A review by servemethesky
Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a really cute YA novel focused on a fat, Puerto Rican protagonist, who felt SO vividly real. I found myself getting irritated at Goodreads reviews that criticized Charlie for feeling insecure or holding contradictory views (logically embracing the fat acceptance movement but not feeling it toward herself 100% of the time). She's 16!!!! I think it's very real that lots of humans can feel two ways at the same time, and believe things on one level but not feel them deeply for ourselves.
Charlie's mom was heinous, and that was relatable to some extent. I appreciate that the author didn't tie up their relationship with a bow and fix it ~perfectly~ or something. That wouldn't have felt very real.
The only time I really started to get annoyed with Charlie was toward the end. Her breakup with Brian seemed so silly to me. I got where she was coming from, but COME ON. It took her far too long to realize that the whole self comparison to Amelia thing was basically all in her own head and Brian truly cared for her. Sheesh!
Also, I don't think the writing here feels super true to teens today. It sounded more like two millennials if they were in high school today haha. And seriously, do best friends share earbuds and listen to an ENTIRE PLAYLIST in a coffee shop together? That was an odd moment. I'd be like "oh cool send me the playlist and I'll check it out later."
All in all though, a very cute book with a happy, heartwarming ending. Great representation and very big, real feels. Fitting for a YA novel!
Charlie's mom was heinous, and that was relatable to some extent. I appreciate that the author didn't tie up their relationship with a bow and fix it ~perfectly~ or something. That wouldn't have felt very real.
The only time I really started to get annoyed with Charlie was toward the end.
Also, I don't think the writing here feels super true to teens today. It sounded more like two millennials if they were in high school today haha. And seriously, do best friends share earbuds and listen to an ENTIRE PLAYLIST in a coffee shop together? That was an odd moment. I'd be like "oh cool send me the playlist and I'll check it out later."
All in all though, a very cute book with a happy, heartwarming ending. Great representation and very big, real feels. Fitting for a YA novel!