Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow is a book I couldn’t put down. It was so interesting; I picked it up on a whim after seeing so many posts about it on Instagram. I am so glad I read it because it addressed many pressing issues in society today.
What is the book about?
Témì has always been teased about her small backside, so when she announces her plans to undergo a brazilian but lift surgery at her father’s funeral, it causes a massive uproar. As her mum, aunties and family friends gather to try to talk sense into Témì, we learn the deeper stories that got each of them to where they are.
What I liked about the book
Written in second-person narration from Témì’s perspective, it made it all the more engaging to read. Although the story dips and dives between first- and third-person narration as it’s told through numerous characters, I enjoyed Témì’s narration the most. I also enjoyed the frankness and matter-of-fact plot and themes addressed in the book.
I enjoyed how many Yoruba words were used in the novel. For example, the reference to ‘màámi ‘, shortened from ‘mama mi ‘, for which the translation is ‘my mum’ instead of the typical ‘mummy’, took me back to old Yoruba references you now only really hear in the village parts of Nigerian homes or from elderly people who were raised. It’s not very common anymore; I know only a few people who refer to their mums as ‘màámi’.
The ending was cleverly done, and I found it interesting that I, as the reader, learnt some family secrets that were not even revealed to Temi, the main protagonist.
What didn’t I like about the book?
There were a few times I got confused about the story after it switched from the main protagonist to the mother, then to the mother’s sister. At times, I did a double-take to check I was still reading the same book due to the sudden time-lapse jump in the plot.
Themes and main takeaways
- Grief
- Family rift
- Bullying
- Teenage angst
- Body image issues
Lastly, the author did share a powerful message at the end of the book, and I think it is worth including it below:
I wrote this book for many personal reasons, but the most important reason is the obvious pressure on the young people of today whose Tomorrow I fear is filled with too many expectations: for young women to be perfect, sexy, and have clear skin, and for young men to be rich, spend recklessly, and have beards! It has gotten to a point where, every time I step out, there is a familiar face with a new body or slightly altered facial features. Everyone is starting to look alike. When did perfection become the goal? My dear young women, please understand, I am not against plastic surgery, but your bodies need time to develop. Give them time. After that, if you still don’t love the growth, do what will make you happy. Fix them, exercise them, whatever, but please do it for yourself. To all the girls who have gone under the knife to seek approval from others, I am sorry. You are enough. To the girls who went under the knife for themselves, you are bad bitches, and I salute you. I am sending you all my love through my words every time you pick up any of my books.
Damilare kuku
Rating
I give it four and a half stars because it was a page-turner and very engaging. I learned a lot too. I also really loved the ending more than anything.
Ibs Writes 