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.



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57 comments:

  1. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)November 30, 2015 at 12:27 AM

    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. LoveOfBooksNovember 30, 2015 at 12:52 AM

    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. KindlemomNovember 30, 2015 at 9:01 AM

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

      Delete
  3. LekeishaNovember 30, 2015 at 4:25 AM

    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. KindlemomNovember 30, 2015 at 9:03 AM

      I'll keep my fingers crossed that someone will!

      Delete
  4. Grace @ RebelMommyBookBlogNovember 30, 2015 at 5:35 AM

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

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  5. The Reading FrenzyNovember 30, 2015 at 6:14 AM

    This sounds really good kindlemom. Thanks!

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  6. MellianeNovember 30, 2015 at 6:35 AM

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

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  7. Book SwoonNovember 30, 2015 at 7:23 AM

    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. KindlemomNovember 30, 2015 at 9:09 AM

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

      Delete
  8. JennyNovember 30, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    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. KindlemomNovember 30, 2015 at 9:09 AM

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

      Delete
  9. Faye M.November 30, 2015 at 8:34 AM

    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. AnonymousNovember 30, 2015 at 9:15 AM

    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. Kimberly @ Caffeinated ReviewerNovember 30, 2015 at 9:31 AM

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

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  12. Tyler H. JolleyNovember 30, 2015 at 9:43 AM

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

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    1. KindlemomNovember 30, 2015 at 9:45 AM

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

      Delete
  13. Angel Erin's Book ObsessionNovember 30, 2015 at 10:28 AM

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

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    1. KindlemomNovember 30, 2015 at 10:45 AM

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

      Delete
  14. CandaceNovember 30, 2015 at 10:31 AM

    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. KindlemomNovember 30, 2015 at 10:46 AM

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

      Delete
  15. KarenNovember 30, 2015 at 12:53 PM

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

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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  16. Shooting Stars MagNovember 30, 2015 at 1:02 PM

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

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    1. KindlemomNovember 30, 2015 at 9:20 PM

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

      Delete
  17. Heidi@Rainy Day RamblingsNovember 30, 2015 at 1:36 PM

    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. Melissa (Books and Things)November 30, 2015 at 2:06 PM

    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. Joy November 30, 2015 at 6:48 PM

    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. Lisa @ Lost in LiteratureNovember 30, 2015 at 9:07 PM

    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. Jennifer @ Bad Bird ReadsNovember 30, 2015 at 9:12 PM

    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. aparajitaNovember 30, 2015 at 11:17 PM

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

    Great Review :)
    Aparajita @Le' Grande Codex

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  23. Rashika December 1, 2015 at 4:38 AM

    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. Michelle@Book BriefsDecember 1, 2015 at 9:25 AM

    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. UnknownDecember 1, 2015 at 9:32 PM

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

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  26. UnknownDecember 2, 2015 at 11:34 AM

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

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  27. Lorna @Mollykatie112December 2, 2015 at 11:00 PM

    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. KindlemomDecember 3, 2015 at 6:57 AM

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

      Delete
  28. Sophie HoughtonDecember 3, 2015 at 7:30 AM

    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. KindlemomDecember 3, 2015 at 9:44 PM

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

      Delete
  29. UnknownDecember 3, 2015 at 7:26 PM

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

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