Sunny Side Up Summary, Characters and Themes

Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino is a body-positive rom-com published in June 2025. It follows Sunny Greene, a 35-year-old New Yorker who seems to have it all: a thriving PR firm, loyal best friends, and two beloved dogs. Newly divorced, she faces a pivotal moment in a Bergdorf Goodman fitting room and decides to start fresh on her own terms.

The novel explores Sunny’s journey of self-discovery through career ambition, friendship, and dating—complicated by three men: Dennis, a charming mailman; Ted, a business tycoon helping her launch a swimsuit line; and her reappearing ex-husband. Unlike many heroines, Sunny doesn’t chase a “revenge body” or makeover; instead, she embraces confidence, fashion, and love without apology. Praised as “a modern Bridget Jones without the self-loathing”, the book offers humor, heart, and empowerment, making it a feel-good story about owning your worth and finding joy after reinvention.

Summary

In Sunny Side Up, Sunny Greene opens up about her life after a challenging divorce.  The narrative begins with Sunny reflecting on her past struggles with body image, societal expectations, and self-esteem.

The memoir starts with a humorous yet raw account of her experience in a high-end department store, where she is faced with the realities of clothing sizes and her insecurities about her body.  These moments in the dressing room become metaphors for her broader internal struggles with self-image and self-worth.

Her experiences in the world of fashion, particularly in relation to her body, spark deeper reflections on her long-held passion for the industry and the limitations her body image has imposed on her dreams.

Sunny’s story is not only about her personal struggles with body image, but also about her journey toward success in the fashion industry.  From a young age, she dreamed of becoming a fashion editor in New York.

However, despite the challenges posed by her body image and the elitism of the fashion world, Sunny found success in public relations, eventually opening her own PR firm, Le Ballon Rouge.  Her work with fashion brands and media outlets brought her recognition, including an Entrepreneur magazine 35 under 35 award.

However, professional success did not shield her from the insecurities that continued to plague her, particularly when it came to clothing and shopping experiences that made her feel inadequate.

Her body image struggles are further exacerbated by a shopping trip to Bergdorf Goodman, where she finds it difficult to find clothes that fit.  This experience stirs up old feelings of inadequacy, but it also becomes a catalyst for Sunny to confront these emotions head-on.

As she continues to navigate her career and personal life, she begins to reflect on the breakdown of her marriage to Zack.  Sunny recounts their whirlwind romance and the eventual collapse of their relationship, which was largely influenced by Zack’s career success overshadowing their marriage.

His emotional neglect and growing distance led to their separation, leaving Sunny to confront her own identity in the wake of their split.

Despite the divorce, Zack’s voice and presence continue to haunt Sunny, especially as she tries to move forward with her life.  However, with the support of her friends, Brooke and Noor, Sunny starts to regain her confidence and learn to embrace her independence.

They encourage her to embrace her flaws, embark on a “divorcation” trip to the Bahamas, and take control of her own narrative.  In the Bahamas, Sunny starts to rediscover her sense of self-worth, moving beyond the emotional constraints that had held her back for so long.

The narrative takes a turning point when Sunny meets Cillian, a construction worker with whom she has a flirtatious encounter.  This marks a moment of empowerment for Sunny, as she finally feels confident enough to embrace her desires and take ownership of her own life and choices.

The encounter with Cillian is not just about a potential new romance but symbolizes a fresh chapter in Sunny’s life, where she is no longer afraid to step outside her comfort zone and pursue what she wants.

The book also explores Sunny’s journey toward self-acceptance, especially in the context of her physical appearance and her desire to break free from societal standards.  The narrative highlights the importance of body positivity and self-love, as Sunny slowly learns to embrace her body and stop viewing it as a source of shame.

She begins to recognize the power of self-empowerment, learning to make choices that align with her true self, free from external validation.

Throughout the story, Sunny’s personal growth is mirrored by her professional development.  She becomes more comfortable with her body and starts using her platform to champion body positivity and encourage others to do the same.

