I read Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino in one weekend. I wanted a book that was fun, kind, and real. If you like stories about romance and body positivity, you will like this book.
It is also about women who learn to feel confident. I saw that the first printing had 250,000 copies. I am not the only one who likes these happy books!
Key Takeaways
Sunny Side Up gives a friendly and honest story about believing in yourself and loving who you are. It feels like a friend is cheering you on.
The book talks about body positivity by teaching you to value what your body can do, not just how it looks.
Sunny’s strong style and confidence make readers want to be brave. It encourages you to wear what you like and believe in yourself.
Story Overview
Sunny Greene
I have to admit, I stayed up way too late reading about Sunny Greene. She feels like someone I could meet at a coffee shop in New York. Sunny is bold, funny, and sometimes a little lost. She works in fashion, but she doesn’t fit the usual mold. I loved how she owns her style and doesn’t let anyone tell her what to wear. Her confidence isn’t perfect, and that made her feel real to me.
Tip: If you love characters who break the rules and make their own path, Sunny will win you over.
Plot Summary
Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino follows Sunny after a tough breakup. She decides to focus on herself instead of chasing a “revenge body.” I found myself rooting for her as she tries new things, makes new friends, and learns to love her body. The story moves fast, with lots of funny moments and a few scenes that made me tear up.
Sunny’s journey takes her through:
Awkward first dates
Fashion fails and wins
Honest talks with friends
Big moments of self-discovery
Themes in Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino
Body Positivity
Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino doesn’t just talk about body positivity—it lives it. I felt like Sunny’s journey mirrored so many of my own thoughts about self-image. She doesn’t chase a “revenge body” after her breakup. Instead, she learns to appreciate her body for what it can do, not just how it looks. That felt refreshing. I saw myself in her struggles and her wins.
The book uses moments of self-reflection, like Sunny looking in the mirror and choosing kindness over criticism.
I noticed how the story challenges the idea that you need to change your body to move on or feel worthy.
The narrative includes diverse characters and honest conversations about body image, which made me feel seen.
Note: Research shows that stories like this, which focus on body functionality and self-acceptance, can actually help readers feel better about themselves. When I read about Sunny’s small victories, I felt a little more confident too.
I have to give props to Katie Sturino for making body positivity feel real and not preachy. The book’s message is clear: You don’t need to shrink yourself to fit in.
Fashion and NYC Life
If you love fashion, you’ll have fun with this book. Sunny works in the fashion world, but she doesn’t fit the usual mold. She rocks bold prints, bright colors, and isn’t afraid to stand out. I loved reading about her outfits and her confidence in wearing what she loves.
The story highlights plus-size fashion in a way that feels empowering.
Sunny’s style choices show that fashion is for everyone, not just one body type.
The New York City setting adds energy and excitement. I could almost hear the taxis and feel the buzz of the city as Sunny walked to her favorite bakery.
Tip: If you’ve ever felt left out by fashion magazines, Sunny’s story will feel like a breath of fresh air.
The book’s message for women is simple: Wear what makes you happy. Don’t wait for permission.
Friendship and Romance
The friendships in Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino felt just as important as the romance. Sunny’s friends support her, challenge her, and sometimes call her out when she needs it. Their group chats and late-night talks made me smile.
The romance is sweet, but it never overshadows Sunny’s personal growth.
I found myself rooting for her to find love, but I cared even more about her learning to love herself.
The story blends first dates, awkward moments, and honest conversations about what it means to trust someone again.
Note: Studies show that books with strong friendship and romance themes keep readers engaged. I definitely felt more connected to the story because of these relationships.
I’ll be honest, the romance didn’t leave me gasping, but it felt real and hopeful. The friendships gave the book its heart.
Characters and Relationships
Sunny’s Growth
Sunny’s journey grabbed me from the start. She doesn’t just bounce back after heartbreak—she stumbles, questions herself, and sometimes makes a mess. I saw her confidence grow with every small win, like wearing a bold outfit or speaking up at work.
Her growth felt real, not forced. Literary analysis shows that characters who face tough moments and make hard choices become more relatable. I cheered for Sunny because she reminded me that change takes time and courage.
I loved seeing Sunny learn to trust herself. She didn’t need a magical fix—she needed patience and a little self-kindness.
Supporting Cast
The friends and family in this book made me smile. They aren’t just background noise. Each one brings something special to Sunny’s life:
Her best friend gives honest advice, even when it stings.
A quirky coworker adds comic relief and helps Sunny see her strengths.
Family members show up in surprising ways, pushing her to grow.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that romance readers want more than just love stories. They crave deep, believable friendships and diverse characters. I felt that here. The group chats and late-night talks felt like real friendships, not just filler.
