Reviews

Big Girl by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan

browngirlreading's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

suswana's review against another edition

4.0

It took a few chapters to adjust to the pacing but after finishing the whole book, I love Malaya’s character development and sense of self by the end of it. There are moments throughout where she’s shown the power of people who have chosen to be just themselves even in the character of her grandmother. It has a strong message, displays the complexities of humans and celebrates a Harlem we all once knew and still exists in pockets. Very well written.

jerseyfemme's review against another edition

Yeah not my cup of tea

sde's review against another edition

3.0

This was a hard one to rate. Someone in our book group recommended it because she said it had a voice unlike any she had heard before in a novel. That is true, but there is so much talk and description about food that I thought it obscured what could have been an even better story. A person in the book group who has struggled with an eating disorder said that that was very true to life - that is what you are often thinking about - and enjoyed it. But it sometimes dragged for me, even though it was a short book.

Malaya isn't an overweight girl. She is dangerously obese. I feel for the parents trying to figure out how to address this, and they fight a lot about it. It is a very tough situation, and I have no idea how I would deal with it.

The snippets about gentrifying Harlem were poignant. In a few sentences the author evoked the conundrum of gentrification. No more crack vials lying on the sidewalk. Kids can go out and play now. But so much community and anchor places get lost in the process.

I also thought Malaya's thoughts back to their tiny apartment in the Lower East Side (?I think) were interesting and true. Her parents moved to Harlem to have a better life, but some things can be lost when you are striving.

rovingreader's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

sierradescence's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

reviewsbylola's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

booksenvogue's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

3.5

Favorite quote: “These women didn’t make up the world that boxed them in, Malaya now realized. They lived in it, just as she did, but it was made before and beyond them, by someone who cared less. She knew this world, understood its rules and melodies. But she didn’t need it forever. She could suck out its comforts like sugar candy from a straw, and then say no. She could look at their universe of ravenous shame, hold it at a distance, and decide for herself.” 

Thoughts: The writing was beautifully captivating but this book is heavy. There’s a lot of focus on Malaya’s weight, her struggles with navigating the world, and finding her voice.  While in parts this was difficult, I appreciated the vulnerability and unflinching narrative. I wish I could give this character a hug. I finished this book a few days ago and still have a book hangover. The nostalgia of the 90s was everything!

aniclou's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

shannanh's review against another edition

5.0

Wow.  This was another amazing read that took me a bit of time to adequately find the right words to say.  Part of Malaya's story was mine growing up as well, being extremely overweight as a child and teen.  And being only a few years older than her during the time period of the story, a well of emotions swallowed me through out the story.  Many times I had to fight back tears as  certain memories flooded my mind.  This was such an emotional and powerful read and beautifully written.  It also took me back to a time in music that changed my life.  I always wondered what it would be like to grow up in Harlem during this time period, and now I have an inkling.  This is a story I will soon not forget and I will surely be looking forward to reading future works by this author.