Swap Wheaton’s book (sorry, Wil) for one of these fat-friendly titles (image by Mingo.nl)

Some girls over-pack clothes or make-up when they travel. One of my best friends insists on lugging along what we’ve dubbed a “shoe-case” because it’s dedicated only to footwear. Me? I over-pack . . . well, everything, but especially books. In preparation for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, a four-day getaway with friends to Door County, WI, I’ve already chucked three books into the “take along” pile, while knowing better than to think I’ll have that kind of time. And yet, summer wouldn’t be summer for me without beach reads. As Toni touched on in her recent ode to lazy summer days, for many of us, few things are more intoxicating than a relaxing day at the pool or beach, splashing in the waves (or getting splashed by our kids), with ample time to devour a page-turner.

In honor of those lazy days and the upcoming holiday weekend, FGG has compiled a few ideas for books that feature plus-size protagonists — but they come with a disclaimer: Obviously, taste in books is incredibly individual, so we don’t expect each of these titles to have the same appeal to every reader. Further, it’s a tricky thing writing for a blog that doesn’t wholly identify itself in either the “fat acceptance” or “weight loss” genre, but rather seeks to strike a realistic and empowering tone for overweight women in general; that tightrope walk becomes more pronounced when attempting to recommend literature featuring plus-sized characters, because the genre is so controversial. There are as many “fat girl” and weight-loss memoirs out there as there are poorly drawn, self-hating or insultingly unrealistic primary or tertiary characters in fiction (Jemima J, I’m looking at you). For that reason, we’ve tried to list books whose overweight female protagonists are strong, unashamed and multifaceted, or whose struggles with their weight issues are presented in an honest and real way, without being condescending or insinuating that only through weight loss can one find love and meaning.

In short: Your mileage may vary, but we hope there may be something for everyone. So grab a beach blanket and enjoy!

If you’re in the mood to laugh

Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass,Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office (Jen Lancaster, 2006)

What to Expect: Unabashedly self-centered (hence the title), the plus-sized Lancaster draws from her riches-to-rags unemployment experiences in the post-9/11 economy to deliver gut-busting humor and a trademark snarky wit. This is the first of Lancaster’s best-selling memoirs, so if you dig her style, you’ve got all summer to gobble up her other four titles: Bright Lights, Big Ass; Such a Pretty Fat; Pretty In Plaid; and the recently released My Fair Lazy.

Good fit for your beach bag? Readers either can’t get enough of Lancaster’s humor, or seem to find her observations unrelatable and mean-spirited. Which category you belong to depends heavily on your feelings toward curse words and everyone’s-a-target humor.

Frangipani: A Novel (Célestine Vaite, 2006)

What to expect: The first in Vaite’s trilogy of novels following the relationships and antics of “professional house cleaner” Materena Mahi and her family, this novel is as chock-full of strong, diverse female characters as it is whimsy. The story centers on the relationship between plus-size Materena and her daughter, which allows Vaite to get maximum play from the Tahitian myths and superstitions that govern Materena.

Good fit for your beach bag? This lighthearted, quick read should appeal to readers seeking a different take on the age-old struggles between mothers and daughters. Plus, the gorgeous Tahitian setting is beach-worthy, for sure.

Good In Bed (Jennifer Weiner, 2002)

What to expect: Twenty-eight-year-old Cannie Shapiro faces what many of us would deem our worst nightmare: her ex-boyfriend has written an article about their sex life, titled “Loving a Larger Woman,” which appears in a Cosmo-esque national mag. Hilarity, tears and tequila shots ensue, as Cannie sets off on an ill-advised journey to lose weight and win back her jackal of an ex — before realizing she deserves better.

Good fit for your beach bag? There’s a reason this is a go-to novel for both plus-size chick lit and those looking for something a little more substantial: It’s a really enjoyable read that features a protagonist you can cheer for. Sure, there are plot points requiring a suspension of disbelief, but Weiner’s smart, sassy writing gives Cannie a believable, identifiable voice, and we appreciate the willingness to stray beyond “weight loss = happiness” as a takeaway.

If you’re in the mood for love

Love at Large (Anthology, 2005)

What to expect: Six separate stories of plus-size women finding love with men who think they’re scrumptious. Want more? None of these protagonists are clinging vines just pining for a man; they’re independent, strong and sexy — all of which their suitors find irresistibly appealing. Yes, literary world, men can and do love larger women!

