A good read can be likened to a wellspring. In between the pages, so much can be unveiled including wisdom, inspiration, action, sarcasm – there’s always something captivating about a well-thought storyline. You know it’s a good book when you find yourself constantly buried therein or feel the need to go over it again and again.
Plus size books are currently growing much popular since the emergence of authors who not only identify with the niche audience but also believe in the potency of the plus-size group, which for a long time was demoralized. Owing to this, a great number of widely renowned books spread across a vast range of genres, much more romance, fictional narratives, and real-life stories. The ability of the writer to deeply connect with readers, and have them buy into the central theme is what makes a piece outstanding! Furthermore, creativity when merged with unexpected twists, form strong selling points. And this is exactly the kind of authenticity readers are in search of.
After having sifted through a myriad of best-performing books, I arrived at a specific few that seem to have hit a sweet spot amongst the hearts of many readers. Without further ado, let’s jump right into the top 10 list that will have you craving more of the ingenious plots.
Top 10 Plus Size Books
1. The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger
This is one persona a lot of plus size women can relate to especially if, during their youthful stage of life, they had to live behind the shadows of an accepted lot most of whom embody petite sizes, great looks, and bold personalities.
Bianca Piper, the DUFF in this case, is all too familiar with this concept so much that during her high school phase she is desperate to find a distraction; something, anything to keep her from drowning amidst all the ridicule. In her pursuit of the same, she ends up kissing a slimy school hottie Wesley Rush, the same guy who coined her nickname the DUFF.
She doesn’t like him. But she’s caught up. Not long after, they are in some kind of superficial relationship which suddenly starts to get all too real quickly. Could she be falling in love with a guy she once loathed?
2. To be Honest by Maggie Ann Martin
Almost a similar concept but with a bit of a twist. The main character here, Savannah, is fighting to catch a break from her mother’s perpetual grilling. She (her mother) made the cut to an extreme weight-loss show and ever since, has been giving her daughter an earful on how she needs to cut back on her weight.
Savannah has had it. Her only escape is this new boy she meets at school, George, but he has his own insecurities as well. Together the two somehow become a strong pillar in each other’s lives, using their friendship as a way to navigate everyday life challenges.
3. They Don’t Make plus Size Spacesuits by Ali Thompson
An interesting read for sci-fi lovers yet with underlying tones of realism. The author, being a plus-size activist, imaginatively structured the theme around societal shortcomings when it comes to body equality and integration at large. Ali wittingly pokes holes into regions that are yet to embrace genuine inclusivity, some of which we hardly ever take notice of. I mean, who would ever think of plus size spacesuits?
4. A Beautiful Work in Progress by Mirna Valerio
Marathon races and a plus girl may not appear to go hand in hand. In fact, the two seem antagonistic. But here is Mirna, determined to beat all odds and fulfill her long time passion-running. Her real-life narrative draws to determination, zeal, and persistence amidst unrelenting struggles. Already she is part of a society one which has written her off due to her weight numbers. But this is not about to stop her, not by a long shot.
5. The Not So Subtle Art of Being A Fat Girl by Tess Holiday
Now onto a piece crafted by a plus-size icon (one Tess holiday) and a read reveled by many, this certainly is a keeper! In case you’re in the dark, Tess has been a front liner campaigning for plus size bodies in her own, I would say, not so subtle way.
Her footprint in the fashion industry has been rather boisterous, never shy of lobbying for self-love. In her book, she emphasizes on the need for plus size women to not only feel content but also confident too in their skin. Something we all can learn to embrace a bit better.
6. One to Watch by Kate Stayman
A fictional plot with a loveable main character Bea Schumacher. Bea goes about her life as an uptight persona only dedicated to her work – a fashion blog. When she has time to spare, she indulges in a love interest TV show called the Main Squeeze, and can’t help but pick on the lack of body diversity on the show.
She’s had a little too much to drink, rants her biases towards the same on her blog and boom, things go viral! Next thing you know, she is cast onto the show coincidentally at a time when she had just sworn off men, after undergoing a major heartbreak.
Anne imagines she is immune to the male charm, but soon realizes things are taking a different turn. She is cross on whether to let her guard down, if at all it’s even worth it.
7. Big Girl by Kelsey Miller
The book takes a different approach contrary to what most dieticians and gym trainers perpetuate. Keller shares an autobiography on how she tried every slimming technique possible yet nothing seemed to work. Frustrated and bitter, she slowed down and took an abrupt turn by quitting the radical regimens.
She says, “I gave up dieting and got a life”.
8. Hot and Heavy by Virgie Tovar
Virgie Tovar is nothing like other ordinary, pity-seeking plus size personalities. On the contrary, she is a powerhouse in herself, not one inch embarrassed about her body image. In her bid to translate her enviable ideologies to other women, she brings together fierce, successful plus size women from various sectors of life.
Together they embody a formidable force hard to reckon with. That doesn’t mean they don’t have their low moments, but they understand how crucial it is to live your best life.
9. Sweetly Swirled by M.L. Spann
It involves a bumpy romance story between Bri and Jayce, both of whom first start out merely as acquaintants. Bri has an eye for him but Jay is interested in another lady altogether so much that he asks Bri to help land the lady in question. Timidly she does, but somewhere along the way, Jay takes notice of the lass Bri, and suddenly things start to look up.
10. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
For readers who take pleasure in graphic stories along the lines of villains, science, magic, and the sorts, this is tailored to your taste. Nimona, a plus-size “heroine” is sold out to teaming up with an infamous supervillain, Ballister Blackheart, hoping that together they will wreak unimaginable havoc.
She’s a shape-shifter too. But the villainous Lord is skeptical about letting her serve as his sidekick. The two go at it with humor-filled dialogues that will leave you glued to the script.
We All Can Use a Good Read
For book lovers, reading may come naturally as a way to entertain themselves or relax after a long day. However, for most people occasionally buried in long work hours, this seemingly simple task could prove hard to keep up with. Whether it’s the lack of a conducive environment, or simply the absence of energy to sit still and run your fingers through the covers, the bottom line is, from time to time, we all need a boost in this area.
Technology & Books
Well, thank goodness for technology. Amongst many other things, reading too has become automated. Apps like Kindle and AnyBooks, allow you access reads from the convenience of your phone anytime, anyplace. Or if that doesn’t cut it, download/stream books, and listen via audio. If you prefer to use your computer, get Pocket, a web tool useful in keeping track of articles you are interested in such that you can revisit later. It almost works like a reminder, but with the benefit of additional features as well.
To benefit from these digital aids, you simply need to create a user account or download the apps from your play store at the expense of a renewable fee. Additionally, you can start with a free test trial to get a feel of some of the features available that will enable you to judge the value thereof. As a plus, all sorts of genres are available too!
Conclusion
An interesting read ought to be versatile. Whether you seek pure amusement or a dose of inspiration, a seasoned author is witty enough to incorporate all and more of these elements therein. With the above leads, you are off to a great start! And very likely, better consequent materials. That means less torture sifting through mounds of unfamiliar authors and instead, more time to actually enjoy book leisure. Be sure to check out some of our other top picks.
