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csgiansante's review
3.0
Mid-level YA. Protagonist wasn't super likeable, messaging was off sometimes and the pacing was a bit all over the place.
lesliewright34's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
roseytints's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Enjoyable overall. Explores what it means to be a teenager well, even when it’s dramatic and doesn’t make much sense.
kaylawtzl22's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I relate to willow dean in a way i really did not expect to. she’s always been big but is just going through these big emotions about her body and trying to accept it. i really love that she oscillates between loving who she is and now wanting to change a thing about herself, and then willing and wishing herself to be smaller both in size and personality. i am at my heaviest weight these days and its very hard some days to see myself kindly, as well as see how anyone else can see anything but my size and how my body has changed. i grew up skinny actually, so i didn’t expect to relate to this aspect of willow dean, but it’s a pleasant surprise. i think this is a perfect book for young girls to read. none of the hard topics go too in depth, but they’re addressed and dealt with in very real ways that teenagers would handle them. i think dumplin is a great example of “everyone struggles with something” and a lesson in friendship. overall a good read, and i will probably read the other 2 books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Sexism
body image and self esteem is discussed pretty often, but none of it is super negative or degrading or in depth.selfiegrandpa's review
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.25
Ive been “reading” this book for over 5 years hahahaha
barnesbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a wonderful story! It's heartwarming to see Willowdean form her own group and live up to what everyone has always been saying about her, in a good way.
kristiinaness's review
4.0
Super cute story. It will make you love Dolly Parton if you don’t already.
laureltree13's review
3.0
Rated: 3.5
Was good, but not great. As much as I like Willowdean, I had a hard time connecting with the other characters. The love triangle felt unnecessary, unfortunately, as it didn't lend much to the story IMO.
However, I do appreciate the book for speaking up about social norms and how beautiful we all our despite are imperfections. In fact, they make us interesting and beautiful. That alone made the book worth reading.
Was good, but not great. As much as I like Willowdean, I had a hard time connecting with the other characters. The love triangle felt unnecessary, unfortunately, as it didn't lend much to the story IMO.
However, I do appreciate the book for speaking up about social norms and how beautiful we all our despite are imperfections. In fact, they make us interesting and beautiful. That alone made the book worth reading.