Good fit for your beach bag? Fun, fluffy and perfectly portioned for reading between catnaps. In short, a perfect beach read. One of the stories is even set near Lake Michigan, which made this girl proud.

Suddenly You (Lisa Kleypas, 2001)

What to expect: A lush, historical bodice-ripper with a plus-size female lead? Believe it. The action (so to speak) begins as 30-year-old Amanda opens her door to the male prostitute she’s hired to take her virginity — only to discover later that she’s judged his identity too hastily. What follows is a romantic cat-and-mouse game between free-spirited writer Amanda and her visitor (and new publisher), Jack, as well as a celebration of the allure of curvaceous beauty.

Good fit for your beach bag? If you’re a fan either of historical or romantic fiction, this is a no-brainer, but even skeptics may be drawn in by the impressively developed characters and witty dialogue. (And did we mention the sex?)

If you’re in the mood to reflect… or even cry

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County (Tiffany Baker, 2010)

What to expect: The story of 400-pound “giant,” Truly Plaice, orphaned as a young girl and having grown up surrounded by loss, drama and societal cruelty. Parts of the story may prove painful for readers who have experienced sadness at the hands of bullies and insensitive acquaintances, but fans of the book rave about Truly’s honest, compelling narration and her ability overcome her life’s circumstances and find meaning and escape.

Good fit for your beach bag? Part horror story and part fairy tale, this book seems to best suit the reader who seeks gloriously descriptive prose and page-turning twists — without expecting ponies and rainbows to be waiting on the other side.

The Wife’s Tale (Lori Lansens, 2010)

What to expect: The journey of an overweight (302 pounds) woman whose husband leaves on the eve of their 25th wedding anniversary. Realizing that she’s as imprisoned by fear as she is by food, Mary Gooch ventures from her Canadian hometown for the first time, finding her way to the new sights and characters of California as she seeks to find her husband, and herself.

Good fit for your beach bag? Some will find Mary’s cold-turkey “I’m not hungry anymore” weight loss off-putting, while others might wish for more of an ending, but introverted readers who seek to identify with a narrator may be drawn to Mary’s struggle and the intricate details of her life as an overweight woman.

If you’re in the mood to sleuth

If mystery’s your thing, it seems your full-figured female protagonist cup runneth over — what is it about fat girls that makes us scream “I’m the next literary answer to Angela Lansbury!”? For reasons we can’t identify, several series out there feature larger (or “average-size”) female characters; we’ve suggested a couple here that tend to get good reviews.

Too Big to Miss (Sue Ann Jaffarian, 2006)

What to expect: Don’t let the title or the ample-sized silhouette drawn on the cover art fool you: This isn’t a fat-hating book. Fortysomething paralegal Odelia Grey stands 5’1 and weighs 230 pounds, and although she’s not immune to the trials of life as an overweight woman, she doesn’t let them keep her down. Smart, talented and believable, Odelia kicks off her career as amateur sleuth here (five other titles follow), as she investigates the apparent suicide of her friend Sophie, a fat-girls’ rights advocate.

Good fit for your beach bag? While they’re split on some of the book’s humor (Odelia’s self-deprecating comments could be seen as undermining the size-positive message of her very existence as a heroine), critics and readers all seem to agree that Odelia’s a gem and Jaffarian’s plots are well-constructed.

Earthly Delights: A Corinna Chapman Mystery (Kerry Greenwood, 2008)

What to expect: Corinna Chapman used to be an accountant, but now she runs a bakery and is about to become a part-time sleuth. Confused? Don’t be. All you need to know is Corinna is “ample bodied” and fabulous. Set in Melbourne, Australia, this inaugural Chapman mystery follows Corinna as she balances life (and a potential love interest) with chasing the killer of local drug addicts.

Good fit for your beach bag?: Frothy and possibly forgettable, but definitely fun in the process.

Tell us, readers: What books are in your beach bag this season? What are your thoughts on portrayals of overweight women in literature? And what’s your favorite book — of any genre — featuring a larger main character?Similar Posts:

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Still image from the Lane Bryant commercial-turned-Internet-sensation

I guess size does matter. No, I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about the new Lane Bryant TV ad that has stirred so much controversy. Seems that women parading around in their underwear is fine with television networks, so long as those women have slim-hipped, prepubescent bodies. But when you throw a few voluptuous curves into the mix, the TV execs start to panic. According to Lane Bryant, both Fox and ABC initially refused to run the ad. And though they later relented, the whole issue raises questions about both the interplay between media and advertising and the narrow definition of beauty in America.

