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Mar 29, 2019CASSIE ERIN KELLEY rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I first heard of this book because they are making a movie out of it. Usually, when that happens, I am skeptical about said book. But then I found this book in the library and read the synopsis. It actually sounded intriguing, so, even though I was still hesitant, I checked out the book. I am glad I did. 'Dumplin'' is a wonderful look at how society affects the way people both perceive people and what it can do to your own way of thinking. If we are honest with ourselves as girls and women, we often see ourselves as 'not good enough.' One reason for this is that men are excited visually, so we think if we're not perfect, they will leave us. Enter Willowdean Dickson, a self-proclaimed fat girl. She is fine with herself until a boy shows interest. Then, as it can often happen when you fall in love, she takes a look at herself and begins to wonder. Throughout this book, she learns and grows as a person, and what better way than to enter a beauty pageant? This is a heartwarming book that also douses us in the cold reality of how society acts when somebody doesn't conform to what is deemed to be 'normal' and how to make your own path. Whether it is Willowdean herself or the new friends she makes, all outcasts like her, this book teaches valuable lessons about how you should really look at yourself, and what can happen when you do. I recommend this book to all teenagers, and even adults, who see themselves through society's eyes, and who aren't content with the labels put on them.