Diane Smith is fat. She acknowledges this, and knows this. She also knows the Hollywood doesn’t see any value in women like her,that she will probably never be in front of the camera, but that’s ok. .She wants to write stories and get them made, and while it would be nice to be in these stories, that isn’t as important, and getting them out.

And when she first got out of college, it looked as though she was on her way, until her brother died, which made her fall into depression,and she lost all her opportunities. She resorts to moving in with her sister, and working at a high end clothing store.

Then, through a series of coincidences, she gets the attention of someone who knows who she is, and wants to help her make her film.
At first I wasn’t sure if I could finish this book, because, like Oliver Twist, I could see bad things happening to Diane, things that would distroy her dream, and I wans’t sure if I wanted to go through that. I did not feel like seeing Hollywood stomp on her.

But, I plowed through it, after all, because I wanted to see how it all turned out, and ended up loving it. I love how she names her production company “Because Fat Girl”. (Which is often the excuse she gives for why things don’t work the way they do for straight, white men.

Great story. Kept me trying to guess what would happen next.

All the stars.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 22nd of October 2024.

I’d really recommend Because Fat Girl when it comes out. It’s such an inspiring book and the author is really cool. I honestly had no idea what that book was when I signed up to be an ARC reader and was a little skeptical after reading the the blurb, but once I started it, I couldn’t stop reading and I feel like it was eye-opening.

I was given the opportunity to read this as an Advanced Reader Copy. I really loved this book. There were some difficult topics discussed in the book, and the author did a beautiful job of including them in the story. The characters were very well written and so easy to get invested in. This story is beautiful and I cannot wait to add the physical copy to my “trophy shelf” since I read this book on my kindle.

I loved Because Fat Girl so much. Diana wants to make movies and she wants respect. And she’s fat, she’s queer, she has biological and chosen family who love her, and she is the kind of person with whom I really want to be friends!
I happen to know and love the author of this book, Lauren Marie Fleming, but fyi, if I hated the book I just wouldn’t review it. I loved it and want everyone else to read it, too.

Ok, I'm going to be really honest, I wasn't sure I was going to like this book when I first started reading it. I was starting to think that I just really wasn't the target audience for this story but I had agreed to read it and give a review so I pushed through. I'm so glad I did! Once I got a little further into the book I couldn't put it down! I had to know what happened to these characters! The author has an amazing way of really making you care about the characters and pulling you into their story, even if it's not realistic or relatable at all. The setting is Hollywood and many of the characters are celebrities and uber rich, or on their way to being celebrities and uber rich. But the feelings and insecurities that are revealed are so relatable to us normal people that you can't help but care about them and root for them to succeed. This is a fairy tale, complete with a happily ever after, but I'm not even mad about the unrealistic nature of that. I grew up loving a good fairy tale and I still love a happily ever after. It's nice to have hope that dreams really do come true and that love conquers all.
So, pick up this book, grab your drink of choice and a comfy blanket and settle in. You're not going to want to stop reading once you start!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Excellent book! The characters were engaging. The development of relationships were well done. Diana the main character was someone I could relate to and seeing her overcome hurdles and pushing herself was great. Book had so many message but to me the important ones, were loyalty and standing up for yourself.

Because Fat Girl was a fun read that was filled with diverse characters. I laughed a lot. The side characters are wonderful…especially Jaqueline. It’s a great story that reminds you that you’re exactly who you’re supposed to be and to always bet on your dreams.

The epilogue was so good and worth the wait. Although it was also a little bittersweet.

Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for a copy of Because Fat Girl in exchange of an honest review.

This was An ARC review of a "new to me" author. The FMC, Diana was funny and very likeable. I love that she chose her family and Janelle is definately the type of friend that every person should have. The storyline was great and I think this is the 1st book that I didn't read the synopsis 1st. Had I read it, not sure if I would have chosen the book. I also enjoyed Diana's connection with Drew. Overall a good read and I highly recommend it.

