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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
This is contemporary YA so my expectations are for boring stories because that’s all the genre really is, descriptions of the everyday lives of a cast of characters that may or may not be that eventful. Dumplin is like that in some ways. But where it excels is its tackling of the relationship people have with their weight while growing up. This is a book about a girl who has to learn to love her body and accept that others do to and for the most part, by the end of the book Willowdean has come to that conclusion.
Let’s start with the great things about Dumplin. The relationships that are crafted between her and her friends - Bo, Ellen, the other unlikely candidates - as well as her relationship to her mother, I felt, were fleshed out nicely and realistically. The crux of all of these relationships is that at the start of the book, Will is content with all of them and so to is she at the end. But through the book, she fights with them all sometimes out of selfishness, and other times out of insecurity. And they all react accordingly as well, no one close to her sticks with Will for the whole book. The arguments feel real because of this and it makes Will’s story much more about self discovery.
I also like how this book tackles body positivity. From her aforementioned friends who never criticize her about her weight to her mother with whom Will has a hard time justifying her size, Will faces really realistic reactions from the people around her to her weight. And while she does have urges to change herself out of shame at points in the book, by the end she is confident about herself. Though at points Will gets judgmental and skinny shames, it’s out of anger and again, by the end of the book everything is smoothed out.
Now for the things that were not so good about Dumplin. I’ve already talked about the pacing and while yes I get that this is contemporary and you can’t really have supernatural creatures coming out of nowhere to stir up action, I at least wanted to laugh or cry with this book. At some points in the middle, I was kind of willing the book to go faster hoping to see something exciting or moving, but it doesn’t really happen.
Dumplin was also really predictable. I knew what Will’s reaction would be when Ellen entered the pageant; I knew what was going to happen when Ellen picks up new friends; I knew how the Bo-Will-Mitch thing was going to work out. BTW, totally useless love triangle. We all know she’s heading back to Bo and Will’s relationship with Mitch didn’t really do anything to make her a better person or anything. Actually, Will and Bo don’t really have chemistry either. He doesn’t ever talk so we never get any insight into how he’s feeling and the way their clandestine make out sessions start seems so shady and random. I suppose that’s where some of my detachment from the book comes from.
For not having a lot of action, Dumplin could have done a lot worse so I am happy for that. If you like contemporary fiction books that really send a message, then give Dumplin a try!
Let’s start with the great things about Dumplin. The relationships that are crafted between her and her friends - Bo, Ellen, the other unlikely candidates - as well as her relationship to her mother, I felt, were fleshed out nicely and realistically. The crux of all of these relationships is that at the start of the book, Will is content with all of them and so to is she at the end. But through the book, she fights with them all sometimes out of selfishness, and other times out of insecurity. And they all react accordingly as well, no one close to her sticks with Will for the whole book. The arguments feel real because of this and it makes Will’s story much more about self discovery.
I also like how this book tackles body positivity. From her aforementioned friends who never criticize her about her weight to her mother with whom Will has a hard time justifying her size, Will faces really realistic reactions from the people around her to her weight. And while she does have urges to change herself out of shame at points in the book, by the end she is confident about herself. Though at points Will gets judgmental and skinny shames, it’s out of anger and again, by the end of the book everything is smoothed out.
Now for the things that were not so good about Dumplin. I’ve already talked about the pacing and while yes I get that this is contemporary and you can’t really have supernatural creatures coming out of nowhere to stir up action, I at least wanted to laugh or cry with this book. At some points in the middle, I was kind of willing the book to go faster hoping to see something exciting or moving, but it doesn’t really happen.
Dumplin was also really predictable. I knew what Will’s reaction would be when Ellen entered the pageant; I knew what was going to happen when Ellen picks up new friends; I knew how the Bo-Will-Mitch thing was going to work out. BTW, totally useless love triangle. We all know she’s heading back to Bo and Will’s relationship with Mitch didn’t really do anything to make her a better person or anything. Actually, Will and Bo don’t really have chemistry either. He doesn’t ever talk so we never get any insight into how he’s feeling and the way their clandestine make out sessions start seems so shady and random. I suppose that’s where some of my detachment from the book comes from.
For not having a lot of action, Dumplin could have done a lot worse so I am happy for that. If you like contemporary fiction books that really send a message, then give Dumplin a try!
Read with a Dolly Parton playlist in the background. The movie is actually much more feel good, because this has a bit too much teenage angst amongst it all.
I appreciate the idea behind the book: Body-positivity and all that but try as I might, I could not bring myself to like the protagonist: Willowdean a.k. Dumplin'.
First of all, what kind of a name is even that? How do I relate to a character called Will, who is ironically enough called her full first name only by the romantic interest?
