Welcome to Litsy!

It was a weird summer and I feel like my #top10ofsummer2023reads reflects that. 😅 A real mix of genres here.
Thanks for the tag @BarbaraBB @youneverarrived
I have no idea who hasn't been tagged. @vivastory @LeahBergen @Centique @Graywacke @Lcsmcat @Leniverse @jlhammar

I decided to read this book about a young fat Black girl growing up in 1990s Harlem after hearing the author interviewed on the Virago podcast OurShelves. I figured if the book was half as engaging as the author, it would be good. And it is! From the age of 8 up, Malaya's size is a constant source of conversation, investigation, intervention & shame. Nevertheless Malaya refuses to be reduced to what she weighs. A challenging & heartwarming book!

This debut novel is not one I will soon forget. Malaya is an unforgettable character and the 1990s setting and cultural touchstones that Sullivan employs imbued this with such a sense of nostalgia. Malaya‘s friends and family are not easy to love but the author made it impossible not to root for most of them. The author joined our book club discussion and she is an absolute delight. 👍🏼

Finally getting some space to read for the first time in about 2 weeks. This is my book club‘s pick this month and so far it is breaking my heart.

A quirky but honest fiction of a plus sized girl growing up in Harlem. Told through a zoftig character named Maylala as she comprehends her family, friends, and weight issues, she learns to love herself as a black woman and 'big girl' in today's society in this coming of age novel.