Sunny Side Up: A Refreshing Dive into Romance and Body Positivity
When I first heard about Katie Sturino’s debut novel, Sunny Side Up, I was immediately intrigued. As a body-acceptance advocate herself, how would Sturino tackle the complexities of love, self-worth, and entrepreneurship? With each page, I was pleased to discover that she brought to life a character who echoed so many of our struggles while also showcasing her triumphs.
At its heart, Sunny Side Up invites readers into the life of Sunny Greene, a thirty-five-year-old divorcée navigating the rocky terrain of post-divorce life in Manhattan. Recently split from her ex-husband (the charismatic but problematic Zack), Sunny faces the anxiety of attending her brother’s wedding solo, leading to panic attacks in the elegant fitting rooms of Bergdorf Goodman. It’s a relatable struggle that sets the stage for her remarkable journey of self-discovery. Instead of wallowing, she channels her frustrations into launching SONNY, a size-inclusive luxury swimwear line—a testament to her resilience and creativity.
What struck me most about Sturino’s writing is her ability to craft a heroine who is unapologetically herself, free from the confines of societal expectations. Sunny’s evolution is organic and unsentimental; she’s not trying to conform—she’s learning to value herself as she is. This journey of self-acceptance felt empowering, especially as I watched her confront her own internalized fatphobia. The often-painful scenes of trying to fit into a world designed for thinner bodies resonated deeply with me and undoubtedly many others.
The romantic subplot adds another layer of complexity, as Sunny is faced with two compelling love interests: Dennis, the charming mailman, and Ted, the sophisticated businessman. Sturino expertly avoids the clichéd love triangle format by crafting characters that are genuinely appealing. It’s not simply about choosing between boyfriends; it becomes a deeper reflection on what Sunny truly values in relationships.
Sturino’s prose is infused with contemporary energy, elevating everyday dialogues into moments of humor and profound connection—think of it as the perfect blend of wit and warmth. I particularly enjoyed her sneak peeks into Sunny’s life through her body-positive Substack newsletter. This clever narrative device not only highlights her growth but also seamlessly incorporates the themes of entrepreneurship.
Yet, the novel isn’t without its flaws. Certain pacing issues, especially during business-centric scenes, made my eyes wander. While I appreciated the detailed portrayal of starting a fashion line, some of those moments felt drawn out. The resolution came too swiftly, leaving me yearning for a more developed conclusion to Sunny’s romantic escapades.
What makes Sunny Side Up stand out is how it tackles significant themes—female entrepreneurship, body diversity, and the importance of friendship—through a modern lens. The friendships between Sunny and her best friends Brooke and Noor felt authentic and relatable, as they navigate their own struggles while standing by Sunny’s side.
I would recommend Sunny Side Up to anyone seeking a romance infused with substance. It’s not just a beach read; it’s a book that ventures into deeper waters, resonating with themes of body acceptance and empowerment that many of us are navigating today.
With her debut, Sturino has offered both a mirror and a window—a reflection of our experiences, while also broadening the horizon of what love stories can be. Reading this delightful novel left me inspired and hopeful about the future, both in literature and in life. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit the mold, Sunny Side Up is a joyous reminder that our stories are worth telling.