Books like Dietland by Sarai Walker

After a tenure at a teen magazine, Plum Kettle elects to quietly await her weight‑loss surgery, hoping to escape the constant scrutiny that comes with being fat. Her tentative plan is disrupted when a mysterious woman in colorful tights and combat boots follows her, ushering Plum into the underground enclave known as Calliope House. There, a group of women rejects conventional beauty standards and embraces a culture of self‑acceptance. Amid the community’s spirited resistance, a guerrilla organization begins targeting a society that discriminates against overweight people. Plum’s involvement escalates, setting her on a path that forces her to weigh the true costs of conformity and the power of solidarity. The novel examines themes of body image, discrimination, self‑esteem, and feminist solidarity, presenting a contemporary look at the challenges faced by women who do not fit mainstream ideals.

First publish date: 2015