This book is about self-image, first love, friendship breakups, and doing something that scares you. And never have I had a book want me to go out and listen to Dolly Parton before.

Willowdean is a teenage daughter of a former pageant queen. When we meet her, she is confident in her skin and her size. She knows she is overweight and that people judge and make fun of her, but she doesn’t let that her bother her. Then she meets Bo, and at the same time her and her best friend Ellen “break-up”. And suddenly Willowdean’s sureness cracks. In addition, she is mourning the loss of her Aunt Lucy, who Willowdean feels was more of a mother to her.

Along the way, she befriends other “misfits” and finds friends and comfort in them in a way she hadn’t expected, when all their walls start to come down. She starts to regain her confidence and stand on her feet again.

As someone who was never comfortable in her skin, especially in high school, I really appreciated that JULIE Murphy shows that even though you aren’t the perfect whatever, you can be proud of who you are.
I am really looking forward to reading Puddin’