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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
emotional
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2.5 stars
I really, really disliked the main character. She's selfish and self-obsessed and mean and judgemental of those around her. I disliked the male love interest, and found the concept of a love triangle to be unrealistic and, ultimately, Willowdean just hurt those around her, which she knew was happening but didn't care enough to stop herself. I realize they're teenagers and bound to make poor decisions, but what happened still just frustrated me. Her relationship with her best friend El, was also a disaster for most of the book. But, I did enjoy Willowdean's relationship with the other side characters (Millie, Amanda, and Hannah).
However much I disliked the main character, I still enjoyed the book. So, 2.5 stars.
I really, really disliked the main character. She's selfish and self-obsessed and mean and judgemental of those around her. I disliked the male love interest, and found the concept of a love triangle to be unrealistic and, ultimately, Willowdean just hurt those around her, which she knew was happening but didn't care enough to stop herself. I realize they're teenagers and bound to make poor decisions, but what happened still just frustrated me. Her relationship with her best friend El, was also a disaster for most of the book. But, I did enjoy Willowdean's relationship with the other side characters (Millie, Amanda, and Hannah).
However much I disliked the main character, I still enjoyed the book. So, 2.5 stars.
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What I wanted: Unapologetic fat positivity
What I got: Some white liberalism, some transmisia, some characters I really struggled to like
What I got: Some white liberalism, some transmisia, some characters I really struggled to like
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
funny
reflective
fast-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
I felt this book was empowering and uplifting. I think anyone who has ever felt unhappy in their own skin should read this.
This book perfectly summed up what it feels like to be a larger person with insecurities. I connected with it a little more that I should have. It was a fun read, and I found myself laughing out loud at times. Overall, I think that this is a book I would definitely read again.
Dumplin', Dumplin', Dumplin'.
I'm a bit unsure of where to start with this book. I think I'll start by saying it was a very nice message and it was nice to see a book with such body positivity and a wide variety of diverse characters.
The downside? It was pretty average and I didn't feel a strong enough emotional connection for it to rate any higher than a 3.
I think Willowdean's voice was realistic and accurate. She was oftentimes insecure, but wanted to be confident in herself and not care that she was overweight. We see her attitude swing back and forth, just like how real teenager's are (in my experience). Sometimes, that's frustrating. When she's not confident, or angsty, it's not a fun read. But it's real. Through the novel, Willowdean gains confident and goes from someone who has to ask their skinny best friend not to compete in the pageant (low point) to someone who feels confident in herself and her body).
The pacing struggled at the beginning of this book. Willowdean didn't even decide to join the pageant until more than halfway through. I don't mind a long introduction so we get an idea of Willowdean beforehand, but the beginning lacked a clear goal or direction.
Julie Murphy is great at evoking the feel of Texas. I had never heard of these crazy mums and garters. I had to look them up- they are ridiculous! I also felt fully embraced in the small town and how important the pageant is to them. The small details, including the Dolly Parton mentions, really made this novel.
All in all, an entertaining read with some feel good moments, but lacking in a few places kept this novel back from a higher rating.
I'm a bit unsure of where to start with this book. I think I'll start by saying it was a very nice message and it was nice to see a book with such body positivity and a wide variety of diverse characters.
The downside? It was pretty average and I didn't feel a strong enough emotional connection for it to rate any higher than a 3.
I think Willowdean's voice was realistic and accurate. She was oftentimes insecure, but wanted to be confident in herself and not care that she was overweight. We see her attitude swing back and forth, just like how real teenager's are (in my experience). Sometimes, that's frustrating. When she's not confident, or angsty, it's not a fun read. But it's real. Through the novel, Willowdean gains confident and goes from someone who has to ask their skinny best friend not to compete in the pageant (low point) to someone who feels confident in herself and her body).
The pacing struggled at the beginning of this book. Willowdean didn't even decide to join the pageant until more than halfway through. I don't mind a long introduction so we get an idea of Willowdean beforehand, but the beginning lacked a clear goal or direction.
Julie Murphy is great at evoking the feel of Texas. I had never heard of these crazy mums and garters. I had to look them up- they are ridiculous! I also felt fully embraced in the small town and how important the pageant is to them. The small details, including the Dolly Parton mentions, really made this novel.
All in all, an entertaining read with some feel good moments, but lacking in a few places kept this novel back from a higher rating.
I LOVED this book! It was super sweet and inspiring and I'm sure it has made some people very uncomfortable. I really loved Will's confidence throughout the entire book (as well as Millie's), because they were never super ashamed of being fat. While her size was a large part of the story, Will's life didn't revolve around it, which I think sends a great message. She was loved by boys despite being what a lot of people would consider ugly, and although she fought her mom about her weight, her mom eventually came to respect her choice not to try to get skinny for the sake of being skinny. Will's argument with Ellen that caused a gap in their friendship was something a lot of girls can relate to with their own friends, and I always think that's a good thing to include in YA novels with female protagonists. All in all, a great book. I can't wait to read the sequel.