You know that moment when you get a book you really want to read and you fully intend to read it right away, but it sits on your shelf for a really long time, then you fiiinally get to reading it and you friggin love it, and sit there wondering why the hell you didn't read it right away. I totally had that happen after reading this book. 
 So I actually listened to the audiobook that I borrowed from my library and it made the reading experience 10x more amazing. I could not get enough of this book. I never wanted it to end. I loved all the wonderfully diverse characters in this book except for Patrick and Willowdeans mom most of the time. I wanted Willowdean to be my bff. I wanted to fist pump this awesome girl. I laughed nonstop and melted in my seat anytime you had Willowdean and Bo together because they had the hottest chemistry I may have ever read. When it was over and the last page and sentence were read I was sad, angry, and happy all at once. I was sad because it was over, angry because how could Julie Murphy end this beautiful book that way, and happy because I loved everything that Dumplin' had to offer. 
 Dumplin' is about Willowdean who is fat and she embraces that fat. She has a confidence she doesn't even realize she possesses. I loved that she has a sharp tongue as well. While in most YA's it irritates me when the MC talks to their parents crazy I loved when Willowdean puts her mom in place because she deserves it. She speaks her mind and says what everyone else is afraid to say to her. I think this helped sink things into her moms head about Willowdean being fat and her being ashamed of it. I honestly think that Willow was a great friend to Ellen. I liked that their relationship gets tested and have to learn how to still be friends even though their both changing and finding different interests. It is part of growing up really. The newly formed friendships with Hannah, Amanda, and Millie happened unexpectedly and had a huge impact on the story and the MC. The girls were all very different from one another and their friendship was so refreshing and fun. 
 Willowdeans relationship with Bo, her coworker at Harpy's shakes Willows confidence and causes her to question her own beauty. It makes her give in to the stereotypes and feel like she is not worthy of a cute, nonfat guy. God I loved these two. The crush she had on Bo was hella funny but genuine at the same time. Bo is the kind of guy and every young girl wants. He always spoke his mind and told Willow exactly what he wanted from her. I just could not get enough. 
 Needless to say I loved Dumplin'. I may not have been totally happy with the way it ended only because I want more. No. I need more. I loved every moment spent reading this book and will forever be a favorite of mine. The writing was phenomenal, the story beautiful, and I believe there is a bit of Willowdean in all of us. I highly recommend giving this book a try.