Secondly, she is mean and selfish with her best friend El (IMO)
Thirdly, there is a love triangle where our protagonist is the villain going around breaking the hearts of Mc.Dreamy boys
Lastly, she can't make up her mind whether she has initiated a body-positive movement in her town or not. She becomes friends with these other oft-teased girls 'cos she feels "responsible" for them throwing in their lot with hers
_______________________________
Coming to the heart of the book, it's all about becoming confident in your own skin, and realizing that at the end of the day it's your heart that counts. This is beautifully shown by contrasting the lives of Will's mother and aunt, Lucy.
Lucy may have been forced (embarassed) to stay in the shadows, but she took life as it came. Even after she is gone, she is remembered fondly by all who knew her; her weight only a sad reminder to her sister. Will's mother on the other hand has nothing but the paegant to show for her life. I understand her obsession to keep the weight off ever since she lost it, but it keeps her from discovering her other talents and reaching full potential, including being a better parent to her Dumplin'
The book doesn't have a satisfactory ending to be honest but I'd still recommend it to any one who has ever had insecurities about their outward appearances. None of us is perfect and our struggles may vary but this book is an important reminder that it's our outlook, not our bodies, that needs transformation.
First of all, what kind of a name is even that? How do I relate to a character called Will, who is ironically enough called her full first name only by the romantic interest?
Secondly, she is mean and selfish with her best friend El (IMO)
Thirdly, there is a love triangle where our protagonist is the villain going around breaking the hearts of Mc.Dreamy boys
Lastly, she can't make up her mind whether she has initiated a body-positive movement in her town or not. She becomes friends with these other oft-teased girls 'cos she feels "responsible" for them throwing in their lot with hers
_______________________________
Coming to the heart of the book, it's all about becoming confident in your own skin, and realizing that at the end of the day it's your heart that counts. This is beautifully shown by contrasting the lives of Will's mother and aunt, Lucy.
Lucy may have been forced (embarassed) to stay in the shadows, but she took life as it came. Even after she is gone, she is remembered fondly by all who knew her; her weight only a sad reminder to her sister. Will's mother on the other hand has nothing but the paegant to show for her life. I understand her obsession to keep the weight off ever since she lost it, but it keeps her from discovering her other talents and reaching full potential, including being a better parent to her Dumplin'
The book doesn't have a satisfactory ending to be honest but I'd still recommend it to any one who has ever had insecurities about their outward appearances. None of us is perfect and our struggles may vary but this book is an important reminder that it's our outlook, not our bodies, that needs transformation.
We listened to Dumplin’ as a family, and we absolutely loved it! I can see why Jennifer Anniston chose to produce and star in a film version. I cannot wait to see this transform on the big screen with all the Dolly Parton songs anchoring the soundtrack!
There will be spoilers in this review.
I loved everything about this book! I loved that the main character had flaws and so did the side characters. I think this book touches on very important issues like body positivity and accepting who you are.
Willowdean is a QUEEN in her own right because, though she might not feel comfortable in her own skin, she is doing everything she knows how to do so. Entering the pageant was such a power move; which in the book she says that she doesn't want it to be brave, she wants it to be normal.
I did have some resentment towards Ellen and Rosie (Will's mom) because neither could really see why she was entering the pageant in the first place; Ellen was very selfish in not trying to understand Will's need to enter without Ellen. Will definitely could've handled it better too. But, that's what makes the book so good, is that the characters are written as real people who would react or say things on impulse.
The story didn't end how I wanted it to, but I'm glad. It would've been underwhelming and predictable. Of course, I wanted Will to win and show up every other contestant and end up with Bo. I'm glad it took a different turn and it showed that even though Will was disqualified, her mother was still happy with her walking across the stage (escorting Ellen) in the red dress that was deemed unacceptable.
I loved everything about this book! I loved that the main character had flaws and so did the side characters. I think this book touches on very important issues like body positivity and accepting who you are.
Willowdean is a QUEEN in her own right because, though she might not feel comfortable in her own skin, she is doing everything she knows how to do so. Entering the pageant was such a power move; which in the book she says that she doesn't want it to be brave, she wants it to be normal.
I did have some resentment towards Ellen and Rosie (Will's mom) because neither could really see why she was entering the pageant in the first place; Ellen was very selfish in not trying to understand Will's need to enter without Ellen. Will definitely could've handled it better too. But, that's what makes the book so good, is that the characters are written as real people who would react or say things on impulse.
The story didn't end how I wanted it to, but I'm glad. It would've been underwhelming and predictable. Of course, I wanted Will to win and show up every other contestant and end up with Bo. I'm glad it took a different turn and it showed that even though Will was disqualified, her mother was still happy with her walking across the stage (escorting Ellen) in the red dress that was deemed unacceptable.
Charming, contemporary teen novel that actually feels relatable and real.
I'm so glad this book exists. Willowdean is someone I - and many other ladies - can relate to. I love her honesty and her strong voice. The story is original and inspiring.
