Reviews

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

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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

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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.

lostcupofstars's review against another edition

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I think I just got tired of the writing style and Malaya not having a voice. I struggled to want to pick it up.

jordanreadsbooks_'s review against another edition

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I don’t think this book is bad it’s just not my vibe right now. I will definitely pick it up at a different time.

Content Warnings

tristatereader's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful sad tense 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

3.5

‘Big Girl’ by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan spans the childhood and early adolescence of Malaya Clondon, a young, Black girl who is labeled “obese” at just 8 years old. As generational trauma regarding weight seems to seep into her family, Malaya is forced to attend Weight Watchers meetings and encouraged to engage in unhealthy eating habits by her mother and grandmother. But after a traumatic loss, Malaya starts to realize that maybe the women in her family use weight as a measure of happiness due to deep-seated self-acceptance issues, and she begins to recognize that her weight loss and happiness are not mutually exclusive.

This was a heavy read, but one that I encourage everyone to pick up. This story explored Malaya’s struggles in such relatable facets of life including body image, sexuality, school, and family life. The author’s writing style can be described as poetic and her words captivated me. I’m a Jersey girl with family and friends in all 5 boroughs and the imagery the author flawlessly executed in this book instantly transported me to NYC. Anyone who has been around the city for the past 3+ decades can tell you it’s not the same. The author did a brilliant job explaining just how the gentrification of Harlem began and it’s true affect on both businesses and residents.

This was a coming of age story and with every turn of the page I became more and more hopeful that Malaya would gain the self-acceptance that she deserved. I was thrilled when I started seeing this subtle change and enjoyed watching Malaya start to take charge of her own life and recognize what truly defined her happiness. And I audibly whooped when she stood up to Ma-Mère toward the end 😏Other things I loved included all of the 1990s references that the author so seamlessly scattered throughout the book and Malaya’s deep connection to music and art, as these have always been therapeutic to me as well. I would have enjoyed reading more about Malaya’s experience in school and LaFamille.

Huge thank you to Hear Our Voices Tours and the author for the gifted copy of this book.

camreviewsbooks's review against another edition

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emotional funny sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.0

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