Big Girl

The melodious voice of the narrator Lisa Reneé Pitts eases listeners into 1990s Harlem, where eight-year-old Malaya is going to a weight-loss meeting with her mother. Malaya’s weight dictates the way others think of her and treat her, but she doesn’t let that limit her own outlook and possibilities. Listeners travel along with her until she’s 18 years old, as her parents fight with each other, her grandmother berates her, romantic relationships go wrong, and friendships wax and wane. Pitts inhabits each character, bringing authentic emotions and accents as needed. Sullivan describes the luscious foods that Malaya wants, as well as the bland diet foods that she does not. Her depiction of shame-filled eating disorder behaviors is heartbreaking. This book is not an easy listen, as it is difficult to hear how others focus only on Malaya’s weight, when there is so much more to this strong, bright girl. While cataloged for adults, Sullivan’s affecting debut may also resonate with teenagers, despite the 1990s references.