This culminates in her decision to launch a swimsuit line, addressing the gap in the market for stylish, size-inclusive swimwear.  This move not only allows Sunny to take control of her career but also gives her the opportunity to empower other women who struggle with finding clothing that fits and flatters their bodies.

As Sunny continues her journey of self-empowerment, she also explores the complexities of her romantic life.  She reconnects with a potential love interest, but her past emotional baggage and insecurities complicate her relationships.

Through a series of missteps and realizations, Sunny begins to understand the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and communication in her personal life.  Her relationships with the men in her life—Ted, Dennis, and Zack—serve as a backdrop for her ongoing self-discovery and emotional growth.

Ultimately, Sunny Side Up is a story of resilience, self-empowerment, and personal transformation.  Through humor, vulnerability, and introspection, Sunny learns to embrace her flaws and take charge of her life, both personally and professionally.

By the end of the book, she has reclaimed her sense of self-worth, discovered a new career path, and found the courage to open up to new relationships.  The narrative is not just about Sunny’s journey of healing but also about the importance of self-acceptance and the power of taking control of one’s own narrative, no matter the challenges.

Sunny Side Up Summary

Characters

Sunny Greene

Sunny is the central character in Sunny Side Up, and her narrative is one of self-discovery, empowerment, and personal growth.  She begins the story struggling with deep insecurities around her body image, largely influenced by her post-divorce experiences and the societal pressures placed on women.

Despite these challenges, Sunny is incredibly resilient, constantly working to build both her professional and personal life.  As the founder of a size-inclusive swimwear brand, SONNY, she navigates the hurdles of self-doubt and the demands of the fashion industry.

Her journey is marked by her attempts to overcome her fears, embrace her imperfections, and reclaim control over her love life and career.  She is compassionate, witty, and constantly learning to accept herself.

Through her experiences with friends, family, and romantic relationships, Sunny evolves from a woman unsure of her place in the world to someone who is confident, proud of her body, and committed to living authentically.  Her emotional growth is reflected in her business success, as she learns to trust her own voice and values, both in love and in her career.

Zack

Zack, Sunny’s ex-husband, plays a significant yet complicated role in her journey of self-discovery.  Throughout their marriage, he represents both love and betrayal.

Initially, he was the man with whom Sunny had an intense and whirlwind romance, but as their marriage progressed, his emotional neglect and growing career ambitions began to overshadow their relationship.  Zack’s actions, especially his involvement with another woman, Jessica Rose Baker, trigger a series of doubts and emotional turmoil for Sunny.

While Zack remains a part of her life, his inability to emotionally support her and the disconnection that builds between them is a central element in her personal struggles.  Despite his presence in her life after the divorce, especially during pivotal moments like her swimwear launch, Sunny’s reflections on their marriage show how deeply his emotional unavailability has affected her sense of self.

Ultimately, Zack’s role is a reminder of the unhealthy attachments Sunny must learn to break in order to reclaim her independence and happiness.

Noor

Noor is one of Sunny’s close friends who plays a crucial role in Sunny’s emotional support system.  She encourages Sunny to embrace her new life post-divorce and pushes her to face her insecurities head-on.

Throughout the story, Noor is a steadfast ally, helping Sunny navigate everything from her body image struggles to her challenges in dating.  Her supportive nature provides a sense of stability for Sunny, especially when she is feeling lost or uncertain.

Noor is portrayed as a source of positive influence, always reminding Sunny of her worth and helping her see beyond her insecurities.  Her friendship with Sunny is characterized by encouragement and a shared sense of humor, making Noor an integral part of Sunny’s transformation.

Brooke

Brooke, another of Sunny’s friends, offers both emotional support and a sense of grounding throughout the narrative.  Like Noor, she helps Sunny work through her self-doubt and body image struggles, encouraging her to embrace her flaws and be more accepting of herself.

