On June 22, catch author Katie Sturino at Halls Signature Events for a fun evening filled with humor, light refreshments, and good conversation about Sturino’s body-acceptance advocacy work, and her debut novel SUNNY SIDE UP.
Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Sex and the City, SUNNY SIDE UP is a heartwarming and hilarious novel debut about a plus-sized divorcee finding herself again. Sturino’s first work of fiction stays true to her signature candor and commitment to telling stories that empower women to love their body. “Let’s start by saying the obvious out loud – there are not many plus-size main characters in mainstream fiction who are already successful and thriving in their lives,” shared Sturino. “I think Sunny’s journey of body acceptance will resonate with women of all sizes and ages, but most of all, I think people will just love being in Sunny’ world!”
An entrepreneur and body-acceptance advocate, Sturino uses her social media platform @katiesturino to raise awareness about size inclusivity, empowering women of all sizes to find their confidence and celebrate their style. Her regular content series #SuperSizeTheLook and #MakeMySize have gone viral, reaching millions of people and attracting global media attention. As the founder of Megababe, Sturino is passionate about offering consumers nontoxic, solution-oriented products that allow people to feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin.
No matter what she’s up to, Sturino tackles it all with humor and grace. “I approach most things with humor, it's my default setting,” she said. “I find that when approaching sensitive topics, humor is essential for me, too. I think it makes some of these body acceptance ‘lessons’ more digestible.”
Drawing directly from her own life, SUNNY SIDE UP tackles themes like divorce, reinvention, and learning to thrive in a world that often feels too small for anyone who doesn’t fit the mold. Described by NewYork Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner as “a modern day Bridget Jones without the toxic self-loathing,” and “a delight of a novel,” Sturino’s book is the perfect feel-good summer beach read for Charleston women of all shapes and sizes.
“Years ago, I realized that so many women, no matter their size, are unhappy with their bodies, and I set out on a mission to change that,” Sturino said. “I’ve helped women see themselves in a different way, no matter their size. I wanted to bring that same energy to my main character, Sunny Greene.”
Charleston is the first stop on Sturino’s book tour, where she’ll be joined in conversation with The Stripe founder Grace Atwood.
“Grace Atwood is my Queen of books,” said Sturino. “No one I know reads more than Grace and has more knowledge of books who does not work in publishing. She is a dear friend, and we have a lot of laughs together, so I think the audience will have a lot of fun.”
One of Sturino’s favorite places, Charleston’s book event is sure to be a good time. “The food in Charleston is incredible and has kept me coming back for years, along with the fact that I have some dear friends who live here,” she said. “I love that I’m starting the tour in Charleston – I can’t wait to get my hands on a biscuit.”
Readers can snag a ticket to Katie Sturino’s book tour event here.