Top 10+ Must-Read Books Featuring Plus Size Main Characters – Body Positive Stories You’ll Love
Discover 10+ Must-Read Plus Size Books That Truly Represent Us
Oprah just dropped her 2025 Book Club list (and we love her for it), but let’s be real—sometimes you want stories that feel a little closer to home. That’s why we’ve put together our own list: incredible books featuring fat and plus size characters, or written by plus size women who truly get it.
Because let’s face it—representation matters. Whether it’s a novel with a bold, curvy heroine navigating love and life, or a memoir from a plus size woman sharing her truth, these are body-positive books that resonate deeply. They’re written by women who’ve lived these experiences—not just imagined them from a distance.
So if you’re looking for empowering, relatable, and unfiltered reads, here’s your ultimate list of must-read books centered around plus size voices.
Add These Plus Size Books to Your Audible List or Nightstand
Ready to refresh your reading list? Below are some of our favorite picks to add to your Audible queue or your nightstand. We highly recommend browsing through every single one of these body-positive books—and why not try something that takes you outside your usual genre? You might just discover a new favorite.
But let’s talk real for a moment. While putting this list together, we noticed a frustrating pattern:
“Plus size person exists. Attractive, usually thin, love interest notices them. Plus size person is shocked someone could love them.”
That trope is tired. Played out. And honestly? It reduces the complexity of what it means to be fat.
We want to see stories where plus size characters take center stage, and their body is not the main plot device.
We want bold, funny, messy, successful, sexy, complicated characters—because that’s reality.
As a plus size baddie (yes, we’re tooting our own horns too!), we know our stories deserve more nuance. Our size is part of who we are—not the entirety.
So scroll on and explore these must-read books that offer authentic plus size representation, rich characters, and narratives where body diversity is celebrated—not pitied.
Plus Size Characters You Need to Meet
If It Makes You Happy by Claire Kann follows Winnie, a confident, plus-size, Black teen spending the summer at her grandmother’s small-town diner, where she’s crowned Summer Queen—a title that comes with unexpected responsibilities and scrutiny. As she navigates family tensions, her deepening feelings for both her queerplatonic partner and a charming new love interest, Winnie learns to balance her desires with the expectations of those around her. The novel explores themes of self-love, identity, and challenging societal norms while celebrating joy, queerness, and body positivity.
One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London follows Bea Schumacher, a plus-size fashion blogger who unexpectedly becomes the lead on a Bachelorette-style reality dating show. Determined to change the narrative around body diversity in romance, Bea navigates the highs and lows of televised love, battling public scrutiny, self-doubt, and the authenticity of the contestants’ intentions.
The Summer of Jordi Pérez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles) by Amy Spalding is a fun and heartfelt LGBTQ+ rom-com about Abby Ives, a plus-size, fashion-obsessed teen who lands a coveted internship at her favorite boutique. As she unexpectedly falls for her fellow intern, the artistic and enigmatic Jordi Pérez, Abby navigates first love, body image, and career aspirations while also helping a new guy friend on a quest to find the best burger in L.A.
Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli follows Leah Burke, the snarky, bisexual best friend of Simon Spier (Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda), as she navigates the ups and downs of senior year. While she appears confident, Leah struggles with insecurities about her body, friendships, and her growing feelings for someone unexpected. This coming-of-age novel explores identity, self-acceptance, and the messy, beautiful nature of love and friendship.
In The Good Ones Are Taken by Taj McCoy, Maggie, a lawyer recovering from a bad breakup, is pressured by her best friends to find a date for their upcoming weddings. Despite a series of unsuccessful online dates, she meets a charming doctor at the gym who seems promising. However, when her college best friend, Garrett, confesses his love for her, Maggie must choose between pursuing a new relationship or exploring the potential for something deeper with the person who’s been by her side all along.
Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade is a charming rom-com about April Whittier, a plus-size fanfiction writer who gets the chance to date her celebrity crush, Marcus Caster-Rupp, the star of her favorite fantasy TV show.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert is a witty and heartwarming romance about Chloe, a chronically ill, introverted web designer who creates a “get a life” list to push herself out of her comfort zone
Curves for Days by Laura Moher is a contemporary romance novel set in the fictional North Carolina mountain town of Galway. The story follows Rose Barnes, a woman with a curvy figure who hires Angus Drummond, a big, bearded contractor, to renovate her new house. Despite initial antagonism, their unlikely friendship blossoms into love as they work together on the house.
Just Our Luck by Denise Williams is a contemporary romance centered on Sybil Sweet, who finds herself at a crossroads after a series of unfulfilling jobs and relationships. A spontaneous late-night purchase of 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 inadvertently leaves it behind, Kiran’s attempt to return it turns into a viral sensation
If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy is a charming, body-positive retelling of Cinderella, following Cindy, a recent fashion school graduate who finds herself competing on a Bachelor-style reality dating show. Though she initially joins for career exposure rather than romance, Cindy soon captivates audiences—and possibly the prince-like bachelor himself—with her confidence, humor, and style.
The Union by Leah Vernon (plus size author) is a 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 rebuild the nation.
Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen is a contemporary romance novel that follows Aaliyah James, a confident and successful plus-size woman approaching her thirtieth birthday. After a one-night stand with her ex and facing family pressure about her single status, Aaliyah decides to find a boyfriend to accompany her to her birthday celebration.
Are You a True Book Lover But Don’t See Your Favorite on This List?
Let us know! We’re always looking for new plus size authors and characters to highlight and share with our community.
Which plus size characters are you most excited to dive into?
Drop your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!
