Scan barcode
bookwormbullet's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Toxic friendship and Toxic relationship
aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I didn't love it like I was hoping to which meant it took me a longer time to finish it than I had hoped, but it was still enjoyable enough. I loved all the representation that was included in the book and I liked the ending.
I would've liked to see more conversations between Charlie and Amelia and Charlie and her mom about the issues Charlie had with them and the issues she had with herself because of what she perceived of them. It seemed like Charlie would just have to suffer the constant low-key emotional abuse from her mom and no one was going to do anything about it.
The characters themselves- some I really liked some I had mixed feelings on. Loved Charlie's cousins. When she said how they would kind of make fun of her for not knowing Spanish reminded me of my cousins making fun of me for not knowing Indonesian. Would've liked to see how Charlie interact with her mom's side of the family though! I overall liked Charlie but there were so many moments in the book where I got annoyed or frustrated with her and rolled my eyes at the things she said/did. Same goes for Amelia but to a lesser extent since she wasn't the main character/focus. Brian was def the most consistently liked main/minor character for me although there were times I was like "he's TOO sweet/perfect/understanding" and i would've liked if Charlie could've gotten out of her own head and realized that he probs gets a lot of her body insecurities because he's chubby/fat too. But she's a teen and I remember when I was a teen and wrapped up in my insecurities. I think I'm just getting old haha
I would've liked to see more conversations between Charlie and Amelia and Charlie and her mom about the issues Charlie had with them and the issues she had with herself because of what she perceived of them. It seemed like Charlie would just have to suffer the constant low-key emotional abuse from her mom and no one was going to do anything about it.
The characters themselves- some I really liked some I had mixed feelings on. Loved Charlie's cousins. When she said how they would kind of make fun of her for not knowing Spanish reminded me of my cousins making fun of me for not knowing Indonesian. Would've liked to see how Charlie interact with her mom's side of the family though! I overall liked Charlie but there were so many moments in the book where I got annoyed or frustrated with her and rolled my eyes at the things she said/did. Same goes for Amelia but to a lesser extent since she wasn't the main character/focus. Brian was def the most consistently liked main/minor character for me although there were times I was like "he's TOO sweet/perfect/understanding" and i would've liked if Charlie could've gotten out of her own head and realized that he probs gets a lot of her body insecurities because he's chubby/fat too. But she's a teen and I remember when I was a teen and wrapped up in my insecurities. I think I'm just getting old haha
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Body shaming, and Bullying
Moderate: Death of parent and Alcohol
brokenbodybitch's review against another edition
4.75
Ouchie her relationship with her mom hurted
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Bullying, Death of parent, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, and Grief
Moderate: Alcohol and Toxic friendship
bookcrushin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
loved this, and really wish I had a book like this when I was a teen, the fat awareness, and fatphobia was so on point - brought me back to being a teen and having those same feelings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Emotional abuse, and Body shaming
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Racism, and Bullying
Minor: Alcohol and Eating disorder
karcitis's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, and Bullying
Moderate: Racism, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content and Alcohol
aly_young's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Alcohol, Body shaming, Cursing, Death of parent, Homophobia, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Racism
drraytay's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Death of parent
buttermellow's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Let Marginalized Authors and Their Characters Fail
https://www.bipocbookshelf.com/post/let-marginalized-authors-and-their-characters-fail
Many of us are writing to heal parts of ourselves that were broken or ignored or cast aside. We use our words to push back against a world that told us we’re not good enough. We do this not just for ourselves, but for all those like us who need the reminder that they matter.
Generally speaking, when non-marginalized writers create, they get to craft whatever story comes to mind without fear that they are writing to represent an entire population that has long been ignored or belittled. They don’t have to worry about making a rude or unlikeable character that could become representative of an entire ethnicity. They don't have to agonize over their identity being called into question. They don’t have to be afraid that if they create something “bad,” they’ll never have a chance to try again. They have the freedom to make, and with that, they have the freedom to fail. Yet BIPOC and marginalized authors sometimes feel like they’re carrying the immense burden of creating the perfect story with the perfect characters that serves as the perfect representation of all identities and experiences.
But who gets to define a marginalized author’s identity and experience? And are authors obligated to reveal personal details about themselves in order to “prove” they belong?
Many of us are writing to heal parts of ourselves that were broken or ignored or cast aside. We use our words to push back against a world that told us we’re not good enough. We do this not just for ourselves, but for all those like us who need the reminder that they matter.
