A review by tdotrenae
Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen

adventurous funny lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.75

I really enjoyed this book! I listened as an audiobook and it was so entertaining! Special shoutout to the narrators, because I definitely felt like I was living IN the book. 

This story follows Aaliyah and her quest to get a date for her 30th birthday. In the process she meets the charming and hilarious bartender Ahmaud. The building of their friendship was EVERYTHING! Like the writing of their banter was beautifully done, literally art! This books touches on so much in a way that doesn’t feel rushed, and makes complete sense - such as grief, trauma, living in the shadow of expectations, complicated family dynamics, dating as a plus size, Black women (WHICH IS A WHOLE  UNIQUE EXPERIENCE), setting boundaries, friendships that feel like family, gaining confidence that the world tried to take, and more! 

Lowkey in some ways it was the best slow burn! The tension was THICKKKKKKK throughout the book, but it was so sweet once it resolved. The care and concern Ahmaud had for Aaliyah, just as her friend - phew! There was only a couple of parts where I was like “Aaliyah, sis, you’re being  trifling” (see Aaliyah and her last date), but I still loved it 🥰😅
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