Love Interests
The romance in this book moves at a slow, steady pace. I didn’t get “insta love,” and I’m grateful for that. Instead, I watched Sunny and her love interest build trust, share awkward moments, and face real challenges. This made the romance feel honest and earned.
Readers want to see characters reveal their true selves and work through problems together.
Neuroscience research says we connect more when we see characters grow close over time.
The story gives us chemistry, tension, and a few sweet surprises.
To be fair, the romance didn’t leave me gasping, but it felt hopeful and true. I cared about their happiness because I saw them earn it.
What Makes Sunny Unique
Independence
Sunny’s independence really stood out to me. She doesn’t wait for someone else to fix her problems. She makes her own choices, even when they scare her. I loved watching her try new things, like going to events alone or speaking up at work. She messes up sometimes, but she keeps moving forward. That made her feel real and brave.
She sets her own goals, not just what others expect.
She learns to trust her own voice.
She celebrates small wins, like making a new friend or trying a bold outfit.
I found myself cheering for Sunny every time she took a risk. Her independence reminded me that it’s okay to be scared and still go for what you want.
Readers often find themselves drawn to characters who carve their own path. I noticed that my favorite stories usually have someone like Sunny—someone who tries, fails, and tries again.
Data shows that readers figure out what they like by paying attention to how stories make them feel. I realized I love books where the main character stands on her own two feet.
Style
Sunny’s style is a whole mood. She wears what she loves, no matter what anyone thinks. I smiled every time she picked out a bright dress or wild shoes. Her outfits show her personality—fun, bold, and a little bit daring.
She mixes patterns and colors with confidence.
She doesn’t hide her body or play it safe.
She inspires others to dress for themselves, not for approval.
If you’ve ever felt nervous about wearing something different, Sunny’s story might give you the push you need.
I noticed that the way Sunny dresses matches her journey. As she grows more confident, her style gets even braver. That connection between fashion and self-love made the story feel extra special.
Strengths & Weaknesses
I’ll admit it—I read this book in my pajamas, with snacks everywhere, and ignored my phone for hours. Sometimes I even laughed out loud and had to wipe away a happy tear. That’s the kind of reading experience I crave.
Strengths:
Sunny feels real. She messes up, tries again, and never feels like a cardboard cutout. I saw myself in her.
Body positivity isn’t just a slogan. The story actually shows what it’s like to accept yourself, even on tough days.
Fashion pops off the page. I loved the outfit descriptions and the way style matches Sunny’s mood.
Friendship matters. The group chats and honest talks made me wish I could join their circle.
NYC setting adds energy. I could almost smell the bagels and hear the city noise.
Weaknesses:
The plot felt a bit predictable. I guessed where things were going early on.
Some side characters needed more depth. I wanted to know more about their lives.
The romance didn’t leave me gasping, but it felt sweet and believable.
A few scenes wrapped up too quickly for my taste.
To be fair, I rate this book a 7/10. It left me smiling and thinking about my own confidence, but I wanted a little more surprise.
If you want a story that feels like a pep talk from a friend, Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino delivers. Just don’t expect jaw-dropping twists.
About Katie Sturino
Author Background
I like to learn about authors of books I enjoy. Katie Sturino is well-known for body positivity and fashion. She started a blog called The 12ish Style. This blog helps women who feel left out by regular and plus-size fashion. I remember looking at her posts and feeling understood.
Katie started popular campaigns like #SuperSizeTheLook and #MakeMySize. These hashtags made fashion brands add more sizes. I saw some designers listen and change their clothes.
She made Megababe Beauty, a brand that talks about body topics people don’t discuss. I like how she uses jokes and honesty to help everyone feel normal.
Katie is good at marketing and writing to share her ideas. She doesn’t just talk about body positivity—she shows it in her life.
The New York Times called her a leader in body positive books. They said her main character in Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino is a lot like her—brave, funny, and real. Katie’s work is not just about clothes or beauty. It’s about changing how we talk about bodies and confidence.
I want to thank Katie for turning her story into something big. She makes me want to be braver in what I wear and how I see myself.
I laughed, smiled, and felt seen reading Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino. The humor and warmth made my weekend better. If you want a story that feels like a pep talk, this one delivers. Expect style, friendship, and a boost of confidence. You might finish feeling braver, too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino good for teens?
I think teens will like it. The story feels real and positive. It talks about confidence and friendship in a way that’s easy to relate to.
Do I need to love fashion to enjoy this book?
Nope! I don’t work in fashion, but I still had fun. The fashion scenes add color, but the heart of the story is about self-acceptance.
Will this book make me laugh?
Yes! I laughed out loud at some of Sunny’s awkward moments. The humor feels honest, not forced. If you want a book that lifts your mood, this one works.
