Dumplin'

 Since I began working at home, I have revisited my love for audio books. I didn't really expect to do book reviews here on the blog, ever, really, but I did include affiliate links if you decide to read.  I think I may have done a few in the past, but my latest reads have inspired me! I will go back and discuss a few I've listened to over the past couple of months, but today I want to share with you my latest favorite! This book absolutely blew me away. I have always loved reading fiction and especially easy reads with a little drama and possibly some mystery. I love some chick lit, too!

I love escape of it all and the investment into a character's life that you feel when reading it. I love that it makes you feel like you've exited your real life for just a little while and that you can revisit that life at any time. That's where books differ from movies and television shows. You can really revisit the character and discover something you may have missed the first time you read it. In my case, listening to books as someone's voice brings the characters to life can be hit or miss. Not this time though.

On a whim, I bought Julie Murphy's Dumplin' on Audible and I couldn't stop listening and simultaneously didn't want it to end. You know it's good when that happens. Dumplin' is about a 16 year old Texas girl with a few more curves that her best friend. She owns it and doesn't apologize for it, but still has some self discovering to do.


 I think every girl and woman alike can identify with the soul searching that slowly unfolds as you invest your whole self in this not-so-naive girl who has known her share of struggles. It covers relationships in a heavy way. No relationship goes uncovered: parental, friendship, love interest, sworn enemy and on and on. You rise and fall with Willowdean through mistakes, triumphs, and heartbreak cheering her on the whole way through!

I won't spoil it anymore, but just now that you are missing out if you don't get to know Dumplin'. 

Feel free to Print this as an 8x10 by clicking on it then right clicking to save! 

Now I must stalk the author and read more! 

Julie Murphy lives in North Texas with her husband who loves her, her dog who adores her, and her cats who tolerate her. When she's not writing or trying to catch stray cats, she can be found reading, traveling, or watching movies so bad they're good. Her debut contemporary young adult novel, Side Effects May Vary, is out from Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins and has been well-received by Kirkus, School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist, Seventeen Magazine, and Teen Vogue. Dumplin', Julie’s sophomore novel has received glowing reviews including two stars from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Film rights have been optioned by Disney.

Buy Dumplin' in Hardcover, Kindle, or download via Audible . (Listen to the sample of Eileen Stevens reading - perfection! - I want her to narrate my life.)