Since this column is called, “It’s a Guy Thing,” let me say first that the model Lane Bryant uses in the ad is HOT. Even my wife thinks she’s hot. Now that we’ve established that, let’s move on to the whole beauty standard issue. I assume we’ve all seen our share of Victoria’s Secret ads, which are equally racy – if not moreso – than the content of the Lane Bryant commercial. Yet I’ve never heard of a network exec balking at the idea of running one the Victoria’s Secret ads.

The Lane Bryant commercial, on the other hand, presents a woman–a voluptuous woman, a la Rita Hayworth. I have to wonder: would today’s networks run an ad featuring Rita? How about Marilyn Monroe? Raquel Welch? When the American beauty standard transitioned from Welch to Twiggy, I can remember my dad’s disappointment. In response, he developed a crush on Lynda Carter. Hell, I had a crush on Lynda Carter. And by today’s standards, even Ms. Carter, in her 1970s Wonder Woman glory would be considered “plus sized.” Now that, to me, is the definition of insanity.

I’ve got to wonder what kind of nation celebrates violence during prime time viewing but wags a shaming finger at a generously curved woman embarking on a lunch date in her underwear and raincoat. If anyone can explain that to me, I welcome the attempt.

For a small but incisive reminder of how little has changed in the last 25 years, we need look no further than the 1980s sitcom Designing Women, whose star Dixie Carter recently passed away. I can remember co-star Delta Burke’s admonishment: “I’m not fat, I’m voluptuous” in the context of one of the show’s episodes. Despite the uproar of applause that followed, it remains a message some network execs have yet to process.Similar Posts:

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Webcam smootch, by Rhinovirus

I know there are several sites out there that cater to larger women/BBWs, but do you know of any true “all-sizes” dating web sites out there that don’t exclude anyone regardless of size?”

By now most of us have heard about the publicity stunt, err, debate over Beautiful People, a dating site that not only denies members access if they don’t fit the traditional definition of beautiful (i.e., thin, among other things), but even goes so far as to kick current members off if they gain too much weight. Apparently they just did a post-holiday sweep for members who dug a little too deep into the turkey. Ouch.

For the rest of us, myriad options for online dating services exist – but finding the most fat-friendly of those takes a little peeking under the hood. We did a quick-and-dirty recon; here’s what we found:

AOL Personals
Less its own service and more an aggregate spot for other services like Match.com and e-Harmony (who we haven’t included here, because they’ve got a bad rap for being iffy to fat chicks), a quick browse through here reveals plenty of women in the 14+ size range online here, and a fair share of good-looking men with related preferences (or at the very least an openness to most body types). Membership cost/details depends on which service you end up subscribing to.

Match.com
I wouldn’t have expected it, but of all the general population sites, Match.com seemed to have the largest variety of people and body types – from fat and fabulous to frumpy and shy to sweet and svelte. And, as they say, “it’s free to look.”

Zoosk.com
Ignore the weird name, there are plenty of kindred chubby spirits in here, both men and women, to be found. A quick search of my own zip code (mid-sized metro area) yielded several pages, and most of these people looked suspiciously like you and me. Free to join.

I almost included OKCupid.com here as an option, because at first glance it was a cool idea (and completely free), but a closer look reveals a disturbing number of conversations in their forums about guys frustrated with “fat chicks” for this or that reason. My advice: steer clear.

Finally, for those of you who aren’t familiar with some of the better sites designed specifically for plus-sized singles, here’s a rundown.

More to Love
MTL seems to get high ratings among users and reviewers, and seems a little less focused on “hooking up” and more on long-term relationship starters. Includes chat rooms, message boards and anonymous email boxes. Free to join.

BBW People Meet
Fairly basic, but seems to have a large number of active members. Members can add audio and video to their profiles. Easy sign-up, free to join.

BBW Cupid
Feels a little stodgy, but seems to be a decent dating site. Multiple levels of membership, but free to join, browse, read messages and contact paying members.

BBW Romance
Another site with high user ratings, BBWR is broken down into state/regional sub-sites so members can browse far and wide or close to home. Free to join.

What about our readers? I know I’ve missed some, and that some of you have experiences with those we’ve listed to share. Let’s have it!Similar Posts:

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A guest post by actress Jenny Gattone

Think of me as a war correspondent- frankly, it’s a jungle out here. I speak of course, of the City of Angels. And I’m right in the thick of the battle – a chubby girl trying to make it as an actor in Hollywood.

