A Journey of Reclamation: A Review of Top Heavy by Rhonda
From the moment I opened Top Heavy, I was swept away by Rhonda’s exquisite prose and the emotional depth of this novel-in-verse. I’ve only dipped my toes into the world of verse novels before, but something about its unique rhythm feels like a breath of fresh air. Every word in this book is impeccably chosen, every line reflects the weight of Esmé’s journey—making it a deeply intimate and rewarding read.
Esmé’s world is one many of us can relate to: the tumultuous waters of high school—body image issues, friendship dynamics, and the unmistakable weight of economic challenges lurking in the background. Rhonda captures the vulnerability of being fifteen with such clarity that I found myself instantly transported back to my own adolescent trials. I could feel Esmé’s pain as she wrestled with her self-image, particularly regarding her body, especially that awkward stage of life when external perceptions seem to dictate personal worth.
What struck me most about Esmé is how relatable her inner struggles were. She grapples with how others see her, how she perceives herself, and the resulting discord that shapes her identity. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s something many of us have battled at some point in our lives. But what I loved even more was witnessing her transformation—from a place of shame to one of newfound pride and acceptance. There’s a moment in the book when she confronts the weight of her pain, and it’s nothing short of mesmerizing.
In one particularly moving scene, Esmé asserts her power and refuses to let her trauma define her: “There is only me. Only me deciding what to let go of and what to keep.” This declaration resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just a turning point in the book; it felt like an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped by their circumstances.
Esmé’s support network is beautifully crafted too. Every character—from her loving parents to her steadfast boyfriend Todd—provides the warmth and strength she needs to navigate her journey. Todd embodies the sweetness of first love: gentle, kind, and enduring. The complexity of her friendship with Mia adds another layer to the narrative, reflecting how relationships can shift and grow in unexpected ways.
Rhonda’s writing style deserves a mention as well. The pacing is stellar, weaving effortlessly between raw emotion and introspective growth without rushing the process. This allows us to savor Esmé’s quiet yet powerful evolution. By the end, there’s a palpable shift: she learns to embrace the parts of herself she once hidden, and her reflection—“If they are the first things that people see when they see me…maybe I should carry them with pride”—is truly empowering.
Top Heavy may present a straightforward plot, but the emotional depth it contains is anything but simple. It’s an honest coming-of-age story that resonates deeply with anyone who’s faced self-doubt. I genuinely believe this book should be a staple in schools and libraries, accessible to young readers and adults alike.
I walked away from this reading experience with a renewed sense of hope and self-acceptance. If you’ve ever struggled with body image, self-identity, or finding your voice, Top Heavy is a book you won’t want to miss. Join me in this poignant journey of transformation and reclamation; I promise it’s one you’ll remember long after the last page.
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