I really enjoyed Because Fat Girl. As a plus-size queer person, I related to many of the main character's challenges, struggles, and dreams. The romance between the main character and Drew was believable in my opinion and Diana went through a lot to get to where they ended up. A beautiful story featuring great side characters. The author wrote about tough topics in a way that made space for deeper conversations. I was given an ARC for my honest opinion.

Because Fat Girl is both a love letter to the plus size and queer communities and also a wish fulfillment fantasy: a struggling wannabe director falls into a relationship with a handsome famous actor and they make a movie together. There's even a meet cute where he spills his drink on her at a party.

Things I liked:
- the chemistry between Diana and Drew
- witty banter/dialogue
- great side characters. Chris in particular started out as an arrogant unlikeable celebrity and ended up as my favorite character. I also loved the pep talk Diana and her bff Janelle did whenever they went out
- Drew's lesbian mom. Not only was she cool, but she and her friends were older generation queers (yes, I'm aware that a lot of them dislike the term "queer" because they knew it as a slur, my own mother included), and I get tired of reading the same books about Young Hot Queers. There are gays out there who are older than millennials, folks!
- pointing out how prevalent and painful biphobia is even in the queer community

Things I didn't:
- about the sexuality discrimination - Diana is aware of how unfair that is, but she also initially refuses to date Drew because he's a cishet man. That's also unfair. He's literally Flawless, no ounce of bigotry in him, so for her to be so accepting of others yet flat out refuse him based on HIS gender identity is kind of offensive itself (to be clear, she IS attracted to him so her attraction level has nothing to do with it)
- she also refuses to date Drew because she's fat and they wouldn't match in the public's eyes. She's all about body positivity until she isn't
- social commentary/lecture. I hate writing that because this is a very sincere book (a queer author writing for queers and anyone who feels marginalized) and I am 100% the target audience, it's me, but some parts read preachy and self-righteous. Again, I feel like a selfhating fatphobic homophobe just writing those words, but it's true.
- I'm also aware that I'm apparently Diana's horrible ex gf Sam? because I also like talking about my gym classes and honestly I'd try a meal of avocado whipped mouse on quinoa cakes

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 :)

This book really didn’t resonate with me.
It’s no reflection on the author or their ability, more so personal preference.

As a lesbian and self identified lifelong fat girl, I found the MC to be way too hung up about her size. It’s like an obsession. Literally everything in Diana’s life is related to her view of her size. It creates a vicious cycle of hate. It gives impetus to the haters if you see yourself as someone worthy of that hate. And, it became very boring. In fact, I had to keep putting the book down and forcing myself to come back to it. Diana just frustrated me so much!

Look, I know its not easy to overcome, I know from personal experience. But at some point you have to let it all go and just accept yourself. Otherwise you’re never going to get the confidence in yourself that allows you to build that armour that deflects the haters.

The relationship with Drew was sweet. And the supporting characters like Chris, Cecily and Janelle were value added.
Some characters felt like they were just there out of token representation to add another colour to the rainbow and the feel good vibes.

I am only giving 3 stars.
I feel terrible doing this as it feels like disrespecting the author. That is not my intention. A lot of painstaking work has obviously gone into this book and should be acknowledged.
I do encourage you to read it, it is well written and the plot itself is interesting. You may just love it

I thought this story was entertaining and authentic. I found Fleming's writing to be spot on with most of the dialogue between the main character and the people in their life. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I absolutely loved this book! It had me laughing and then crying in the best way possible. The characters are so relatable! And the heavier topics are handled well. I enjoyed seeing so much representation. Being a plus size woman I felt very seen while reading this story. It sends a powerful message that I hope other readers can take to heart. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to read this book ahead of release in exchange for my honest opinion.

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 my 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.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing me with an E-Arc of this book! This book was a fun ride of giggles and blushing. The chemistry between Andy and Diana was scrumptious and I ate it up. I had so much fun reading this and so will you, especially if you like fashion and Hollywood actors. There are many references to actors, movies, and fashion brands. Personally, I really related to some of the more touchy subjects within this book. This read had a wonderful viewpoint and descriptions on the struggles of being part of a minority group, being in the LGBT+ community, and being overweight. It really hits close to home.

