Big Boned by Jo Watson

Rating: ★★★★★

Dates Read: 2/10/23 - 2/11/23

    Lori Palmer is starting at Bay Water High, where appearance and school spirit reign supreme. Missing her previous school's appreciation for her artistic talent, she attempts to blend into the background to survive. However, her plans change when she discovers that the popular and attractive Jake volunteers at her brother's school.

    As her brother befriends Jake's sister, Lori is drawn into a thrilling world of water polo, parties, and stargazing. But as her relationship with her mother worsens, old anxieties resurface. Finding solace in her art, Lori unknowingly sparks a powerful movement. When the authorities become involved, she realizes that standing up for her beliefs may lead to trouble. Nevertheless, she learns that voicing her opinions and staying true to herself are crucial acts of courage.

    I was initially hesitant to pick up this book, knowing it originated from Wattpad, and I've found some previously published Wattpad stories to be too juvenile for my taste. But let me tell you, "Big Boned" exceeded all my expectations in the best possible way. As a girl who's constantly been told she's "just big boned," I felt seen and understood by this book. I adored Lori, the main character, and the journey she went through. This book is simply amazing, and I can't praise it enough.

    From the very beginning, I was captivated by the compelling narrative and the depth of the topics covered in this YA novel. Mental health, body image struggles, neuroatypical representation, and family trauma are all beautifully and realistically explored. Lori, a plus-size artist and high school senior, moves to a small coastal town to better support her autistic brother Zac. The love and care she has for him is truly touching.

    Lori's struggle with her appearance and anxiety resonated with me deeply. The portrayal of her body image issues and the bullying she faced felt authentic and relatable. However, everything changes for Lori when she discovers Jake, a handsome water polo athlete, who also has a neuroatypical sibling. Their connection is heartwarming and allows Lori to open up and embrace her true self.

    The growth of Lori's relationship with Jake was my favorite part of the story. Their interactions were sweet and genuine, making it easy to root for them. I also loved witnessing Lori's artistic journey and how it paralleled her personal growth.

    "Big Boned" pleasantly surprised me with its depth and relevance. It tackles important issues in a realistic and relatable manner. I was genuinely proud of Lori's character development and felt emotionally invested in her journey. This book is an absolute must-read, especially for anyone who has struggled with body image or experienced feelings of being different.