Big Girl

From The Reading Lounge by The Reading Lounge

August 15, 2025 · 25 min · Episode 22

About this episode

Sarah and Cynthia discuss the coming of age story 'Big Girl' by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan and its themes of identity and relationships.

Welcome into The Reading Lounge. Sarah and Cynthia discuss Big Girl by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan. Big Girl is a coming of age story of an obese young woman growing up in Harlem and discovering who she is and through the complex relationships in her world. Did we like it? Hint: One of us gave it a coveted five star rating! Enjoy the read along with this month's cocktail: Starving Artist. Starving Artist 1 oz vodka 1/2 oz Campari 1/2 oz pineapple juice 2 oz proseco In a shaker with ice, combine vodka, Campari, and pineapple juice. Shake briefly and strain into a flute or couple. Top with proseco and serve chilled. Other books mentioned in this episode: The Hollow Half by Sarah Aziza You Dreamed of Empires by Alvaro Enrigue Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

People in this episode

Hosts: Sarah, Cynthia

Topics covered

coming of age
obesity
Harlem
relationships
book discussion
cocktail recipe

Keywords

Big Girl
Mecca Jamilah Sullivan
coming of age
Harlem
book discussion
cocktail recipe

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Big Girl, The Hollow Half, You Dreamed of Empires, Run for the Hills, Demon Copperhead