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A review by itstheconnorsbookclub
Big Girl by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
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
Mecca Jamilah Smith's "Big Girl" unfolds the life of Malaya, exploring the scrutiny her family places on her eating habits and the criticism of her weight. The novel delves into the complexities of identity, relationships, and societal expectations, particularly for a black woman, shaping Malaya's self-perception and contemplation of the women she might become.
"This is what it is to be a woman. Everything is your job."
Malaya, a reserved individual, expresses herself through actions rather than words, creating poignant moments where silence is misunderstood, influencing the course of relationships. This aspect reminded me of Sally Rooney's "Normal People."
I appreciated the incorporation of Biggie Smalls references and lyrics, feeling that the author authentically captured the ambiance of the 80s and 90s. The narrative also spotlights the evolving landscape of Harlem during Malaya's childhood and the challenges of neighborhood gentrification.
"We make magic, they consume it, make it theirs. We have to start over, and we do. Over and over again. It’s hard on people."
For those who identify with being or have been a "Big Girl," many aspects of the story, especially the character of Ma-Mère, will resonate. Ma-Mère's character, disliked yet understood, serves as a testament to the well-crafted storytelling. I particularly enjoyed Ma-Mère's sayings and phrases, such as "they got enough lights to put the sun out of business" and "called so much I thought Alexander Graham Bell himself would have to get up out of the grave and cut the telephone wire to make him stop."
"Sometimes you have to act like the world was made for you, even if all sense and signs say it’s not."
NetGalley provided me with an ARC copy of “Big Girl” in exchange for this honest review.
"This is what it is to be a woman. Everything is your job."
Malaya, a reserved individual, expresses herself through actions rather than words, creating poignant moments where silence is misunderstood, influencing the course of relationships. This aspect reminded me of Sally Rooney's "Normal People."
I appreciated the incorporation of Biggie Smalls references and lyrics, feeling that the author authentically captured the ambiance of the 80s and 90s. The narrative also spotlights the evolving landscape of Harlem during Malaya's childhood and the challenges of neighborhood gentrification.
"We make magic, they consume it, make it theirs. We have to start over, and we do. Over and over again. It’s hard on people."
For those who identify with being or have been a "Big Girl," many aspects of the story, especially the character of Ma-Mère, will resonate. Ma-Mère's character, disliked yet understood, serves as a testament to the well-crafted storytelling. I particularly enjoyed Ma-Mère's sayings and phrases, such as "they got enough lights to put the sun out of business" and "called so much I thought Alexander Graham Bell himself would have to get up out of the grave and cut the telephone wire to make him stop."
"Sometimes you have to act like the world was made for you, even if all sense and signs say it’s not."
NetGalley provided me with an ARC copy of “Big Girl” in exchange for this honest review.