PLOT
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.
THOUGHTS
When my mother had seen this book on my shelf, her first reaction was to inform me I "couldn't relate to a big girl" since I never had an issue with weight. I found that ridiculous, when I knew having purchased it, the book would be about so much more than the issue of "weight".
Dumplin may have a "self proclaimed fat girl" as the lead character, but the story ventures past that and into every insecurity women of all ages feel. We are all insecure about one thing or another, and we are constantly looking for that one magic potion that will make us instant beauties. I don't know about you guys but I'll have those moments when I feel like the most beautiful woman in the world and in the next moment feel insecure and grotesque. I loved Willow for having the same thoughts. One day she will be happy and comfortable in her own skin and the next feel like she could look a lot better. It's not easy to have confidence twenty-four seven.
Dumplin may have a "self proclaimed fat girl" as the lead character, but the story ventures past that and into every insecurity women of all ages feel. We are all insecure about one thing or another, and we are constantly looking for that one magic potion that will make us instant beauties. I don't know about you guys but I'll have those moments when I feel like the most beautiful woman in the world and in the next moment feel insecure and grotesque. I loved Willow for having the same thoughts. One day she will be happy and comfortable in her own skin and the next feel like she could look a lot better. It's not easy to have confidence twenty-four seven.
With the media telling us what we should look like can be grating to our self-esteem. It's time to remember what matters most is our relationships, our choices, and who we are as women. And if you forget, that's okay. Willowdean will remind you.
Willowdean reminded me a lot of my younger sister. Curvy, sarcastic, confidant, has a bit of an attitude. (haha!) The entire plot started out on the idea of the pageant and I assumed that would be the main focus when instead the main focus was being who you were meant to be and not letting your insecurities keep you from experiencing life the way you want.
Eat what you want, say what you want (as long as your'e not hurting anyone with your words), do what you want, and be who you want to be.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have a craving for some Dumplings and eggrolls. (wink)
Willowdean reminded me a lot of my younger sister. Curvy, sarcastic, confidant, has a bit of an attitude. (haha!) The entire plot started out on the idea of the pageant and I assumed that would be the main focus when instead the main focus was being who you were meant to be and not letting your insecurities keep you from experiencing life the way you want.
Eat what you want, say what you want (as long as your'e not hurting anyone with your words), do what you want, and be who you want to be.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have a craving for some Dumplings and eggrolls. (wink)
FOLLOW THE AUTHOR JULIE MURPHY
BUY THE BOOK AMAZON / BARNES&NOBLE / BOOK DEPOSITORY
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