First off - I too, had problems opening the file but a quick google search told me that all I needed to do in order to open this file is download Adobe Digital Editions, so if you're having problems, give that a go.

Now on to this lovely collection. Wiley's style is quick-witted, to the bone honest, evocative and memorable. There were many passages in her poems that I've highlighted to go back to because they struck a chord in me, from:

"No, I have earned each one of my sins and I will keep them"

to "You are deserving of war cries and soft love both,/ of gentle hands and unbracing", Wiley's poetry worms its way into your heart.

Her series of love letters to her body is very moving, "The Fat Circus Lady Eulogizes Mary the Elephant" made me cry with how vivid the images were, full of anger, anguish, desolation and promise to do better. The first haiku of "The Unbearable Likeness of Being on OkCupid" made me chortle with laughter.

What Wiley gives us here, is a love letter to the sidelines, to the ones who are on the edges, treated with scorn and shameful desire. She's not afraid to talk about bodies in all their glorious grossness - like the poem where she talks about vaginal yeast infections. This collection is unexpected, in the best of ways.

While I did not enjoy this one as much as Nothing is Okay, I had been looking forward to reading this for awhile and appreciated Rachel’s ability to write about her feelings about society’s expectations of women without apology.

Fat Girl Finishing School is a dynamic book of poetry that has themes of body positivity, self acceptance, and insightful social justice and feminist commentary woven throughout. My favorite poems were Americana, Ode to Tracy Turnblad, Hoarder, The Circus Lady Eulogizes Mary the Elephant, and Blood Tongue. Rachel Wiley is a gifted poet and I highly recommend this book.

Advanced reader's copy provided courtesy of #NetGalley for an honest review.

This book was beautiful and so emotionally resonant. Would recommend to anyone who's looking for a poetry collection that leaves you thinking about it for hours afterward.

As with the other reviewers unfortunately the download does not open. It is a real shame!
The cover, concept and overall vibe I got from was interesting and alluring.

I love discovering new contemporary female poets, so I was really excited to pick up this book. Honestly, I was stunned at the boldness of Wiley's writing. It really feels like she's shedding off her skin and opening her heart. I don't often find that kind of honesty, so it made me feel intimidated and, frankly, a bit embarrassed. This is how you know the poet reveals the deepest parts of her. And it's brave and absolutely beautiful.

However, I have to reveal a bit of a dilemma I had with the title of this book. It basically screams that being fat is the main thing about Wiley - but it's just not true. "Fat Girl Finishing School" is coming of age poetry collection about, yes, body and body image, but also first times, race, bullying, hopes and dreams and more. I do love the colorful cake on the cover as it hints at Wiley's individuality and femininity.

Finally, while I adored the stories and thoughts written on the pages of this book, I didn't really like the writing style. This is entirely my personal preference, but I didn't highlight any verses on Kindle, which is what I do when I think I must come back to admire a certain excerpt.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately I am having the same problem as the other review. My file won't open either.

The cover is stunning though. I was really looking forwards to reading it.