Reviews

Puddin' by Julie Murphy

alienantidote's review against another edition

adventurous reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.25

the_escape_artist_'s review against another edition

5.0

Loved it. Maybe even more than Dumplin’ since I very much identify with Millie, though she is far braver than I. I was in my 30s before I figured out what she is figured out. This book doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics, and handles it with humour and grace. I would recommend this book to any teen (and adult really) struggling to be themselves when the world says not to be.

kaila2464's review against another edition

4.0

Full review coming

emcclendon03's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

mdevlin923's review against another edition

3.0

Millie Michalchuk and Callie Reyes run in two completely different circles: Millie, a self-proclaimed fat girl, is hoping to skip fat camp over the summer and instead go to a broadcast journalism class; while Callie, next in line for the captain position of the high school dance team, must deal with the fallout after the dance team vandalized their ex-sponsor. Callie and Millie are forced to work together at the gym, and soon form a friendship, which is tested but proves to be something they both needed.

A nice companion / follow-up to Dumplin'. While Willowdean is not the focus of the story, she does come up in the background. Focuses on consequences, standing up for yourself, friendship, and passions.

threegoodrats's review against another edition

5.0

My review is here.

butterfly_bombshell's review against another edition

5.0

I really enjoyed Puddin. I've been wanting to read this book for a long time. It lived up to its expectations.

tjack22's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

"Puddin'" by Julie Murphy is a delightful read that resonates deeply with the emotional and insecure experiences of its protagonists, Callie and Millie. Their struggles and growth are portrayed with remarkable authenticity, making them incredibly relatable. This book is not only a quick and enjoyable read but also a valuable resource for middle and high school girls. It offers comfort and understanding, something I wish had been available during my own school years. The accessibility of such literature for young girls is a significant step towards helping them navigate their formative years with confidence and self-acceptance.

bettielovesbooks's review against another edition

4.0

I think this one has a depth that Dumplin’ didn’t have. Callie grew up so much, I really disliked her at the beginning, but she really learned from her mistakes and became a better person.
I loved Millie and I identify with her and her relationship with her mother and I was really proud of how she finally stand up to her and asked to see her for what she was and no the skinny girl she could be.
The romance was super cute too! I loved both Mitch and Malik.
My only complaint would be that Callie sounded a little robotic in the audiobook.

shaynalambert's review against another edition

5.0

I had a hard time believing that I’d love a protagonist more than Willowdean, but Millie Michalchuck stole my heart. She was just so delightful to spend a book with, and I rooted for her with all my heart. I also loved seeing the development of her relationship with Callie. I wasn’t sure I was going to like Callie at first, because Murphy did a great job of capturing the mindset of the sort of girls who used to make fun of me in high school. Lol. But I really enjoyed her journey toward becoming a kinder, more empathetic person, and I did find myself getting really sympathetic for what she was going through. This was a delightful book, and I love its marvelous, body positive message! The world needs more Millies!

Edit to add: I also squeed at the asexual rep in this book! There are not enough ace characters!