In the book "Hunger," Roxane Gay explores her struggles with body image and acceptance in a world that often judges individuals based on appearance. She reflects on her experiences of feeling marginalized and how this has shaped her worldview. Gay illustrates the profound impact societal expectations have on personal identity, particularly for those who do not fit the conventional mold of beauty.

The quote highlights Gay's coping mechanism of retreating into her mind as a way to escape the unwelcoming environment around her. Living in her head allows her to create a safe space, free from the judgments and rejections she faces externally. Through this journey, Gay invites readers to consider the complexities of self-acceptance and the struggle to find one's place in a society that can be unkind and unyielding.