2019
I have so many feelings about this book.
‘It’s not my body that’s holding me back. I think it’s more of a problem that people tell me my body should hold me back.’
I wish teenage me had had this book so I could have learned to love myself like Emily loves herself. I would have had the confidence to be exactly who I was and not give two fucks about what everyone thought. I would have worn what I wanted and strutted my stuff. I would have understood that being fat wasn't all there was to me. I would have binned off a couple of highschool boyfriends and lot quicker if I'd read this, I can tell you that!
‘I am going to tell you this now, without any hesitation, and even though we have different bodies and different problems, I know this is true: never settle.’ She shakes me a bit more. ‘Do not allow into your world someone who thinks you’re second best, who thinks your body is a temporary “problem” that you’re going to solve, who puts you down in any way.’
Do I want to lose weight? Yes I do. But even if I lost four stone I would still be considered chunky and you know what? I'm ok with that.
I'd rather be chunky, it suits me.
I’m not just a tragic fat loser. I’m a cool fat babe.
‘It’s not my body that’s holding me back. I think it’s more of a problem that people tell me my body should hold me back.’
I wish teenage me had had this book so I could have learned to love myself like Emily loves herself. I would have had the confidence to be exactly who I was and not give two fucks about what everyone thought. I would have worn what I wanted and strutted my stuff. I would have understood that being fat wasn't all there was to me. I would have binned off a couple of highschool boyfriends and lot quicker if I'd read this, I can tell you that!
‘I am going to tell you this now, without any hesitation, and even though we have different bodies and different problems, I know this is true: never settle.’ She shakes me a bit more. ‘Do not allow into your world someone who thinks you’re second best, who thinks your body is a temporary “problem” that you’re going to solve, who puts you down in any way.’
Do I want to lose weight? Yes I do. But even if I lost four stone I would still be considered chunky and you know what? I'm ok with that.
I'd rather be chunky, it suits me.
I’m not just a tragic fat loser. I’m a cool fat babe.
July 10, 2020
4/5
Instagram | discussed in my wrap-up on youtube
a beautiful story about discovering yourself, your emotional needs and your future. absolutely adored it.
Instagram | discussed in my wrap-up on youtube
a beautiful story about discovering yourself, your emotional needs and your future. absolutely adored it.
November 3, 2019
From a body positivity perspective, this book is perfect. It is exactly the refreshing take on it that I wanted.
From a story perspective, I did find it a little predictable. But then, I’m not sure that matters, as the overall message is what’s important.
Emily is definitely the sort of girl I’d want to be friends with. Her doubts about her size and its impact on her life never affect her knowledge that she’s comfortable in who she is.
I did want it to be a little less boy focused, and for the message Emily delivers to drive home to a particular character, though. It would have been good to see a little more of who she was outside of all that. We see a little, but other than a rushed essay we don’t really get to see why she doubts about uni and subjects or her passions.
However this is definitely something I’d recommend just because it really shows how plus size people can still be beautiful, have self confidence, and also how hurtful the comments of others can be.
3.5 stars.
From a story perspective, I did find it a little predictable. But then, I’m not sure that matters, as the overall message is what’s important.
Emily is definitely the sort of girl I’d want to be friends with. Her doubts about her size and its impact on her life never affect her knowledge that she’s comfortable in who she is.
I did want it to be a little less boy focused, and for the message Emily delivers to drive home to a particular character, though. It would have been good to see a little more of who she was outside of all that. We see a little, but other than a rushed essay we don’t really get to see why she doubts about uni and subjects or her passions.
However this is definitely something I’d recommend just because it really shows how plus size people can still be beautiful, have self confidence, and also how hurtful the comments of others can be.
3.5 stars.
May 11, 2019
**I received an ARC of this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I really enjoyed this book and really loved the main character Emily, she was very relatable to me and I instantly loved her. The overall plot of loving yourself first and foremost is also my favorite thing about this book. It provides a great message that we all as a society need to hear.
This book was one I was highly anticipating due to the body positivity representation. For the most part, I loved this representation and we definitely need to see more of it in YA books. Emily doesn’t want to change her body and loves who she is. This message is beautiful and one I can use for inspiration myself. However, there were things I wish weren’t included. The use of adjectives such as “stomped” and the scene with Emily and the love interest at his house (I’m keeping it vague to avoid spoilers). It felt a bit rushed to me, so the pacing could have been better.
Overall I did really enjoy this book and the message of this book is a great one and very empowering!
