Oprah has just unveiled her highly anticipated 2025 Book Club list, and while we have immense respect for Oprah, we believe there’s nothing quite like curating our own book club. Our focus is on highlighting literature that features fat and plus-size characters or works penned by plus-size women. This focus is crucial because representation matters in literature!
Sometimes, you crave a narrative that resonates deeply, don’t you? You want an author who authentically depicts the experiences of life as a plus-size woman, someone who lives and breathes those realities. It’s essential to read stories by and about individuals who understand your journey and challenges. Today, we have compiled a selection of must-read books that celebrate plus-size characters and authors!

Here are some of our top recommendations to consider adding to your Audible library or keeping on your nightstand. We encourage you to explore all of these titles and even venture outside your typical reading preferences!
As I wrote this post, it became apparent that a recurring and somewhat clichéd storyline often revolves around, “A plus-size individual exists. A conventionally attractive (often thin) person notices them. The plus-size character cannot believe their luck, and so on.”
What I truly wish for is to encounter more narratives where the main character’s size isn’t the central plot point, you know? I recognize my own identity as a plus-size baddie (yes, I’m tooting my own horn), and there’s so much more to my relationships than just my size.
Right? Exactly.
Discover Inspiring Plus Size Characters
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If It Makes You Happy by Claire Kann follows Winnie, a confident, plus-size Black teenager spending her summer at her grandmother’s quaint diner. Winnie is unexpectedly crowned Summer Queen, a title that brings with it various responsibilities and social scrutiny. As she navigates familial tensions and her growing feelings for both her queerplatonic partner and a charming new love interest, Winnie learns the delicate balance between her desires and the expectations placed on her by those around her. This novel beautifully explores themes of self-love, identity, and the courage to challenge societal norms while celebrating joy, queerness, and body positivity.
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One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London tells the story of Bea Schumacher, a plus-size fashion blogger who unexpectedly finds herself as the lead on a Bachelorette-style reality dating show. Bea is determined to reshape the narrative surrounding body diversity in romance as she navigates the challenges of televised love. Throughout her journey, she faces public scrutiny, grapples with self-doubt, and questions the authenticity of the contestants’ intentions.
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The Summer of Jordi Pérez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles) by Amy Spalding is a delightful and heartfelt LGBTQ+ romantic comedy following Abby Ives, a plus-size, fashion-loving teen who secures a coveted internship at her favorite boutique. As she unexpectedly falls for her fellow intern, the artistic and mysterious Jordi Pérez, Abby embarks on a journey of first love, body image acceptance, and career ambitions, all while assisting a new male friend on his quest to discover the best burger in L.A.
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Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli follows Leah Burke, the witty, bisexual best friend of Simon Spier from Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, as she navigates the complexities of her senior year. While Leah appears outwardly confident, she grapples with insecurities about her body, her friendships, and her blossoming feelings for an unexpected person. This coming-of-age tale delves into themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the intricate, beautiful nature of love and friendship.
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In The Good Ones Are Taken by Taj McCoy, we meet Maggie, a lawyer healing from a rough breakup, who faces pressure from her close friends to find a date for their upcoming weddings. Following a string of disappointing online dates, she encounters a charming doctor at the gym who seems promising. However, when Garrett, her college best friend, confesses his love for her, Maggie finds herself torn between pursuing a new relationship and exploring the potential for something deeper with the person who has always been there for her.
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Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade presents a delightful romantic comedy centered around April Whittier, a plus-size fanfiction writer who unexpectedly gets the opportunity to date her celebrity crush, Marcus Caster-Rupp, the star of her favorite fantasy television series.
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Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert is a witty and heartwarming romantic tale about Chloe, a chronically ill and introverted web designer who decides to create a “get a life” list to encourage herself to step outside of her comfort zone.
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Curves for Days by Laura Moher is a contemporary romance set in the fictional mountain town of Galway, North Carolina. The story revolves around Rose Barnes, a woman with a curvy figure who enlists the help of Angus Drummond, a big, bearded contractor, to renovate her new home. Despite their initial friction, their unlikely friendship blossoms into love as they work together on the house.
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Just Our Luck by Denise Williams revolves around Sybil Sweet, who finds herself at a crucial juncture after a series of unfulfilling jobs and relationships. A spontaneous late-night decision to buy a lottery ticket at a donut shop leads her to a chance encounter with Kiran Anderson, a former medical student struggling to keep his family’s bakery afloat. When Sybil discovers she has the winning ticket but accidentally leaves it behind, Kiran’s attempt to return it becomes a viral sensation.
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If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy offers a delightful, body-positive retelling of the classic Cinderella story. It follows Cindy, a recent fashion school graduate who unexpectedly finds herself competing on a Bachelor-style reality dating show. Initially, she joins the show for career exposure rather than romance, but soon captivates audiences—and possibly the prince-like bachelor himself—with her confidence, humor, and unique style.
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The Union by Leah Vernon (a talented plus-size author) is a gripping dystopian novel set in a future America where racial and class divisions have been violently restructured. In this society, Black elites hold power, while the remaining white population, known as “Lower Residents,” are enslaved to help rebuild the nation.
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Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen is a contemporary romance following Aaliyah James, a confident and accomplished plus-size woman who is nearing her thirtieth birthday. After a one-night stand with her ex and facing family pressure regarding her single status, Aaliyah decides to actively pursue a boyfriend to accompany her to her birthday celebration.
Are you a book lover and find your favorite read missing from our list? We would love to hear from you! Let us know which titles you think we should keep an eye on!
Which plus-size characters are you excited to discover? Share your thoughts in the comments below!