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A review by monicalaurette
If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
“Choose yourself. Choose joy.”
I went into this book with no expectations other than it being a plus-size Cinderella retelling and I was so happy that I did. I feel if I went into this book with anything else it could have ruined how I feel about the book which is that I enjoyed the story!
With it being a Cinderella retelling I was worried about how the Stepmother portion would go but honestly I loved the twist put on it and how the mice characters of Jacques, Gus Gus, and Marie were included. Having healthy relationships with step-relatives is refreshing to see happen and in my opinion made things not as cringe-y as they could have been.
Cindy just being herself and so proud in it, not having to watch her grow to love herself was nice in the book too and while I’m glad we didn’t get to like hear what Addison said about her on the solo date part of me also wants to know so that I can hate her character more .
This hopefully solidifies for me that I do like Julie Murphy’s writing, I just like her adult books more than her YA ones, so I’ll go pick up her newest book (though I might wait on that one since it’s a winter/Christmas themed book. Because I liked the book the amount I did I will be giving it 4 stars and I’m excited to see what her other adult book brings me.
“It’s just another stop on a long search for home.”
Side note: can someone tell me why I like side characters named Wes so much?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Grief, and Body shaming
Minor: Car accident