Monday, November 30, 2015

Mini Review: Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Title: Dumplin'
Author: Julie Murphy
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Balzer + Bray (September 15, 2015)
Source: Borrowed
Genre: YA Contemporary
My Rating: 4 Stars


Book Description:
Self-proclaimed fat girl Willowdean Dickson (dubbed “Dumplin’” by her former beauty queen mom) has always been at home in her own skin. Her thoughts on having the ultimate bikini body? Put a bikini on your body. With her all-American beauty best friend, Ellen, by her side, things have always worked…until Will takes a job at Harpy’s, the local fast-food joint. There she meets Private School Bo, a hot former jock. Will isn’t surprised to find herself attracted to Bo. But she is surprised when he seems to like her back.

Instead of finding new heights of self-assurance in her relationship with Bo, Will starts to doubt herself. So she sets out to take back her confidence by doing the most horrifying thing she can imagine: entering the Miss Clover City beauty pageant—along with several other unlikely candidates—to show the world that she deserves to be up there as much as any twiggy girl does. Along the way, she’ll shock the hell out of Clover City—and maybe herself most of all.

With starry Texas nights, red candy suckers, Dolly Parton songs, and a wildly unforgettable heroine—Dumplin’ is guaranteed to steal your heart.











I love stories that take me by surprise with the wonderful messages that are inside. Those messages that inspire and make us stop and ponder even if, for just a moment.

Dumplin' is one of those reads. The reads that take you by surprise, see things in a different light and even make you a better person somewhere along the way.

Filled with stand out messages, characters, and a plot that I think we can all relate to in different ways, this was so well written and such a great story. I truly lapped it up and was finished before I even knew it.  A read you don't want to miss out on, I will definitely be picking up the author's other work in the future.



57 comments:

  1. I just got the audio and I intend to listen this week during my drive to work. I'm sure I'm going to enjoy this story a lot - self image is something we should definitely talk more about.

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  2. Yeah, this book seems to be a real hit. I would love for younger YA readers to have such positive books like this to read.

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    1. I couldn't agree more Christy, they really do need more of them.

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  3. I can't wait to read this one. I hope my library gets it soon, or someone gifts it to me for Christmas.

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    1. I'll keep my fingers crossed that someone will!

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  4. Yes this was such a good book with an even better message!

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  5. This sounds really good kindlemom. Thanks!

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  6. I agree it's amazing to have stories with messages like that!

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  7. I'm so glad you enjoyed Dumplin, Ali - I need to pick this one up! It so nice to have a YA read with such a positive message with such wonderful story for a change. :)

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    1. I couldn't agree more Kim, we really do need more of them.

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  8. Ah! I need to read this Ali:) I have it on my shelf ready and waiting but haven't managed to get to it yet. Definitely in the mood for something that inspires:)

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    1. It's a pretty quick read, perfect for a weekend in front of the fireplace. ;)

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  9. Really glad you liked this one, dear! This was one of the highlights of my year, too :D Such a great and uplifting message in this one that I truly resonated with!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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  10. This is definitely a book that takes you by surprise! I'm so glad you liked it!
    Great review, Ali!

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  11. This sounds wonderful, and I love books that take you by surprise!

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  12. It sounds like a great book, but is it predictable?

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    1. No not really, it wasn't not predictable either though if that makes sense at all. :P

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  13. I'm glad you enjoyed it! This one looks really good and I like books with a great message.

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    1. I think you would really like this one as well Erin!

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  14. I've heard good and bad about this one, but I'm really glad to see your positive review. We just ordered this one to carry in the bookstore because I thought we needed something about self image. I'm trying to have a good round selection for when I recommend, and know me, I'm all about diverse books.

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    1. Definitely and I do think this is a good one for both of those reasons!

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  15. I liked it too! It was a fun and uplifting read.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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  16. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I've mostly seen positive things about this one. I am curious!

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    1. It was a good read, different but in a good way.

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  17. This one is on my radar, I think I need to read it sooner than later, always up for a book that will change me.

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  18. One of my fave things to read is something that gives you a different perspective than the one you currently own. So need to check this one out.

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  19. I know this book has a powerful message that helps a lot of people, so it's only a matter of time, Ali. :D

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  20. I loved Dumplin'! As you said, it had such wonderful messages. I loved how confident she was in her skin... something not too many overweight people have. The fact that she could strut her stuff and with so much confidence left my heart so happy. :)

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  21. I love when a book has a good, strong message. I have this one, so I will have to read it soon.

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  22. I just started this book....... Enjoing it so far...............

    Great Review :)
    Aparajita @Le' Grande Codex

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  23. I've had this book for ever on my TBR and even checked out the ebook from the library! I just need to find time to read itttttt. Everyone keeps singing it praises and I am sure Dumplin will be right up my ally!

    Great mini, Ali! :)

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  24. I love reads that can take you by surprise. Glad you liked this one so much.

    Great review! :)

    I hope you had an awesome thanksgiving

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  25. I have debated picking this one up since so many enjoyed it <3

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  26. I could never walk away from a book that has stand out messages, thanks for sharing this one!

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  27. This sound like I would love this. I will add it to my wish list-I just can't(refuse to) pay $11.00 for a Kindle book. Maybe later on :)

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    1. I know, I wish they weren't so much. I borrowed this one from the library for that very reason. ;)

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  28. Fab review! I'm really looking forward to this book, and am glad it's being released in the UK in early 2016. I can't wait to read it now :)

    Sophie @ Sophie Reads YA

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    1. Yay I'm glad you'll be getting it there as well!

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  29. I've not heard of this yet. You've got me curious now for sure. Great review as always!

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