I really enjoyed this book and really loved the main character Emily, she was very relatable to me and I instantly loved her. The overall plot of loving yourself first and foremost is also my favorite thing about this book. It provides a great message that we all as a society need to hear.
This book was one I was highly anticipating due to the body positivity representation. For the most part, I loved this representation and we definitely need to see more of it in YA books. Emily doesn’t want to change her body and loves who she is. This message is beautiful and one I can use for inspiration myself. However, there were things I wish weren’t included. The use of adjectives such as “stomped” and the scene with Emily and the love interest at his house (I’m keeping it vague to avoid spoilers). It felt a bit rushed to me, so the pacing could have been better.
Overall I did really enjoy this book and the message of this book is a great one and very empowering!
January 16, 2020
Well this wasn’t what I was expecting at all! What a delightful and wonderful read “No Big Deal” was, and one that I literally could not put down.
For a debut novel to be so entertaining and inspiring, I was totally gobsmacked. I imagine every young girl at some point has body issues and hang ups, whether it be body size or how they feel inside and to have a book that truly gives inspiration and confidence is just fabulous, I only wish I had had this as a teenager to read!
The author Bethany Rutter certainly knows how to connect with the younger audience and considering I’m nearly fifty, the older audience too. The characters were simply brilliant and so realistic, you couldn’t help but endear to and engage with them instantly. Along with supportive themes surrounding body positivity and a journey into life discovery, this book is both funny and serious, that every woman who feels they need to fit in to a neat society or has body confidence issues needs to read. And if you don’t, this is a hell of good read anyway! Highly recommended!
5 stars
For a debut novel to be so entertaining and inspiring, I was totally gobsmacked. I imagine every young girl at some point has body issues and hang ups, whether it be body size or how they feel inside and to have a book that truly gives inspiration and confidence is just fabulous, I only wish I had had this as a teenager to read!
The author Bethany Rutter certainly knows how to connect with the younger audience and considering I’m nearly fifty, the older audience too. The characters were simply brilliant and so realistic, you couldn’t help but endear to and engage with them instantly. Along with supportive themes surrounding body positivity and a journey into life discovery, this book is both funny and serious, that every woman who feels they need to fit in to a neat society or has body confidence issues needs to read. And if you don’t, this is a hell of good read anyway! Highly recommended!
5 stars
September 12, 2019
If I were Phoebe Waller Bridge (But also still me) I would buy the rights to this and make a very cheeky 4 episode series for the BBC that everyone LOVES and Americans don’t watch until two years later when it’s on Netflix.
I love this book so much. You live in a fat body so long and you start to feel like some of the ways you feel, you’re the only person that ever felt that way. Just the RELIEF of somebody else writing it down in a book. Whew.
This book is so warm and generous and smart and if you live in the US you have to order it from Book Depository but it’s worth it.
I love this book so much. You live in a fat body so long and you start to feel like some of the ways you feel, you’re the only person that ever felt that way. Just the RELIEF of somebody else writing it down in a book. Whew.
This book is so warm and generous and smart and if you live in the US you have to order it from Book Depository but it’s worth it.
May 6, 2019
Just fabulous. Such a brilliant YA novel which I really loved.
Emily is fat. She doesn't care but everyone else seems to and are constantly telling her what they think about her body when it isn't anything to do with them. I loved Emily. I loved how she was a happy plus size teen who loved her life, music and fashion. All so often in YA films and fiction the fat girl is someone to be pitied or the subject of all jokes which is a really sad state of affairs. I love that Emily is the exact opposite of that negative stereotype.
The story itself is funny and romantic and I loved every page. In a year where there's not much in the way of contemporary UKYA being published I was so looking forward to this and I wasn't at all disappointed.
Emily is fat. She doesn't care but everyone else seems to and are constantly telling her what they think about her body when it isn't anything to do with them. I loved Emily. I loved how she was a happy plus size teen who loved her life, music and fashion. All so often in YA films and fiction the fat girl is someone to be pitied or the subject of all jokes which is a really sad state of affairs. I love that Emily is the exact opposite of that negative stereotype.
The story itself is funny and romantic and I loved every page. In a year where there's not much in the way of contemporary UKYA being published I was so looking forward to this and I wasn't at all disappointed.
Read
November 2, 2019[Gifted]
Short and sweet, this is a fun body positive romp through the life of a confident and charismatic teenage girl - who happens to be fat. Super fun.
