A review by legalplanner
Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado

emotional reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was a book that I was hooked into early. But I also was very frustrated. Overall I felt like most of the character development was good and it was a quick read that packed a punch for me. I was very happy with the diverse nature of the characters, even thought it follows the same four characters generally (would have loved to see more of the others) their background and origins were very diverse and it was a nice not all white cast. 

About the book: possible spoilers for theme.
It had similar vibes to Dumplin, but Charlie felt less toxic to others in my eyes. She wasn’t leading one boy on while having feelings for another like the former. Her behavior to her best friend didn’t scream bad news until about 60-75% of the way through the book which was hard to see that turn. It’s also hard to see the mothers hate the daughters in curvey/body positive books. While I know that is a reality for many people it was sometimes hard to watch that relationship between Charlie and her mom. Overall the eventual growth and the feel good ending was nice.
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