Brooke’s friendship is one of unconditional support, offering moments of humor, insight, and care during difficult times.  She helps Sunny rediscover her confidence, especially after the emotional weight of her divorce.

Through her relationship with Brooke, Sunny finds strength and motivation, and together, they face the challenges that come with post-divorce life, including the complex world of online dating.

Ted

Ted is a character who represents the complexities of Sunny’s emotional landscape.  Initially, Ted is a polished, successful businessman with whom Sunny has a professional and personal connection.

However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Ted’s ambitions are in conflict with Sunny’s vision for her swimwear brand, SONNY.  Though he plays an important role in Sunny’s professional journey, particularly in the early stages of her business, Ted’s approach to business begins to threaten the authenticity and mission of SONNY.

His character highlights the tension between career success and personal values, forcing Sunny to make difficult decisions about her priorities.  While their romantic connection is complicated, Ted is a pivotal figure in Sunny’s life, as she navigates the tricky terrain of balancing her career aspirations with her desire for meaningful personal relationships.

Dennis

Dennis is the man who represents love, security, and true emotional connection in Sunny’s life.  He stands in stark contrast to Zack and Ted, offering Sunny a sense of genuine affection and emotional support.

However, Sunny’s fear of vulnerability and past emotional baggage initially causes her to pull away from him.  Despite these setbacks, Dennis’s steady and sincere nature makes him an anchor for Sunny, especially as her career begins to take off.

His willingness to open up and express his feelings for Sunny contrasts with the emotional coldness she experienced in her marriage.  Over time, Dennis helps Sunny break free from her fear of intimacy, leading to a deeper and more committed relationship.

His reappearance in her life at a pivotal moment represents the emotional growth that Sunny has achieved, and their relationship symbolizes the newfound confidence and self-worth she gains by embracing vulnerability.

Cillian

Cillian is a character that introduces a sense of flirtation and potential new beginnings for Sunny.  He represents the possibility of a fresh chapter in her life, one where she can embrace her desires and take bold steps toward healing.

His encounter with Sunny in the story marks a turning point, as she opens herself up to the idea of romance and intimacy once more.  Cillian’s presence signifies a moment of self-empowerment for Sunny, as she invites him into her life with a sense of confidence that was previously lacking.

While his role in the narrative is relatively brief, Cillian serves as a symbol of Sunny’s evolving attitude towards relationships and her journey toward reclaiming her personal agency.

Themes

Self-Acceptance and Body Image

In Sunny Side Up, body image and self-acceptance emerge as central themes throughout the narrative, deeply influencing the protagonist’s journey.  Sunny’s personal struggle with her body and how she perceives herself is portrayed in stark contrast to the world around her, especially in the context of the fashion industry, where appearance is often prioritized.

Her experiences in department store fitting rooms, struggling to find clothes that fit, represent the broader societal pressures that women face when it comes to body image.  This recurring theme serves as a mirror for Sunny’s internal conflict as she tries to reconcile her love for fashion with her self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy.

Despite finding success in the fashion world, with her own PR firm and later the launch of her swimwear line SONNY, her body image issues continue to overshadow her confidence.  Her struggle is not just with physical appearance but with the deep-seated belief that she is not enough unless she conforms to a certain image of beauty.

The narrative shifts as Sunny begins to reclaim control over her body and image, ultimately embracing her flaws and finding beauty in self-acceptance.  Her journey becomes a message of empowerment, illustrating how breaking free from societal expectations can lead to a more confident and authentic sense of self.

The theme of body image serves as a reminder that true beauty is not defined by the clothes we wear or the standards we are told to meet but by how we view ourselves from within.

Love, Relationships, and Personal Growth

Love and relationships play a significant role in Sunny’s emotional evolution, as they highlight both her vulnerability and her growth.  Her divorce from Zack is not just an ending but also a catalyst for reflection and self-discovery.

The dissolution of their marriage forces Sunny to reevaluate her own needs, desires, and boundaries.  Despite the challenges, she learns that personal growth often comes from the toughest of experiences.

