Reviews

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

notoriouskog's review against another edition

4.0

I grew up as “Kelly with a belly of jelly,” a girl who avoided mirrors and never felt good enough. There are not enough books with body positivity that also show the fractured side- you can love the skin you’re in and still wake up hating yourself some days. There need to be more realistic and relatable Willowdeans. More friendships that falter and fix, but aren’t perfect. And more young men who are up front with feelings, don’t play games, and are also patient and kind when they don’t get what they want. The novel offers role models and realism as well as that bad-ass escapism we crave. Stretch marks and all I think I’ll wake up loving myself a little more in the morning.

catgiorgetti's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.0

bakeddoughnut's review against another edition

4.0

4.5 stars, loved this so much I finished it in a day!

jenmangler's review against another edition

3.0

I really like how this book emphasizes the importance of friendship. Willowdean, Millie, Hannah, and Amanda don't start off as friends, but they find each other and really become a great support system for each other. I do wish there hadn't been a love triangle. I'm so tired of the obligatory YA love triangle! It wasn't necessary and really distracted from the best parts of the book.

xchickadee's review against another edition

5.0

Did this book have a PERFECT main character? Hell no. Willowdean can be a bitch. She doesn't always see her own worth. But she is who she is. I do see how this book is supporting a body positive theme. Does Willowdean talk bad about other in her own head? Yep. But so does everyone else in the world. Will isn't perfect. But she is real and that is what I love about this book.

katekatiekait's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Fatphobia

Moderate: Infidelity, Death of parent, and Death

the_escape_artist_'s review against another edition

5.0

Loved it. Perfect coming of age book full of authentic self discovery and growth. I identified so much with this character and I think even if you didn’t grow up and/or live in a bigger body you’re going to identify with her experience.
I also love that all of the characters had a lot of depth. Not a one was one demential. This books is also full of queer representation, disabled representation, and POC representation without it being contrite or the only interesting thing about the character.

lizerature's review against another edition

5.0

This book was so uplifting. I felt so empowered

mdevlin923's review against another edition

4.0

Willowdean Dickson, self-proclaimed fat girl, is completely content with her body. She and her best friend, Ellen Driver, are ready for summer and staying cool in the Texas heat. When Willowdean starts working at Harpy's, she meets Bo-a gorgeous private school athlete. As the summer progresses, Willowdean and Bo start seeing one another; and normally-confident Willowdean is questioning what people will say about their relationship...and her body. So Willowdean (partly inspired by her feelings about herself and Bo and partly because of her recently deceased Aunt Lucy) 'decides to challenge the status quo and signs up for the Miss Clover City beauty pageant. Along with Ellen and some new friends, Willowdean takes on a beauty pageant.

A heartwarming story with amazing body positivity, a sweet romance, and a focus on friendships mother/daughter relationships.

heather_nicole6254's review against another edition

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5