BIG GIRL

Lisa Renee Pitts delivers a spirited narration of this coming-of-age debut. Malaya Clondon is a young Black girl growing up in Harlem in the '80s and '90s who faces continual fat shaming. At age 8, she is forced to attend Weight Watchers with her mother, and she suffers harsh judgments and pressures at school, as well as from her hypercritical grandmother. In contrast, Malaya's father shows her tenderness and support. In tense family scenes, Pitts's performance stands out. Her energy and expressiveness capture the raw emotions of the characters, helping to keep listeners engaged. However, the story's incessant fat phobia, which spans decades, can make the listening experience challenging. Overall, a skillfully voiced portrait of complex characters and relationships. V.T.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2022]