Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2026 Challenge - Regular
>
06 - A Book with an Overweight Main Character Whose Story Isn't About Losing Weight
date
newest »
newest »
If the Shoe Fits is great! I actually really enjoyed it despite hating the whole "reality dating" tv genre.
I do like the fact that this prompt focuses on a story that isn't about the main character losing weight. I think a romance novel will probably work well for this one.
I'm thinking along the lines of Katy and finding a person from history who was portly.... Darn! Historical research? ;)
I don't normally read much contemporary romance, but for whatever reason, Zora Books Her Happy Ever After appeals to me for this.
For the romance readers, may I recommend Olivia Dade? All her main characters are plus-size and comfortable in their own skins.
Anything in the Number One Ladies Detective Agency Series Set 1-10 by Alexander McCall Smith would fit.
the Brown Sister trilogy would fit here. I read them this year for 3 of the 2025 prompts. they're written by Talia Hibbert. Very funny and entertaining
Second the Olivia Dade recommendation, especially Spoiler Alert and Zomromcom. For other authors, One to Watch (for reality TV fans) and The Love Con (for a nerdier romance with a plus-sized female lead).
Kenya wrote: "Second the Olivia Dade recommendation, especially Spoiler Alert and Zomromcom. For other authors, One to Watch (for reality TV fans) and [book:The L..."I'm going to read Zomromcom for this one!
If you’re looking for something not romance oriented I found Elly Griffiths Ruth Galloway series on a search. I’ve been wanting to read this series FOR YEARS. The first book is The Crossing Places. Also Winnie the Pooh is an option lol.
Wouldn't Dumplin' fit this prompt? I loved that book! Wonderful relationship development, and character development, all in a great story!
I think this qualifies:
Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe by Preston Norton
I'll know better once I actually read the book. If anyone knows otherwise, feel free to let me know.
Laura Ruth wrote: "Anything in the Number One Ladies Detective Agency Series Set 1-10 by Alexander McCall Smith would fit."Thank you for reminding me that this series has a large woman in it. I dearly adore Precious Ramotswe. I had to look to see if there was a new book that I had not read yet...and yes.
The Cocky Kingman series by Amy Award would fit here. It’s very funny and entertaining ( steamy rom com) great to read during football season too
Stretching category -- Piglet by Lottie Hazell - MC has had a varied weight. Great book!Heavy by Kiese Laymon
Milk Fed by Melissa Broder - on my TBR forever - Second main character described as "zaftig".
Books mentioned in this topic
Heavy (other topics)Piglet (other topics)
Milk Fed (other topics)
Number One Ladies Detective Agency Series Set 1-10 by Alexander McCall Smith (other topics)
Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Lottie Hazell (other topics)Kiese Laymon (other topics)
Melissa Broder (other topics)
Preston Norton (other topics)






As a fat person, I have some misgivings about this one. I remember last time we had a category like this, they used the word "fat" and a lot of people were offended. I wonder how this one will go over?
I'll probably find a contemporary romance to read, and I see If the Shoe Fits is on my TBR
Listopia list is Here: A book with an overweight main character whose story isn't about losing weight