I like to joke that when I’m on set I feel like a bull in a china shop. Film actresses are incredibly tiny, so I’m only half-kidding. I lived and worked in New York for about five years before doing a pilot, acquiring a manager, and moving across the country to work with said manager. I was terrified, wondering what would happen to me in the much more cookie-cutter world of Hollywood. What’s interesting, though, is that I actually work more in LA than I ever did in New York. A LOT more. I’m happy to tell you that despite how things look on television, Los Angeles is not a sea of blond highlights and fake boobs.

Well, maybe a little. There is a more uniform sense of what is beautiful here. I’ll be honest: show business, no matter where you are, is rough on a chubby girl. There are going to be directors that flat out will not cast a fat girl no matter how fierce you are. You may be compared to appliances (in my case, a refrigerator), and the blunt and objective way people will deal with your looks can be soul-sucking. But that’s true for every actor. On the bright side, I can look at an audition breakdown and peg the chubby girl part. (Hint: if they don’t flat out say fat, they usually mention the character’s love of food. Seriously.)

But as rough as it is on a chubby girl, it’s actually tougher on the non-chubby girls. You couldn’t pay me enough to be an ingénue in this town. No way, not with what I see some of my friends go through. A chubby girl is an as-is purchase. What you see is what you get. What are they going to do, say “How fast can you lose 75 pounds?” Yeah, sure, give me a year. And it’s a loooooooong day on a set. The skinny girls look so sad when lunch is served and they turn it down. Shoot, heck yeah I want a sandwich, I’ve been here nine hours!

One thing I’ve learned through LA’s skewed sense of beauty is that thin girls don’t really have a leg up in the self-image department. I haven’t seriously entertained the idea that being thin would solve all my problems since I was a teenager, but I was still astounded to discover that I seem to be more comfortable in my own skin than many of my thinner peers. It makes me sad to see so many of them try to come to terms with the ways in which they don’t resemble a swizzle stick and accept those things as “flaws.” It’s frustrating the way women are expected to live up to those unhealthy standards of thinness. I would love to see a full-scale revolution of women in this business. I would love to see us all, regardless of shape or size, stand up and say, “Fuck this!”

Unfortunately, there will always be women who will happily maintain a double-digit weight to work in film.

Right now you must be thinking, so how are things not as bad in LA as they look? My friends, it’s all attitude. You have to rise above the mind games. You have to grow a thick skin and see how beautiful you are no matter what they throw at you. Because truth is, most on-screen women aren’t any more beautiful than you and I; it’s amazing what a well-paid beauty professional in this town can do for any actress.

So girls, no matter what society tells you – directly or indirectly – about what is and isn’t beautiful and how appropriate it is to recognize and appreciate yours, screw them – feel it, recognize and appreciate it anyway. I try to, and I’m getting better and better at it as I go. Besides, I’m doing all right here. I’ve done a couple pilots, gone in for some cool films, I belong to a fantastic theatre company in Hollywood that I absolutely love, and I’m in my second show this year.

I also collaborated on a screenplay that’s now in pre-production. The heroine? A chubby girl. Because there’s no shortage of us off-camera, and one of my career goals is to get more of us in front of it.

Jenny Gattone
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This weekend, for our inaugural round-up, we tapped the Twitter community for thoughts on the difficulties associated with being an overweight woman. Here’s what you had to say:

@jaggedraven It’s having my body slow me down. I’m not as strong or fast or have as much endurance as my mind and my spirit demand.

@janelle0511 having to shop at a limited amount of stores!

@shaydiggs being invisible

@PatBarone For me, it was being ignored. Many people look right through you when you’re fat, as if you don’t exist at all.

@wwlifer Having people think I’m lazy.

@hittingtheroad For me, it’s that I can’t move around gracefully. While shooting a show last Fri, I had to crawl instead of squat & wriggle.

@NaturallyMe09 finding cute, affordable swimwear.

@ZooColony Being uncomfortable in my clothes, having to shop in a different section and the size of the seats in public places.

@thecurvystylist The hardest part is the misleading messages in the media saying fat girls should feel bad about themselves/can’t enjoy life.

@NoPants_McGee Clothes! Ugly, ill fitting, poor materials, expensive and impossible to find.

@tiffy315 the hardest thing about being overweight? trying to overcome it…

@SharBoogie being able to shop for clothes that fit ur age

What about you? Let us know in comments what you feel is the hardest part for you about living as an overweight woman? Most importantly, while we’re working on improving our health, how can we help each other with the uncomfortable symptoms of being a “fat girl?”
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