Short and sweet, this is a fun body positive romp through the life of a confident and charismatic teenage girl - who happens to be fat. Super fun.
April 4, 2019
A cracking book. A must read for all teens although it is definitely enjoyable as an adult too. It brought me back to my teenage years reading Adrian Mole. Bethany Rutter has put a lot into this, including her fashion wisdom and music taste. It is funny, serious, gentle, and touching. Some bits were way too real and weighed heavily on me, other bits had me laughing out loud. Definitely recommend this one!
April 4, 2020
I loved the underlying message of this but it just seemed like such a drag of a book. I feel like I kept waiting for it to get better or something major to happen but it just didn’t. I almost DNFed it, and I wish I did
September 18, 2023
i'm human, i have emotions and i'm not affraid to show these emotions in public
August 11, 2019
Let me start by saying that you don't have to be fat or even really suffer with body image issues to appreciate the beauty of this book.
I myself have suffered with body image from a young age, which in turn contributed to eating disorders that I still struggle to maintain control on now. This story was beautiful, amazing, empowering, and gives a message that all girls regardless of age need to heed.
We follow Emily who although happy with her own body is made to feel like she should be ashamed of it, she receives criticism from people at school, from strangers on the street and even her own mother. Her happy go bubbly self is pushed down and taken over my worry, by self doubt, and by a feeling of worthlessness. This then contributes to her overlooking the way she is treated by a guy because she assumes she is just 'lucky' to have any interest in the first place.
Now, I don't care who you are, where you're from, or what shape your body is...as girls, as women we have ALL experienced selling ourselves short because of what we believe we do and don't deserve. We have all stood in that changing room, and suddenly had the urge to burn the place to the ground because 'that top didn't look right' or 'that dressed didn't fit well'. We are a society notorious for judging our women by the way they look, or what size they are; this book was a message to all women that you shouldn't settle for less. That you are beautiful and deserve all the respect afforded to you. You are worth no less than any other woman no matter what size clothes you wear.
I cannot stress enough how nice it was for me to read Emily's inner strength, and her realisation that she was worth more than how she was being treated. I honestly wish that when I was younger I would have had the courage to say "No, I'm worth more, I deserve better!"
I loved this story, and I am so glad I was given an eARC through Netgalley! I really hope this book finds all those girls out there who don't realise how awesome they are!
I myself have suffered with body image from a young age, which in turn contributed to eating disorders that I still struggle to maintain control on now. This story was beautiful, amazing, empowering, and gives a message that all girls regardless of age need to heed.
We follow Emily who although happy with her own body is made to feel like she should be ashamed of it, she receives criticism from people at school, from strangers on the street and even her own mother. Her happy go bubbly self is pushed down and taken over my worry, by self doubt, and by a feeling of worthlessness. This then contributes to her overlooking the way she is treated by a guy because she assumes she is just 'lucky' to have any interest in the first place.
Now, I don't care who you are, where you're from, or what shape your body is...as girls, as women we have ALL experienced selling ourselves short because of what we believe we do and don't deserve. We have all stood in that changing room, and suddenly had the urge to burn the place to the ground because 'that top didn't look right' or 'that dressed didn't fit well'. We are a society notorious for judging our women by the way they look, or what size they are; this book was a message to all women that you shouldn't settle for less. That you are beautiful and deserve all the respect afforded to you. You are worth no less than any other woman no matter what size clothes you wear.
I cannot stress enough how nice it was for me to read Emily's inner strength, and her realisation that she was worth more than how she was being treated. I honestly wish that when I was younger I would have had the courage to say "No, I'm worth more, I deserve better!"
I loved this story, and I am so glad I was given an eARC through Netgalley! I really hope this book finds all those girls out there who don't realise how awesome they are!
August 14, 2020
Perfect book about fat babes alert!
Emily is a smart, brilliant and effortlessly cool fat girl who hasn't dated anyone, until she meets Joe, the gorgeous guy who works in a music store. She decides that she wants to get to know him better. But her confidence and chill attitude is being slowly eroded -- by her newly slim best friend, by her mum's constant diet chat and pressure to join her fad diets, and the shitty girl in school Holly who always wants to bring her down. Will she and Joe get together?
I LOVED this book. Genuinely now, and I know how late to the party I am, this book is *chefs kiss* I think every fat teen will find comfort, empowerment and love in here, and fat adults will too. The ultimate message is about loving yourself, knowing yourself and not submitting to other people's expectations of who you should be or what your body should look like.
