From the moment I stepped into room 1560, my immediate goal was to read one book every two weeks. This seemed reasonable because it gives me time to balance my other classes along with reading. I want to challenge myself to read more nonfiction, partially because we are required to read one for the first nine weeks, but also because I have never read one that I have enjoyed. I plan to read nonfiction after I finish the novel I am currently reading called Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy. This novel was highly recommended by my English teacher, Mrs. Mayo, so I rushed to be the first one to borrow it! This story was very compelling and something unlike I’ve ever read before. It offers a very relatable story located in Texas and explains the struggle of a sixteen year old named Willowdean.
The story takes us through an everyday Texan high schooler that deals with the issue of not being comfortable in her own skin. As the story persists, Willowdean idealizes the concept that everyone is not perfect. The thing that sets her apart from other characters in the story is that she does not focus on the outside, for she focuses on one’s confidence and attitude rather than their outward appearance. One particular quote from the novel that stood out to me was when Willowdean said, “I guess sometimes the perfection we perceive in others is made up of a whole bunch of tiny imperfections, because some days the damn dress just won't zip” because it helps explain the reality of our world (369). This quote perceives that what we would deem as “perfect” doesn’t actually feel that way. The entire book focuses on the main idea that we should disregard others' judgement and feel comfortable for who we are, but in reality, everyone sees many imperfections in themselves. Dumplin’ is a novel that you won’t have the ability to put down once you’ve picked it up. It establishes a sense of self-awareness as you connect with the problems that the main character faces. When I was younger, I had a problem with my height. I strived to be taller like all of my friends, but as I grew older, I came to the point where I accepted who I am. One problem that occurred in the story was between Willowdean and her mother. Her mother was persistent for her daughter to lose weight, even though she was comfortable in her own skin. Willowdean proceeded to tell her mother that “Perfection is nothing more than a phantom shadow we’re all chasing” because her mom wanted her to be “perfect” even though in reality, there is no such thing. This was one of my favorite quotes in the book because of how coherent the meaning is. I have always looked up to my brother because he is extremely intelligent, but in actuality, he saw many flaws in himself. Through reading this novel, it has changed my perspective on life. It allows me to become more confident in who I am and recognize one’s attributes, not on the outside, but on the inside.