Through her complex relationships with men like Dennis and Ted, Sunny explores the dynamics of intimacy, trust, and commitment.  While Ted represents a more conventional path of love, where career and ambition intertwine with romance, Dennis offers the kind of genuine emotional connection that Sunny craves but struggles to accept.

The juxtaposition between her feelings for these men exposes her internal conflict—between seeking affection and confronting the fear of vulnerability.  As she navigates these relationships, Sunny learns that love should not come with compromises that undermine her happiness.

Her personal growth is not just about overcoming the aftermath of her divorce but also about unlearning unhealthy relationship patterns.  The culmination of her emotional journey is marked by her willingness to embrace a new, healthier relationship with Dennis, symbolizing her newfound confidence in her ability to give and receive love without fear of losing herself in the process.

Empowerment Through Career and Personal Achievement

Sunny’s professional journey is an essential aspect of her character development, showcasing her resilience and ambition.  The creation and success of her swimwear brand, SONNY, is a direct reflection of her determination to carve out a space for herself in the fashion world—a world that often marginalizes women with body types outside the narrow standards of beauty.

The brand becomes a symbol of empowerment, both for Sunny and the women she aims to serve.  Through her business, Sunny finds not only financial success but also a deeper sense of purpose.

As she works to overcome the systemic barriers and elitism present in the fashion industry, she discovers the importance of aligning her personal values with her career goals.  Her decision to sever ties with Ted, whose business approach conflicts with her mission for SONNY, marks a turning point where she takes full ownership of her vision.

The narrative showcases the importance of integrity and staying true to oneself in the pursuit of success.  Sunny’s professional growth parallels her emotional journey, where each step forward in her career is matched by a corresponding step in her personal development.

Ultimately, her success becomes a powerful testament to the fact that personal fulfillment often comes when we align our work with our values, passions, and the courage to face challenges head-on.

Navigating Emotional Turmoil and Resilience

The theme of emotional turmoil and resilience runs deep in Sunny Side Up, particularly in how Sunny confronts her past and the emotional scars left by her divorce.  The breakup with Zack is not just a legal separation but a painful process that forces her to question her identity and worth.

Throughout the story, Sunny grapples with a range of emotions—from anger and betrayal to confusion and vulnerability—as she revisits the memories of her marriage.  These emotions are compounded by the external pressures of navigating a career and dating life in a city where success is often measured by external achievements and appearances.

Despite these internal struggles, Sunny’s resilience is a constant thread in her narrative.  Her ability to rise from the ashes of her emotional pain and rebuild her life is an essential part of her transformation.

She learns that resilience is not about being unaffected by challenges but about finding the strength to face them and emerge stronger.  This theme resonates with many readers, illustrating how the journey toward healing is neither linear nor easy, but through it, we can learn to embrace our vulnerability and use it as a source of strength.

Sunny’s resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity; it’s about owning her story, learning from it, and continuing to evolve in ways that bring her closer to self-empowerment.

The Role of Friendship and Support Systems

The importance of friendship and support systems is a recurring theme in Sunny Side Up, highlighting how relationships outside of romantic involvement can provide crucial emotional support during times of transition.  Sunny’s friends, particularly Noor and Brooke, act as pillars of strength, encouraging her to embrace her independence and work through her insecurities.

They offer wisdom, support, and sometimes tough love, helping Sunny navigate both her personal and professional challenges.  The deep sense of camaraderie that develops between Sunny and her friends underscores the idea that no one can face life’s hardships alone.

In a society that often emphasizes individual success, the story illustrates the vital role that friends play in boosting one’s confidence and helping one stay grounded.  Sunny’s friendships empower her, reminding her that growth and healing often happen when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable with others and accept the help they offer.

The narrative ultimately emphasizes that true strength lies not just in one’s ability to navigate life independently but in the capacity to lean on others when needed.  Through these supportive relationships, Sunny finds a sense of community and belonging, which proves to be just as transformative as her individual growth.