I think one of the best articulated plot lines is that between her mother’s internalised fatphobia and her own comfort in her body, a plot line I personally am constantly navigating in my relationship with my mother. How to love and be loved when it’s caveated with what your body is like and how it reminds others of theirs.
Emily is a smart, brilliant and effortlessly cool fat girl who hasn't dated anyone, until she meets Joe, the gorgeous guy who works in a music store. She decides that she wants to get to know him better. But her confidence and chill attitude is being slowly eroded -- by her newly slim best friend, by her mum's constant diet chat and pressure to join her fad diets, and the shitty girl in school Holly who always wants to bring her down. Will she and Joe get together?
I LOVED this book. Genuinely now, and I know how late to the party I am, this book is *chefs kiss* I think every fat teen will find comfort, empowerment and love in here, and fat adults will too. The ultimate message is about loving yourself, knowing yourself and not submitting to other people's expectations of who you should be or what your body should look like.
I think one of the best articulated plot lines is that between her mother’s internalised fatphobia and her own comfort in her body, a plot line I personally am constantly navigating in my relationship with my mother. How to love and be loved when it’s caveated with what your body is like and how it reminds others of theirs.
September 29, 2021
Started out feeling like a YA/chick lit novel.
By the end I felt it was a radical, political, body positivity one.
A fantastic book, with such a powerful message. Lovely, relatable characters, and I adored the song recommendation at the beginning of each chapter.
By the end I felt it was a radical, political, body positivity one.
A fantastic book, with such a powerful message. Lovely, relatable characters, and I adored the song recommendation at the beginning of each chapter.
September 23, 2019
I wish I'd had this book growing up, but I'm glad I have it now. It was excellent and definitely reread worthy. Emily is now one of my favourite fictional characters.
November 18, 2023
Disliking this book is fatphobic just so y’all know
(More detailed review might come later, for now I’m in my feelings)
(More detailed review might come later, for now I’m in my feelings)
April 7, 2020
I wish I had read this book 15 years ago. It’s staying firmly on my bookshelf until my daughters can read it too.
May 10, 2020
3.5/5 stars.
This book would have been a 4 star if Emily didn't say that it didn't matter that joe cheated on her. That isn't okay and should have been brought up however she just said it would be 'OK' if it was about that not how he feels about her body. However I loved how body positive it is and it has a lot of great inspiring quotes. Emily as a main character is very relatable and funny. One thing that annoyed me is the amount of times someone would call someone 'mate'. I don't know why but it's just one of those things that gets on my nerves. Basically joe sucks. The end.
This book would have been a 4 star if Emily didn't say that it didn't matter that joe cheated on her. That isn't okay and should have been brought up however she just said it would be 'OK' if it was about that not how he feels about her body. However I loved how body positive it is and it has a lot of great inspiring quotes. Emily as a main character is very relatable and funny. One thing that annoyed me is the amount of times someone would call someone 'mate'. I don't know why but it's just one of those things that gets on my nerves. Basically joe sucks. The end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2020
This was quite hard to read at times, but it was also really good. Hard to read, because it deals quite heavily with fatphobia. Really good, because it always always challenges that, and the main character had a great way of addressing it. I loved her tone of voice.
I also think this is a book that shows how much we need different kinds of books with fat rep, because I would die for something that's literally just fat positive, and I don't think I've ever gotten to read that. That's not this book's fault - it's an important book and I'm glad it exists. But it does show how we need so much more fat rep.
CWs: fatphobia, diet talk, cheating
I also think this is a book that shows how much we need different kinds of books with fat rep, because I would die for something that's literally just fat positive, and I don't think I've ever gotten to read that. That's not this book's fault - it's an important book and I'm glad it exists. But it does show how we need so much more fat rep.
CWs: fatphobia, diet talk, cheating
December 20, 2019
A brilliant, funny and assured YA book about believing in yourself, even if the world doesn't. I loved the protagonist, Emily - it's so rare to see a main character who's fat, happy with the size she is and confident in her beauty and intelligence. Literature needs more Emilies, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Bethany writes next. (12+)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. If you use it in any marketing material, online or anywhere on a published book without asking permission from me first, I will ask you to remove that use immediately. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. If you use it in any marketing material, online or anywhere on a published book without asking permission from me first, I will ask you to remove that use immediately. Thank you!*
August 10, 2019
This is a YA book, no doubt. But I’m a 35 year old crying in the dark because it spoke to me about dating - regardless of age.
