Sadly I could not finish this book because I have very strong triggers relating to gaslighting/verbally abusive family members and this really hit me in the wrong way.

I will say, I really liked the narrator.

My problem with this book was that it was trying to be too many things at once, without committing to anything. I was super pumped about the fat rep and the doctor’s office scene (how I wish to have the opportunity to put an asshole doctor in their place) but then that plot line took a turn I didn’t like. The cooking competition seemed like it was going to be a bigger part of the story than it was. The relationship with Winnie and her grandmother was toxic at best. And the romance was fun, but not enough to save some parts of this.

If there had been a clearer focus, I think I could have enjoyed this one a lot more. I appreciate the fat girl rep, but Winnie deserved more.

This books hangs solely on the shoulders of our wonderful MC, Winnie. Winnie is charismatic and charming while also being impulsive. She's fiercely loyal to those she loves and willing to do whatever it takes to make sure they're happy. The highlights of this book for me were Winnie's unapologetic love of her body and the way she said fuck off to all the fatphobic pieces of garbage, her QPR with Kara, and her relationship with her brother.

Unfortunately, the rest of the characters are severely underdeveloped. I was annoyed that the aromantic character was villainized because without more character traits of Kara, she come across as a jealous girlfriend, despite it being said on page that they have a QPR. While I admire Claire Kann for including qpr rep, the outright refusal on page to attempt to clarify what a QPR was for people who didn't know, was an injustice. Where we could've seen aro and ace and alternative relationships spelled out the way she spelled out the fatphobia, instead we get a brush off explanation and the use of the term "ungirlfriend" which from reading reviews from others wasn't enough info for people unfamiliar with qprs.

Then we have the pageant thing in this small town in addition to a cooking show and also a very toxic grandma and none it if amounted to anything. There's virtually no plot whatsoever. Maybe if it had focused more on one thing, we could've gotten more character details and less confusing storyline.

I did love the rep in this one and I'm sad to see it not get the type of plot and story that would bring people to this book to experience said rep.

"There was no gaurd to let down becuse I stayed at attention."

4 stars

This book is jammed pack full of plots, characters that feel very "real", and social commentary about some of the issues facing young queer fat POC. At first Winnie annoyed me a little, but I grew to love her. I found the fact that she is still finding her voice, and navigating all sort of relationships refreshing. She doesn't have everything figured out yet and does things that might seem contrary, or not in her best interests. All characters here have flaws and strengths. I loved that she didn't make up with her grandma, that the ending wasn't perfect. The veracity of the scenes with the doctor, and Winnie's struggle with how she is viewed by others make this a must read for teens struggling with some of the same issues.

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review.