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jennc's review against another edition
3.0
I waited so long to read this book just knowing I’d love it. Sadly it was just ok. Lots of things annoyed me and I loved very few of the characters. The ending fell flat for me as well.
kaiteayu's review against another edition
3.0
The book had an interesting story, and I feel I know Dolly Parton better than before (I had only seen her when I was younger, in Hannah Montana). As a plus-size girl myself, the feelings and thoughts Willowdean had about herself sometimes hit close to home. I thought it was a relatively quick read and I liked it. With all that said, I will not be continuing the series.
hanvin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.25
mairelon's review against another edition
3.0
Dumplin' has been sitting on my shelf for years, right next to My Big Fat Manifesto. I only got around to picking it up after 1. One of my students raved about it and 2. I saw the spectacular Netflix film of the same name. Both were empowering, wholesome, Dolly Parton filled fun. I feel like both the book and the movie had their strong points, and I would high recommend reading/watching them both. They fill in the gaps and compliment one another nicely.
emilycsmith's review against another edition
3.0
"I think maybe it’s the things we don’t want to talk about that are the things people most want to hear." 👑
This was a short, sweet YA read. I've never been the "skinny girl", so I instantly found common ground with the main character. I both liked her and was frustrated by her. Even though the book is about positivity and relationships, she is kind of a jerk and pushes the people that care about her the most away. At the same time, you get the sense that Willowdean just doesn't know any better than to let life revolve around her, and have hurt and emotions rule her decisions. This book touches on the loss of loved ones, the evolution of friendships, and living in a broken household, all set in the backdrop of the most garish, cringeworthy culture Texas has to offer.
I think what I missed from the author was authenticity, not this Dolly Parton "you are who you create, this is me" mantra. I wish the book had been a little more tactful in several ways. Many problems would have been solved by humility, a simple apology, and a little transparency. Just be real! No need to be extra.
Negative comments aside - it was a fun book, and I don't want to make it seem like it was terrible! The characters were three dimensional, and as cliche as it is, I loved the high school romance bits, as well as the mother-daughter relationship. The ending was not textbook, which I appreciated as well! I'm still tossing around whether or not to read the sequel, but I will probably watch the film adaptation soon. 😊
This was a short, sweet YA read. I've never been the "skinny girl", so I instantly found common ground with the main character. I both liked her and was frustrated by her. Even though the book is about positivity and relationships, she is kind of a jerk and pushes the people that care about her the most away. At the same time, you get the sense that Willowdean just doesn't know any better than to let life revolve around her, and have hurt and emotions rule her decisions. This book touches on the loss of loved ones, the evolution of friendships, and living in a broken household, all set in the backdrop of the most garish, cringeworthy culture Texas has to offer.
I think what I missed from the author was authenticity, not this Dolly Parton "you are who you create, this is me" mantra. I wish the book had been a little more tactful in several ways. Many problems would have been solved by humility, a simple apology, and a little transparency. Just be real! No need to be extra.
Negative comments aside - it was a fun book, and I don't want to make it seem like it was terrible! The characters were three dimensional, and as cliche as it is, I loved the high school romance bits, as well as the mother-daughter relationship. The ending was not textbook, which I appreciated as well! I'm still tossing around whether or not to read the sequel, but I will probably watch the film adaptation soon. 😊
gdorney's review against another edition
4.0
I love Willowdean. Her confidence and her insecurities. Viva la revolution!
gdietz1's review against another edition
4.0
Now I won’t say this is the perfect piece of literature. It isn’t. But what I can say for certain is that this is the first book in all my years of reading to make me read while having a smile plastered onto my face for at least 25 pages
In the beginning I had my doubts and thought this would be another, and I say this in the most truthful non-rude way I can, fat person mantra where they learn to accept themselves and everything’s happy sailing from there. Is there a whole lot of a fluff? Absolutely. Is it worth it? For me it was
But the emotional trails that weave from feeling every slight of insecurity and every pained victory makes it a book that you have to connect with on some level. Even if you aren’t a bigger person, every single person can identify with the crushing feeling of believing that you for whatever reason, be it your physical, emotional, relational, mental, or any other personal aspect, don’t belong/don’t fit/aren’t good-perfect-pretty-strong-smart-capable enough to simply exist
Dumplin’ is a book about connection and feeling, not just blowing through the pages
While it isn’t five stars, I would undoubtedly have an amazing time rereading this and would still have that same stupid smile on my face as I did
In the beginning I had my doubts and thought this would be another, and I say this in the most truthful non-rude way I can, fat person mantra where they learn to accept themselves and everything’s happy sailing from there. Is there a whole lot of a fluff? Absolutely. Is it worth it? For me it was
But the emotional trails that weave from feeling every slight of insecurity and every pained victory makes it a book that you have to connect with on some level. Even if you aren’t a bigger person, every single person can identify with the crushing feeling of believing that you for whatever reason, be it your physical, emotional, relational, mental, or any other personal aspect, don’t belong/don’t fit/aren’t good-perfect-pretty-strong-smart-capable enough to simply exist
Dumplin’ is a book about connection and feeling, not just blowing through the pages
While it isn’t five stars, I would undoubtedly have an amazing time rereading this and would still have that same stupid smile on my face as I did
nessa_b23's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
4.0