Review Detail

Top Heavy is a meaningful novel that follows a teenage dancer named Esme who is trying to deal with growing up in a body that constantly draws attention that grows uncomfortable. From my perspective, what stood out the most is how honest the story feels. Esme struggles with being sexualized because of her body, especially having a larger chest, and the book shows how uncomfortable and frustrating that can be for someone her age.

While reading, I found myself really feeling for her. She is trying to focus on dance and normal teenage things, but people around her keep reducing her to how she looks. The story also talks about the idea of breast reduction surgery and what that might mean for her life and her confidence. I appreciated that the book does not treat that decision as something simple. Instead, it shows how complicated it can be when someone is trying to figure out what will make them feel most comfortable in their own body.

Another thing I liked from my perspective was the friendships in the story. Esme’s friends feel supportive and real, which helps balance some of the heavier moments in the book. There are also a few lighter parts, like when she thinks about what Dolly Parton might do in certain situations, which added a small bit of humor and confidence to the story.

I do think future readers should be cautious before reading, because the book includes topics like unwanted physical attention and sexualization that could be triggering for some people. Still, Top Heavy is a meaningful story about self-worth, boundaries, and learning to accept yourself even when the world around you keeps trying to define you differently.