Generally speaking, when non-marginalized writers create, they get to craft whatever story comes to mind without fear that they are writing to represent an entire population that has long been ignored or belittled. They don’t have to worry about making a rude or unlikeable character that could become representative of an entire ethnicity. They don't have to agonize over their identity being called into question. They don’t have to be afraid that if they create something “bad,” they’ll never have a chance to try again. They have the freedom to make, and with that, they have the freedom to fail. Yet BIPOC and marginalized authors sometimes feel like they’re carrying the immense burden of creating the perfect story with the perfect characters that serves as the perfect representation of all identities and experiences.
But who gets to define a marginalized author’s identity and experience? And are authors obligated to reveal personal details about themselves in order to “prove” they belong?
I would love to make room for imperfect, marginalized characters (especially within YA) created by imperfect, marginalized authors who are constantly striving to be and do better.
So, let your favorite authors, their creations, and their characters stumble. Let them err. Let them falter. If necessary, let them apologize (sincerely). Let them learn. Let them self-reflect. Let them water themselves, separate from the roots that have decayed, and sprout new leaves. Let them fail. And watch them bloom.
In No Filter and Other Lies, Crystal Maldonado Encourages Teens to Give Themselves Grace
https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/2022/02/10863574/no-filters-and-other-lies-by-crystal-maldonado
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Body shaming, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Bullying and Death of parent
melanie_reads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was this many years old when I read my first book featuring an overweight Latina teenager.
Maldonado tackles being fat in an anti-fat world head on and she doesn't disappoint. Prepare to feel uncomfortable with your own prejudices on the topic and realize how ridiculous they are.
Maldonado's writing style was perfect for this 40-something. I was reminded of the delights and heartbreaks of being a teenager trying to find your way in the world.
I highly recommend and look forward to her second novel, coming out soon.
Maldonado tackles being fat in an anti-fat world head on and she doesn't disappoint. Prepare to feel uncomfortable with your own prejudices on the topic and realize how ridiculous they are.
Maldonado's writing style was perfect for this 40-something. I was reminded of the delights and heartbreaks of being a teenager trying to find your way in the world.
I highly recommend and look forward to her second novel, coming out soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Bullying
alliemikennareads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Overall, I really enjoyed Fat Chance Charlie Vega! It took me a long time to settle in, but once I did I was very invested. The first 1/3 really dragged on, but it got better after the school dance and I enjoyed it from there!
I’m having a hard time with connecting to YA lately and with this one it’s because the voice does read extremely 16 year old at times. Sometimes I wanted to skim/just get through it, but I’m maybe outgrowing these types of stories, and that’s not a negative on the author - they’re not meant for me. This is perfect for teens and I think they’ll heavily relate.
What I liked:
- The dialogue feels realistic and not forced.
- I feel both Charlie and Amelia were round and well written characters that both have a clear arc and growth. I appreciate their friendship and its fullness and that at times they’re both in the wrong in a totally teenage way, but they also make up in a totally teenage way.
- I appreciate that Charlie isn’t perfect. She can sometimes be a self absorbed teenager but also sometimes has self awareness about her feelings and when she’s putting her emotions on her friend.
- A little predictable but still got me in the feels.
- I felt like the ending showed a lot of growth and wrapped up well. I liked how much this book was about friendship and self love and first love was really secondary.
- The pansexual rep!! The intersectionality!!
Overall, I’d recommend this to fans of YA that don’t mind a bit younger narrative voice.
I’m having a hard time with connecting to YA lately and with this one it’s because the voice does read extremely 16 year old at times. Sometimes I wanted to skim/just get through it, but I’m maybe outgrowing these types of stories, and that’s not a negative on the author - they’re not meant for me. This is perfect for teens and I think they’ll heavily relate.
What I liked:
- The dialogue feels realistic and not forced.
- I feel both Charlie and Amelia were round and well written characters that both have a clear arc and growth. I appreciate their friendship and its fullness and that at times they’re both in the wrong in a totally teenage way, but they also make up in a totally teenage way.
- I appreciate that Charlie isn’t perfect. She can sometimes be a self absorbed teenager but also sometimes has self awareness about her feelings and when she’s putting her emotions on her friend.
- A little predictable but still got me in the feels.
- I felt like the ending showed a lot of growth and wrapped up well. I liked how much this book was about friendship and self love and first love was really secondary.
- The pansexual rep!! The intersectionality!!
Overall, I’d recommend this to fans of YA that don’t mind a bit younger narrative voice.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Bullying, Death of parent, and Toxic relationship
Additional TW: body shaming, difficult mother - daughter relationship, dieting