I could be Emily. I’m a confident bad ass. I’m dating. I’m also being treat like shit while I’m under the impression I’m being modern and cool and ‘going with the flow’.
No compromises. No lowering of standards. All of the fireworks.
I could be Emily. I’m a confident bad ass. I’m dating. I’m also being treat like shit while I’m under the impression I’m being modern and cool and ‘going with the flow’.
No compromises. No lowering of standards. All of the fireworks.
April 12, 2021
CUTE, CUTE, CUTE 😍
𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟭𝟳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵?! The internet-stalking (in my days, MSN/checking their BlackBerry status). The "I-hope-I-bump-into-them-at-the-party" phase. The constant nausea of thinking about them All. The. Dang. Time. It's rough, y'all 😂
This novel takes us through just that through the mind, emotions and perspective of Emily experiencing her first crush.
💫 Emily is smart.
💫 Emily is witty.
💫 Emily is funny.
💫 Emily can achieve anything.
...she's also, in her words, fat.
This novel is a YA romance/coming-of-age story about accepting yourself, rejecting misogyny and what it feels like to be a seventeen year old who isn't thin by society's standards but has their crush where their beliefs are put to the test.
💭 Can Emily be annoying? Yes. Very.
💭 Can Emily be frustratingly self involved? Yes. Like most 17 year olds.
💭 Does the story explore weight in deeper detail? No.
💭 Is this targeted to a much younger audience than I am? Yes.
💭 Is it a quick read? Yes.
💭 Does the story support body positivity? Yes.
��� I wish the novel was less boy-focused and more Emily-focused. I think there's a lot to uncover around body positivity and acception that one can learn without the need for a romantic interest. But overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend.
⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5/5)
𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟭𝟳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵?! The internet-stalking (in my days, MSN/checking their BlackBerry status). The "I-hope-I-bump-into-them-at-the-party" phase. The constant nausea of thinking about them All. The. Dang. Time. It's rough, y'all 😂
This novel takes us through just that through the mind, emotions and perspective of Emily experiencing her first crush.
💫 Emily is smart.
💫 Emily is witty.
💫 Emily is funny.
💫 Emily can achieve anything.
...she's also, in her words, fat.
This novel is a YA romance/coming-of-age story about accepting yourself, rejecting misogyny and what it feels like to be a seventeen year old who isn't thin by society's standards but has their crush where their beliefs are put to the test.
💭 Can Emily be annoying? Yes. Very.
💭 Can Emily be frustratingly self involved? Yes. Like most 17 year olds.
💭 Does the story explore weight in deeper detail? No.
💭 Is this targeted to a much younger audience than I am? Yes.
💭 Is it a quick read? Yes.
💭 Does the story support body positivity? Yes.
��� I wish the novel was less boy-focused and more Emily-focused. I think there's a lot to uncover around body positivity and acception that one can learn without the need for a romantic interest. But overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend.
⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5/5)
May 13, 2020
The book I wish I had when I was 17. At one point I nearly cried because I was genuinely reading my own inner monologue, something that has never happened when it comes to feeling unloveable from being in a bigger body.
Thank you Bethany Rutter for writing this book ❤️
Thank you Bethany Rutter for writing this book ❤️
February 24, 2021
NOT YOUR BODY NOT YOUR PROBLEM!
Such an amazing book that highlights a major issue still going on in today’s society! This has such a powerful message brought by such a strong lead, the way that emily sticks true to herself throughout the story is so beautifully.
Would 100% recommend this read, it’s such an easy to follow story full of love, teenage drama and life lessons much needed for many readers of today!
Such an amazing book that highlights a major issue still going on in today’s society! This has such a powerful message brought by such a strong lead, the way that emily sticks true to herself throughout the story is so beautifully.
Would 100% recommend this read, it’s such an easy to follow story full of love, teenage drama and life lessons much needed for many readers of today!
June 10, 2021
I wish I had this book when I was 18 years old. An incredibly
Relatable YA commentary on growing up as a fat woman and learning to love yourself before you let anyone else in. Loved every minute, Bethany you rock! ❤️
Relatable YA commentary on growing up as a fat woman and learning to love yourself before you let anyone else in. Loved every minute, Bethany you rock! ❤️
August 12, 2019
I absolutely adored this book. I wish I’d read about Emily as a teenager but I’m still delighted to have met her now, what a cool gal. Really uplifting read and I learned a lot from it. Definitely read it or gift it to a teenager in your life ❤️
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