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION STAR DREW WILLIAMS TURNED ME, A CERTIFIED MAN CYNIC, INTO A MELTED TUB OF MOVIE THEATER BUTTER.

I’m not even sorry for how cheesy that starter is. I loved this book, and I’m drunk on all the feel-goods it left me with. This book is idealistic and maybe even oversimplifies a lot of really important problems but I don’t care. Important issues are being addressed in a fun setting. Not every book about hates and phobias and isms has to be heavy and hard to read (although there absolutely is a place for that). This author covered a lot of really difficult topics in a way that was digestible and it came out as a celebration of diversity and life!

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest rating and review.

I really wanted to love this book. The plot was engaging and as a curvy, queer femme I was excited to see my experience in print. Unfortunately, there were many times where the author seemed to be quite heavy-handed in her descriptions and language. I think this can be easily cleaned up with better editing, but it made the story far clunkier than necessary.

“I thought for the millionth time about what life would be life if women quit catering to men. What would we wear? What would we say? What would we weight?”
Because Fat Girl follows our MC Diana (who is a queer fat women) as they navigate back into the film industry after a tragic death in the family. As we already know Hollywood is not kind to anyone who is different and does not fit the “typical mold”. Diana’s goal is to produce their film with the most diverse cast and crew Hollywood has seen. Diana starts to question who they are as a queer person when we meet our MMC Drew, and well you will just have to read to find out the rest 😉.
When I first started this book, I would say I didn’t care for Diana. BUT I think this is part of their character development for me. The more I read, the more I began to understand them, the trauma, events, etc. that made Diana who they are present day. A flawed human, that makes mistakes that is relatable to.
I really enjoyed this book. By the end of the book there was not a character I didn’t like. I laughed, hurt with them, and even teared up at the end.
It is very evident that this book was written from personal experience and from the heart with how the topics of fatphobia, transphobia, homophobia, gender inequality, and mental health struggles were woven into this book. It is a beautiful story and one anyone can benefit from. It has a strong message of to be who you are without apology (even if you aren’t fully confident in it) and always continue to strive for your goals despite any obstacles that are in your way. Fight for what you believe in.
Thank you Entangled, Brittany Zimmerman, Lauren Fleming and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Because Fat Girl, is an inspiring story for anyone who is overweight or in a minority that has big dreams.

Diana has always dreamed of making it big in Hollywood. Even with setbacks and hiccups along the way she has never given up on her dream. She makes some new friends along the way that are a huge help, and sometimes add some excitement to her life. This book is a great read for anyone who had even been told you can do something because the way you look.

5 ⭐️

What an absolutely beautiful book! If you want to read something full of representation, feminism, dreaming big, and hot movie stars, this is the book for you.

Diana, a self-described fat queer woman, has a big dream to make a movie and win an Oscar one day. By chance, she ends up at a Hollywood party and becomes friends with action movie star Drew Williams, who might be able to make her dream come true.

With her sister and best friend by her side, Diana navigates the moviemaking process, the ups and downs of being in Hollywood, and what it’s like to fall in love with someone you don’t think you can or should have. But beyond that, her real goal is to take her incredible opportunities and turn them into lessons on amplifying diverse voices, feeling confident in your own skin, and following your dreams, no matter how impossible they seem.

The epilogue of this book made me cry, but not for the reason I expected. But even through my tears, I was smiling and so satisfied, exactly how I want to feel when I close a book.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was so happy to participate in the Entangled Insiders read along with other ARC readers!

Title: Because Fat Girl
Author: Lauren Marie Fleming
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Lauren Marie Fleming's Because Fat Girl is a deeply personal, humorous, and unapologetically raw memoir that delves into the challenges of living in a society that stigmatizes bodies that don’t fit the stereotypical norm. Fleming shares her journey with both courage and vulnerability, making this book not just a personal story, but also a rallying cry for self-love and acceptance.

