Don't Let it Get You Down by Savala Nolan with Chavonne McClay

Fat Girl Book Club

Every year I pick my favourite books of the year in November. I know I'm early into this year but I just know this book, Don't Let it Get You Down by Savala Nolan, is going to be on my list at the end of the year. Three reasons why this book is so incredibly magnificent:

1. Savala Nolan's story is powerful. She is a mixed race woman who dives deep into her own intersections and how they have impacted her journey.
2. Structurally this book is amazing. Each essay takes the reader through Savala's thoughts while also directing them on a path to their own reflections and revelations
3. The writing is spectacularly beautiful. I mean jaw-dropping at times.

Because of these things, I was so glad my guest Chavonne McClay decided to talk to me about this book. I was just glad to get so many of my emotions and reflections out and I was equally excited about hearing her thoughts about this deeply moving memoir. Here are a few of the things we discussed:

• Chavonne's body liberation journey
• How Chavonne found intuitive eating
• Why she picked this book
• Overall thoughts about this book
• The essay that made her feel the most uncomfortable and why
• Chavonne talks about how she has (at times) liked and embraced the Mammy role. Was that a choice?
• How Chavonne and her co-host talk to one another to create a safe spaces
• The phrase "don't let it get you down" and how I missed the point
• Black joy
• The theme of inbetweeness
• How media affects our perception of violence against women
• Fatness in the book or a discussion about side boobs, muffin tops and embodiment

Keep reading everyone!

Chavonne's Links

Embodiment for the Rest of Us website

Embodiment for the Rest of Us Instagram and Twitter

Chavonne's IG

Fat Girl Book Club Links

Website

FB group

Patreon page

Instagram

Book Recommendations

Belly of the Beast by Da'Shaun L. Harrison

Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings

Heavy by Kiese Laymon

Hunger by Roxane Gay

Other mentions

James Baldwin quote: "To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time"

Unsolicited Fatties Talk Back podcast

Good Ancestors podcast