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!!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I enjoyed this. It made me feel many things as someone who also has a body that society can be harsh on. I was inspired by our heroine.

Because Fat Girl is a delight from page one until the end. Main character Diana is funny, smart, and deeply insecure— while also continuing to bet on herself and move in the direction of her dreams. The author does an amazing job letting us into Diana’s inner world, showing how her lived experiences have shaped her into who she is, and the very real complexities of navigating this world (and the world of Hollywood) as a queer, fat woman. This books touches on the grief of losing a loved one, the sometimes complicated bonds of family, opening yourself up to possibility, and standing true in your values. It’s also a gorgeously queer book with diverse characters, major themes of dealing with fatphobia and biphobia, and the fierce hope required to keep fighting for a better world. It does all this in a way that is fairly light, enjoyable to read, and woven into a story that is fun, creative, and has a happy ending. I laughed, I cried, I felt seen, and feel inspired to make my art and tell my story in the world. Run, don’t walk to this one.

This was so fun! Entertaining, worry, and starkly relevant to how society sees bodies. I loved watching doors open for Diana, but the challenges she faced were so relatable too.

Posting on 8/30/24

I appreciate that Diana stuck to her goals and did not accept less than. I loved the way she stuck up for herself and other people in her field. Also, the romance with Drew, was excellent and I loved that he verbalized how much he loved her body! Also, her relationship with her sister, was very real. The whole book felt very realistic and easy to relate to. As someone who was in a male dominated field for a decade, I can understand the struggle as a minority woman to get my voice heard. Love this story for the realness, and the struggle with the beautiful ending.

3.75 stars - rounded to 4 stars!!!

I absolutely appreciate the lesson behind this story of embracing and celebrating yourself at all times!! I loved the Epilogue after the journey leading up to the ending of this story. The main character’s confidence and directness has made them my favorite. Mince no words tell no ….. full lies 😶 lol

I do wish there was just a little less name dropping lol but I get it, it’s a fun story.

Thank you Entangled Publishing, NetGalley, and Lauren Marie Fleming for allowing me to review this ARC! 🧚

*Because Fat Girl* by Lauren Marie Fleming is a refreshing and empowering story for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in. Diana Smith is a fierce, queer, plus-sized woman who refuses to let Hollywood’s narrow standards define her. Her journey from grieving filmmaker to someone who unexpectedly finds herself in the limelight is both inspiring and relatable.

Diana's character is easy to root for, especially as she navigates the challenges of being both visible and invisible in an industry that often ignores people like her. The story touches on important themes like body positivity, grief, and the complexities of fame, all while keeping the tone light enough to make for an enjoyable read.

One of the standout elements of the book is its message of resilience and self-acceptance. Diana’s journey isn’t just about finding love or success; it’s about embracing who she is and the unique perspective she brings to the world. The romance adds a fun twist, though it sometimes feels secondary to Diana’s personal growth.

The only downside is that some of the plot points can feel a bit predictable, and the pacing drags slightly in the middle. However, the book’s heart and humor more than make up for these minor flaws.

Overall, *Because Fat Girl* is a feel-good read with a powerful message, perfect for anyone who has ever felt "too much" for the world around them.

#BecauseFatGirl #NetGalley

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 as the author and cannot wait to share them with you, dear reader. ❤️

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

This was a tough one for me! The writing style felt like repurposed self-insert fanfic in a bad way, and much of the book felt like it was written by someone who has just discovered social justice via Instagram and is trying to show off how "woke" she is. I did, however, love Chris and probably would read his romance if Fleming wrote it even though I really did not like this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Entangled: Amara, for this wonderful book.

It is so hard to review a book you so tally loved without giving away anything. I want to gush about every scene and elaborate on every detail.

Just believe me when I tell you this book is a must-read. It is full of emotional twists and turns.

I read it in one day. The ending had me in tears.

Please read this one!

Highly recommend! Five stars plus.

I would've loved it more if it was not LGBTQ Based. :)
Thank you for sharing your ARC with me.
I would read more from entangled puclishing. And maybe from the author LGBTQ is not my preferred génre.