One of the highlights of the book is the relationships that develop throughout the story. The dynamic between Drew and Diana is authentic and multifaceted—capturing the complexities of love and intimacy in a world filled with judgment. Similarly, the friendship between Diana and Janelle offers a heartwarming portrayal of support, camaraderie, and the power of true friendship to uplift and encourage during challenging times. Diana's interactions with Cecily are equally compelling, presenting a nuanced picture of familial ties and the struggles of navigating complicated expectations while striving for self-acceptance.

The book's strength lies in its honesty. Fleming doesn’t shy away from her darkest moments—exploring themes like mental health struggles, body image, and the constant pressures faced by plus-sized women in a fatphobic world. Her candid approach draws readers in, encouraging empathy and understanding for anyone who has ever felt marginalized or invisible. Her humor, often biting but always poignant, helps to lighten the heavy subject matter, making the book both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

However, there are moments where the narrative can feel a bit repetitive. The book could have benefited from a tighter edit, with certain parts trimmed to maintain a steady flow. Despite this minor flaw, Because Fat Girl stands as a powerful reminder that no one should have to apologize for their body or the space they take up in the world.

Fleming's message of self-compassion and embracing one's true self is empowering. It's a book that invites readers to question societal standards and confront their biases, ultimately delivering a message of hope. It's a must-read for anyone seeking a relatable, heartfelt perspective on body positivity, the complexity of human relationships, and the journey to self-acceptance.

The book tells the story of Diana Smith, a plus-sized, queer woman determined to make diverse films in Hollywood. After an unexpected connection at a gala with a famous action star, Drew, She finds a way to pursue those dreams. I loved Drew and how grounded he was for Diana. I really enjoyed how she navigated pursuing her dreams and standing up for herself and others who are frequently overlooked, whether it be for being overweight, queer or for your gender. I loved the ending.
Themes of grief and depression, fatphobia, imposter syndrome, friendship and complicated family relationships.
4.25/5

The journey the FMC went through on personal development and growth was a very powerful one. I found myself learning more than I ever knew about the LGBTQIA+ community. I appreciated seeing her insecurities and how they affected her relationships. Diana was ultimately the one responsible but needed to break past societal norms to find her place and her happiness. Lessons I think we can all learn from. <3

Not only did we see some of the intricacies of Hollywood but the author touched on grief, fat phobia, transphobia, homophobia as well as other topics like depression, self harm and the feeling of self acceptance. But on top of that, the relationships and characters were beautiful and believable and I enjoyed reading how it all came together.

Growing up in a hispanic household and being overweight was always a struggle. Being accepted and loving myself growing up was hard and I enjoyed how this book explained how to self accept and feel confident.

Wow. Simply wow. I have read a handful of LBGTQIA+ but this one takes the 🍰.

Lauren wrote from the heart, as well as from her own experience, created a diverse cast of characters and a truly wonderful story.

Diana identifies as a Queer woman of color. A plus size girl. Who loves food. Knows fashion, and has big ass dreams of getting her movie made and winning an Oscar.

As chance happens one day and she’s invited to a Hollywood elite party and noticed by a movie star things start to slowly unfold.

Diana refuses to give up on her dreams or what it entails. She questions herself and her sexuality and what it means and what is “allowed” in the community and society. She navigates many hardships yet chooses the catch phrase “Because Fat Girl” as her anthem for body Positivity.

I also really liked how the exploration of sexuality came into play. Both sided. Bias on all sides and the struggle Diana felt and pressure at different points of her life on having to choose. Love is love. You may identify how you choose and perceive yourself but the heart wants what the heart wants. Choose love, nothing else outside of that matters.

There is so much more to this story you just have to read it for yourself!

Hits shelves 10/22/24!

This was an enjoyable read! I loved the complex topics that were targeted. It was funny, fun, and engaging! I can’t wait for the next one!

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out later this month. Very important book about the impact fathate and bihate has on everything in your life and complicates things. I enjoyed it even though the mc more than once irritated me.