3.5 ⭐
Gostei bastante da leitura principalmente pelo aspecto da representatividade que a história abarca, mas o livro perdeu alguns pontos pra mim por causa de algumas falhas, como o fato do personagem do mitch ter sido bemm mal usado na história, além de eu ter me sentido um pouco entediada em um momento da leitura, onde a Willowdean ficava dando voltas e voltas acerca de ficar ou não com o Bo e toda a insegurança dela nesse ponto, o que é compreensível e eu entendo o porque a autora explorou isso mas que acabou deixando a minha leitura mais lenta. No mais eu recomendo a leitura pra quem está buscando um bom YA com personagens mais diferentes daquele padrão de sempre e também recomendo a adaptação da Netflix, que é muito fofa e de esquentar o coração 💌
Gostei bastante da leitura principalmente pelo aspecto da representatividade que a história abarca, mas o livro perdeu alguns pontos pra mim por causa de algumas falhas, como o fato do personagem do mitch ter sido bemm mal usado na história, além de eu ter me sentido um pouco entediada em um momento da leitura, onde a Willowdean ficava dando voltas e voltas acerca de ficar ou não com o Bo e toda a insegurança dela nesse ponto, o que é compreensível e eu entendo o porque a autora explorou isso mas que acabou deixando a minha leitura mais lenta. No mais eu recomendo a leitura pra quem está buscando um bom YA com personagens mais diferentes daquele padrão de sempre e também recomendo a adaptação da Netflix, que é muito fofa e de esquentar o coração 💌
This book fell short of my expectations. I thought the blurb was very promising, as were the characters, but in the end, it just wasn't enough.
While I appreciate Willowdean's honesty and boldness, there were times when she honestly frustrated me. Her reluctance to be with Bo - although she wanted to be seemed like an excuse to drag the plot on, not to mention they two don't get a concrete happily ever after - just a hint of what is to come.
What I liked about Willowdean was that I thought she captured her struggle with her body image well - she knew there was nothing to be ashamed of, and yet she felt insecure because she was different.
The relationships in this book were all off. For most of the book, Ellen and Willowdean are either drifting apart or fighting, and while, as a reader, I have been told that they have been best friends since there were kids, I honestly would have liked to see more warmth in that friendship or have more moments between the two.
Even Willowdean's relationship with her mother didn't really improve - we see a lot of strain between the two but no such concrete resolution. I feel like the plot was just rushed at tying all loose ends together within the last 40 pages of the book or so.
In all, I thought this book had potential, it just didn't reach that potential.
While I appreciate Willowdean's honesty and boldness, there were times when she honestly frustrated me. Her reluctance to be with Bo - although she wanted to be seemed like an excuse to drag the plot on, not to mention they two don't get a concrete happily ever after - just a hint of what is to come.
What I liked about Willowdean was that I thought she captured her struggle with her body image well - she knew there was nothing to be ashamed of, and yet she felt insecure because she was different.
The relationships in this book were all off. For most of the book, Ellen and Willowdean are either drifting apart or fighting, and while, as a reader, I have been told that they have been best friends since there were kids, I honestly would have liked to see more warmth in that friendship or have more moments between the two.
Even Willowdean's relationship with her mother didn't really improve - we see a lot of strain between the two but no such concrete resolution. I feel like the plot was just rushed at tying all loose ends together within the last 40 pages of the book or so.
In all, I thought this book had potential, it just didn't reach that potential.
3.5⭐️
This book was really cute and I was taken by surprise by how quickly Bo kissed Will and how that seemed to develop. I'm usually okay with love triangles but I felt really bad for Mitch. It felt like Will was just leading him on the entire time and he is such a good guy! He deserved better than that. Bo seemed really cute but I didn't really get why they liked each other or why they should've ended up together. I also found it weird that the only reason why Will didn't want to be with Bo was because she was afraid of the way people would judge them even though for the entire book she was such a strong girl who didn't give a shit about what people thought about her.
Will and Ellen had such a great friendship but their spat seemed kind of stupid. It was great seeing Will making new friends and building each other's confidence up but I think the conflict between Ellen and Will could have been more serious or at least something worth getting in a fight about for so long.
The book was pretty average but I still want to watch the movie and look at Luke Benward
This book was really cute and I was taken by surprise by how quickly Bo kissed Will and how that seemed to develop. I'm usually okay with love triangles but I felt really bad for Mitch. It felt like Will was just leading him on the entire time and he is such a good guy! He deserved better than that. Bo seemed really cute but I didn't really get why they liked each other or why they should've ended up together. I also found it weird that the only reason why Will didn't want to be with Bo was because she was afraid of the way people would judge them even though for the entire book she was such a strong girl who didn't give a shit about what people thought about her.
Will and Ellen had such a great friendship but their spat seemed kind of stupid. It was great seeing Will making new friends and building each other's confidence up but I think the conflict between Ellen and Will could have been more serious or at least something worth getting in a fight about for so long.
The book was pretty average but I still want to watch the movie and look at Luke Benward