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

emotional funny inspiring 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? Yes

4.0

Liked it! Cute, coming-of-age story (female main character is 17 (high-school age), romantic, humorous, heart-warming. 

I would've loved to see a book like this when I was in high school. 

(Just an FYI, the majority of this book is about Charlie being fat and it being a major plot point. It's not just a book with a fat character, which I know makes a difference to some people).  

I liked how fleshed out all the characters were. They all had their own insecurities, personalities, stories and it was a very diverse cast of characters. 

Charlie's growth was really cute and I'm glad she got to stand up for herself. Her relationship with Brian was really cute and I like the realistic portrayal between her and her mother - like not everything end nicely wrapped in a bow, but some small steps are progress. 

The beginning was a bit hard to get through because of all the negativity, but I'm glad I stuck with it. Charlie really comes around and learned to love herself, stick up for herself, and prioritize her happiness. 


Some quotes:

I believe that people can be healthy at any size. I think other fat girls are absolutely beautiful. But my mind struggles to bridge the gap between the two ideologies. (p. 25). Holiday House. Kindle Edition. 

“I’m just over all these men! They want so much from you. Be beautiful but not too beautiful; thin but not too thin; feminine but not too feminine. On dates, it’s the same thing—talk, but not too much. Ask them questions about themselves, but not too many questions. I’m exhausted.” (p. 98). Holiday House. Kindle Edition. 
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