Dumplin’
by Julie Murphy
September 2015
HarperCollins
I had the incredible fortune to hear a synopsis of this book by Julie Murphy herself at a Texas Library Association convention panel. After the panel, I immediately went down to the author signing line and stood in her line (along with many others who were listening to the panel). I wanted to read this ARC. This book did not disappoint in any way at all.
Small town Texas is accurately portrayed and the fantastic character of Willowdean Dickson drives the plot. She is an unapologetically “resident fat person”, whose mother is a former beauty queen who is currently in charge of the Miss Teen Blue Bonnet pageant. As an unexpected relationship begins with Bo (a mysterious former jock), Willowdean, the pinnacle of confidence, starts to crumble. Only an entry into her mom’s world of pageantry can help her regain her confidence and perspective.
Any book that starts with a Dolly Parton quote is bound to be spectacular. Willowdean is certainly not just a “resident fat person.” By having Willowdean as not simply a secondary character, Murphy deftly and easily avoids her being the stereotypical “fat girl” in the novel. Will is relatable to readers of all sizes, and that really is why I enjoyed this book so much. People have issues regardless of their jean sizes. Murphy focuses more on Willowdean’s internal struggles (some that are because of her size, many not) and her conflict with her mother, rather than her problems with her peers. The humor that Murphy infuses in her book allows for an incredibly fun read.
This book is funny, heartwarming, emotional, and a chance for every reader to analyze their own feelings of self-worth, all the while learning that everyone should do as the tagline says and “go big or go home.”
