Welcome to the 2024 book club recap! This year, our inclusive book club dived into stories that celebrated body positivity, queer love, neurodivergence, and intersectional identities. We built a space where everyone feels welcome, and the discussions? Chef’s kiss. Let’s talk about the books that shaped our year, sparked important conversations, and brought us closer together.
fat representation in our inclusive book club
We started the year with Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner, a novel featuring Cannie, a smart, funny, fat protagonist whose story isn’t about losing weight. Nope, Cannie’s journey is about self-acceptance and navigating life in a society obsessed with diet culture. Our conversations about body positivity were powerful, relatable, and a reminder of why representation matters.
Later, we fell in love with One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston, a queer rom-com with another fat protagonist, August. And guess what? Her body isn’t a plot point. Instead, the focus is on her solving a time-travel mystery, building a found family, and falling in love on the Q train. Can we talk about her roommates for a second? They were EVERYTHING.
queer love and found family
Let’s not forget The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Achilles and Patroclus gave us a love story filled with passion, heartbreak, and resilience. We had deep conversations about queer love, grief, and legacy— and yes, I cried. A lot.
On a lighter note, Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola brought us a flirty, fun Black love story featuring Kiki Banjo. It was a breath of fresh air, and we loved discussing cultural representation and the beauty of unapologetic Black joy.
neurodivergence, loneliness, and resilience
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman introduced us to Eleanor, a neurodivergent character navigating loneliness and social isolation. Her journey from solitude to connection sparked conversations about mental health, neurodivergence, and the importance of finding your people.
Speaking of eerie atmospheres (good segue right?), Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia had us questioning reality with its gothic horror vibes. This book explored family secrets, generational trauma, and how women’s voices are often dismissed. Noemí was a protagonist we rooted for from start to finish.
representation and privilege in publishing
In Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, we were confronted with the harsh realities of cultural appropriation and privilege in the publishing industry. This one sparked some spicy discussions about who gets to tell stories and why representation is non-negotiable.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid also tackled themes of privilege, fame, and identity. Evelyn’s story isn’t just about Hollywood glam—it’s about sacrifices, secrets, and navigating life as a queer, biracial woman in a world that demands perfection.
building community and welcoming new members
This year, our inclusive book club grew in ways we didn’t expect. We welcomed new members, fostered friendships, and built a community where everyone felt seen, heard, and valued. It’s been an incredible year, and we’re so grateful for every discussion, every laugh, and every moment of connection.
want to join or host in 2025?
We’re already planning for 2025, and we need you! If you love books, great conversations, and building community, consider hosting a book club meeting next year. It’s a chance to connect with others, share your favorite reads, and make 2025 our best year yet. Reach out to us here to volunteer!
Learn more about our mission and inclusive fitness classes here, or check out this list of body positive books for inspiration.
Let’s make 2025 even bigger, bolder, and bookier. (Yes, it’s a word now!)
Jenna Doak
December 10, 2024
