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carolinerosereads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.0
kriste_reading_journey's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-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? Yes
3.5
metalikebeta's review against another edition
3.0
The rich descriptions of Harlem, food and family were lovely. The interwoven narrative around gentrification was also interesting (though tertiary compared to some of the other themes, but something that interested me nonetheless.
sollyreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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? Yes
5.0
tiffhutch's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
helen000's review against another edition
challenging
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
4.5
donasbooks's review against another edition
5.0
*Follow my Instagram book blog for all my reviews, challenges, and book lists! http://www.instagram.com/donasbooks *
This book is amazing, start to finish, and the narration is equally good.
Trigger warnings below.
I deeply love BIG GIRL by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan for every conceivable feature, from the wonderful style and writing, to the both heart-breaking and yet inspiring narrative, to the utterly charming narration on the arc audiobook I received from NetGalley, performed by Lisa Renee Pitts.
BIG GIRL tells the story of Malaya, an overweight young black girl living in Harlem in the 90s. Time passes around Malaya--she is first 10 in the narrative, then 15, then almost college age, looking at graduation. Everything changes around her--Harlem does, gentrification changes the face of the neighborhood she loves, hiphop does, when Biggie dies, even her home changes as the nature of the relationships inside it changes--her parents marriage, her mother's need for Malaya to lose weight and the fluctuating stridency with which she expresses this need. But one thing that doesn't seem to change for Malaya, no matter what she does, is that she always battles with her weight.
A note about the technical stuff. The Characters in this piece are finely rendered. I could smell them at certain points, they are so well cut. This is because I connected. Not merely because Sullivan describes, but because she describes reliably.
I love the way Sullivan writes about the painful things in life without being grotesquely detailed about them. As someone who has survived trauma, I appreciated this delicacy a great deal.
I won't give away how the narrative resolves, but I will say I think it's a clever, smart ending. Also, in a way, magical, which that time in history needs, a little bit. I know, I was there. This story is well told. Satisfying. It left me with the kind of good feeling that only really complete books can give a person. BIG GIRL is worth the read.
Rating 14 stars
This book is amazing, start to finish, and the narration is equally good.
Trigger warnings below.
I deeply love BIG GIRL by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan for every conceivable feature, from the wonderful style and writing, to the both heart-breaking and yet inspiring narrative, to the utterly charming narration on the arc audiobook I received from NetGalley, performed by Lisa Renee Pitts.
BIG GIRL tells the story of Malaya, an overweight young black girl living in Harlem in the 90s. Time passes around Malaya--she is first 10 in the narrative, then 15, then almost college age, looking at graduation. Everything changes around her--Harlem does, gentrification changes the face of the neighborhood she loves, hiphop does, when Biggie dies, even her home changes as the nature of the relationships inside it changes--her parents marriage, her mother's need for Malaya to lose weight and the fluctuating stridency with which she expresses this need. But one thing that doesn't seem to change for Malaya, no matter what she does, is that she always battles with her weight.
A note about the technical stuff. The Characters in this piece are finely rendered. I could smell them at certain points, they are so well cut. This is because I connected. Not merely because Sullivan describes, but because she describes reliably.
I love the way Sullivan writes about the painful things in life without being grotesquely detailed about them. As someone who has survived trauma, I appreciated this delicacy a great deal.
I won't give away how the narrative resolves, but I will say I think it's a clever, smart ending. Also, in a way, magical, which that time in history needs, a little bit. I know, I was there. This story is well told. Satisfying. It left me with the kind of good feeling that only really complete books can give a person. BIG GIRL is worth the read.
Rating 14 stars
shree_reads's review against another edition
4.0
"Big Girl" by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan is a captivating debut novel that offers a compelling exploration of identity and self-acceptance. Set in 1990s Harlem, the story follows Malaya, an overweight girl navigating the complexities of family, friendship, and societal expectations.
The protagonist, Malaya, is a relatable and deeply human character. Her struggles with body image, self-esteem, and societal pressure are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity.
One of the strengths of "Big Girl" lies in its exploration of the intersections of identity. The novel delves into the complexities of race, gender, and body size, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by individuals at these intersections. This adds depth and resonance to the story, making it thought-provoking.
Sullivan's storytelling is powerful and engaging, addressing important themes with grace and insight. The book touches on issues of body positivity, societal beauty standards, and the impact of family and friends on one's self-image. It encourages readers to reflect on their own perceptions of beauty and the need for greater acceptance and inclusivity.
Overall, "Big Girl" is a remarkable novel that tackles themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the complexities of navigating society as a plus-sized individual. Sullivan's compelling storytelling, well-drawn characters, and exploration of critical social issues make this book a must-read. It is a testament to the power of embracing one's true self and the journey toward finding one's own voice and self-worth.
The protagonist, Malaya, is a relatable and deeply human character. Her struggles with body image, self-esteem, and societal pressure are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity.
One of the strengths of "Big Girl" lies in its exploration of the intersections of identity. The novel delves into the complexities of race, gender, and body size, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by individuals at these intersections. This adds depth and resonance to the story, making it thought-provoking.
Sullivan's storytelling is powerful and engaging, addressing important themes with grace and insight. The book touches on issues of body positivity, societal beauty standards, and the impact of family and friends on one's self-image. It encourages readers to reflect on their own perceptions of beauty and the need for greater acceptance and inclusivity.
Overall, "Big Girl" is a remarkable novel that tackles themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the complexities of navigating society as a plus-sized individual. Sullivan's compelling storytelling, well-drawn characters, and exploration of critical social issues make this book a must-read. It is a testament to the power of embracing one's true self and the journey toward finding one's own voice and self-worth.
thelilfawn's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.0
maryehavens's review against another edition
3.0
This book is tough to review.
I finished it so that's good. I was interested in the world that Malaya occupies but I struggled with liking Malaya. I felt sorry for her since she was in a tough situation with her mother and grandmother riding her so much about her weight. But the choices she made, especially the lying, did not endear her to me. They made her more real for sure.
I don't know....I picked it up because I'm always interested in reading books with plus size main characters but the Maintenance Phase lover in me had a really difficult time reading about all the disordered eating.
I was really interested in the minor characters like Nyela and Ethan Windborne. I guess I wondered how Nyela could be so book smart in psychology and so psychologically damaged with her own eating and controlling Mayala's eating. I get it but I don't get it at all.
I was interested in finishing it but I wanted it to end sooner so I could move on.
I finished it so that's good. I was interested in the world that Malaya occupies but I struggled with liking Malaya. I felt sorry for her since she was in a tough situation with her mother and grandmother riding her so much about her weight. But the choices she made, especially the lying, did not endear her to me. They made her more real for sure.
I don't know....I picked it up because I'm always interested in reading books with plus size main characters but the Maintenance Phase lover in me had a really difficult time reading about all the disordered eating.
I was really interested in the minor characters like Nyela and Ethan Windborne. I guess I wondered how Nyela could be so book smart in psychology and so psychologically damaged with her own eating and controlling Mayala's eating. I get it but I don't get it at all.
I was interested in finishing it but I wanted it to end sooner so I could move on.