Hello, I’m Taylor…TCF’s resident Chief Story Stylist and guide for the Plus Size Book Club.
I lead conversations, content, and readings that center and celebrate plus-size people, love, and the kinds of stories we deserve to see ourselves. Here we are not just reading a book…we are building a bookshelf that reflects us: our life, our desires, the energy of our protagonist.
And let me tell you…we started and we keep going. big girl blitzwritten by Daniel Allen. But before we get into it, let’s take a look at what you missed. This week only!
We officially kicked off our first TCF Book Club meeting. This week only By Natasha Bishop So what if I told you I had time? That means a real story about laughter, passion, expression, and lots of love for seeing a curvaceous black woman at the center of a story that’s equal parts tender, spicy, and self-discovery.
It’s everything this space is supposed to be, and somehow it already feels bigger than us.
Now, it’s time to turn the page as we wrap up the first chapter we read.
TCF Book Club: First Month, First Read, First Impressions.
The conversations that emerged from that first reading were layered, honest, and deeply personal.
We talked about body image. About boundaries. About the silent ways we have all been taught to shrink ourselves… and What happens when it finally stops?
There was something powerful about being in the same space as women who shared similar life experiences but brought completely different perspectives. We unpacked everything we liked, what annoyed us, and, yes, what made us blush a little while reading.
This week only It gave me more than just a story, it gave me a starting point. And we ran with it.
Janelle, boundaries, and the chaos I couldn’t look away from.
April’s Book of the Month took us on a roller coaster of emotions.
Our plus-size protagonist, Janelle, finds herself attending her sister’s wedding in Tulum…where her sister is marrying Janelle’s ex-boyfriend. yes. that Ex-boyfriend.
Naturally, her dynamic eyebrows also rose. But what surprised us the most was Janelle herself. She wasn’t heartbroken. She wasn’t clinging to the past. She made it clear…this relationship was no longer serving her.
what did But the development was much deeper. A pattern that disrupts balance. A sister who took endless pictures. Family dynamics without boundaries. And a woman who has lived in excess for far too long.
One of our favorite lessons is that givers should set limits because takers rarely set limits.
Watching Janelle realize that in real time was both frustrating and very relatable.
Chemistry, courage, and your own choices
Then there was Rome.
From the moment he stepped in, the chemistry was undeniable. What you can feel through the pages. What started as a “just for the week” situation quickly became something more layered, more intentional, and honestly, more healing than either of us expected.
But it wasn’t just romance that really connected us. It was an evolution of Janelle.
She gave herself pleasure without feeling guilty.
She began setting boundaries to protect her peace.
She started living the life she actually wanted, including pursuing her purpose as an obstetrician-gynecologist serving Black and POC women.
That kind of growth? We will continue to support you.
Criticisms we had to talk about
Of course, we didn’t hold back in the virtual meeting.
Janelle’s reluctance to advocate for herself tested our patience. The male-centric moment sparked legitimate side-eye. And yes, there needed to be more balance in how she shows up in friendships.
But what we came to realize is that growth is not linear and rarely happens perfectly.
If anything, Janelle’s journey has reminded us to learn to choose ourselves. especially If you don’t do it for years, it can feel messy, uneven, and overdue.
Still, it’s worth it every time.
belongings
This week only It gave us more than a story. It gave us a language.
Language surrounding boundaries.
Around self-esteem.
About the reality that loving someone doesn’t mean condoning abuse.
It reminded us that our needs are urgent. Advocating for yourself is not optional. And that our lives are completely ours.
Let’s Blitz: May’s book of the month is big girl blitz Written by Daniel Allen
Now…let’s talk about what’s next!
This month’s book for May is big girl blitz Written by Daniel Allen. This book is the third in the Curve series and is already known to be on the way.
This time around, we follow Jazmine Payne as she navigates one of the most difficult times in her life as a loved one faces illness.
However, there is also a softness within the weight.
There’s a friendship there, and Aaliyah and Nina come across as genuine.
There’s a history there, and Jazmin’s past experiences with fatphobia have shaped how she navigates the world.
And…Lamar Anderson.
What started as an unexpected turn of events could turn into something she wasn’t prepared for. And the real question is, will she allow herself to receive it?
If you’ve read Danielle Allen before, you already know…she’s intentional about the stories she tells and the women she centers. Her work consistently offers layered characters, undeniable chemistry, and stories that allow plus-size women to exist fully in their desire, complexity, and consideration.
and big girl blitzshe continues to build on a world that already resonates deeply with readers, expanding on the Curve series in ways that feel timely and necessary. She has confidence in her storytelling. A belief that these characters should have uncompromising softness, passion, and depth.
And the answer to that is big girl blitz It just affirmed what many of us already knew. Daniel Allen is building something meaningful with this series.
Early readers have praised the depth, emotional honesty, and way it continues to center plus-size Black women in its stories, allowing them to be fully seen, desired, and complex. This isn’t just a new release; it’s a significant ongoing effort.
And as a plus-size reader, that kind of storytelling is more than just fun…I can assure you that. It reminds us that we deserve to be centered on the page, wanted, and fully seen.
Join us at the next TCF Book Club meeting!
It’s officially on to Book of the Month for May. big girl blitznew conversations, and new demographics of this community…and you’re invited.
Whether you’ve been reading from the beginning or are just joining us, now’s your chance.
We’ll be meeting inside the TCF Style Society community, Lit Lounge, to explain everything. theme. Characters. A moment that felt a little too close to home. Everything.
Next meeting:
Saturday, May 16th
10:30am PT / 1:30pm ET
Held virtually via Zoom in Lit Lounge
Be prepared to discuss with us, react and fully familiarize yourself with the times of our readers.
RSVP + Join Lit Lounge →
Participation is free. You need a good atmosphere.
Here at TCF Book Club, we want to experience that chemistry, tension, and spice. Because, as plus-size readers, we know that Daniel Allen isn’t coming to play.
Please bring your thoughts, opinions, theories, and notes to the next book club meeting on Saturday, May 16th at 1:30pm ET/10:30am PT. we’re going to talk about it all
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
