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A review by lit_vibrations
Big Girl by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan
4.0
This was a beautifully written masterpiece with a heart wrenching narrative and an unforgettable MC. It explores the complexities of loving the skin you’re in, overcoming the mental barriers society places on overweight individuals, and navigating life on your own terms.
The novel begins with 8 year old Malaya Clondon as her mother drags her to yet another Weight Watchers meeting. Weighing 168 pounds Malaya struggles to suppress her insatiable longing for food while also dealing with the compounded expectations passed down over generations from her grandmother and her mother, Nyela. As Malaya comes of age in a rapidly gentrifying 1990s Harlem, she strains to understand “ladyness” and fit neatly within the suffocating confines of a so-called “femininity” that holds no room for her body.
The pacing was okay, some parts of the book were a bit repetitive but the overall message was very clear and empowering. I love how the author took us on a journey through Malaya’s life and showed how the shame of others can rub off on us at such a young age. Rather than Nyela trying to get to the root of Malaya’s eating habits she focused on trying to fix her. It took awhile but eventually Malaya learns control, continued to find comfort in her art and music, and no longer allowed the pressure of others to determine how she feels about herself.
Overall, this was honest, thought-provoking, and authentic it’s definitely worth reading. The representation and raw portrayal of such a real life situation was everything. So many young girls have struggled with their weight and this shows that sometimes eating habits can form due to trauma or a deeper rooted issue. Special thanks to the author, @hearourvoicestours , & @liverightbooks for my gifted copy!!!!
The novel begins with 8 year old Malaya Clondon as her mother drags her to yet another Weight Watchers meeting. Weighing 168 pounds Malaya struggles to suppress her insatiable longing for food while also dealing with the compounded expectations passed down over generations from her grandmother and her mother, Nyela. As Malaya comes of age in a rapidly gentrifying 1990s Harlem, she strains to understand “ladyness” and fit neatly within the suffocating confines of a so-called “femininity” that holds no room for her body.
The pacing was okay, some parts of the book were a bit repetitive but the overall message was very clear and empowering. I love how the author took us on a journey through Malaya’s life and showed how the shame of others can rub off on us at such a young age. Rather than Nyela trying to get to the root of Malaya’s eating habits she focused on trying to fix her. It took awhile but eventually Malaya learns control, continued to find comfort in her art and music, and no longer allowed the pressure of others to determine how she feels about herself.
Overall, this was honest, thought-provoking, and authentic it’s definitely worth reading. The representation and raw portrayal of such a real life situation was everything. So many young girls have struggled with their weight and this shows that sometimes eating habits can form due to trauma or a deeper rooted issue. Special thanks to the author, @hearourvoicestours , & @liverightbooks for my gifted copy!!!!