Julie Murphy

Julie Murphy is a New York Times bestselling author known for writing young adult and middle-grade fiction. Her works frequently feature diverse protagonists dealing with themes of body image, self-acceptance, and coming-of-age experiences. Murphy began her writing career with "Side Effects May Vary" (2014), which she wrote during National Novel Writing Month while working as a librarian in Texas. Her breakthrough came with "Dumplin'" (2015), which became a bestseller and was adapted into a Netflix film starring Jennifer Aniston. The success of "Dumplin'" led to two sequel novels, "Puddin'" (2018) and "Pumpkin" (2021), forming a trilogy that expanded the original story's universe. Murphy continued to build her young adult portfolio with "Ramona Blue" (2017) and ventured into middle-grade fiction with "Dear Sweet Pea" (2019). Murphy's novels have received critical acclaim for their authentic characters and engaging narratives, particularly in their treatment of complex social themes. Her writing style combines humor with genuine emotional depth, establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary young adult literature.

Readers connect with Murphy's authentic portrayal of plus-size characters and LGBTQ+ experiences. Many cite feeling represented in literature for the first time through her work. What readers liked: - Relatable, complex characters who feel like real people - Balance of serious topics with humor - Positive messaging about self-acceptance - Natural dialogue and relationships - Small-town Southern settings that feel authentic What readers disliked: - Some find the pacing slow, especially in middle sections - Romance plots can feel predictable - Character development sometimes sacrificed for message delivery - "Side Effects May Vary" protagonist called unlikeable by many readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Dumplin': 3.9/5 (147,000+ ratings) - Puddin': 4.1/5 (16,000+ ratings) - Ramona Blue: 3.9/5 (11,000+ ratings) Amazon averages 4.5/5 across titles, with "Dumplin'" receiving strongest reviews. BookTok community particularly praises Murphy's body-positive themes and LGBTQ+ representation.

Side Effects May Vary A teenager who has received a cancer diagnosis orchestrates acts of revenge, only to discover she's in remission and must face the consequences of her actions.

Dumplin' A plus-size teen enters a beauty pageant to prove a point and sparks a revolution in her small Texas town while discovering truths about self-acceptance and romance.

Puddin' An unlikely friendship forms between a talented baker and a track star as they navigate high school politics, family expectations, and personal ambitions.

Ramona Blue A teenager who initially identifies as lesbian begins questioning her sexual identity when she develops feelings for a childhood friend who returns to her small Mississippi town.

Dear Sweet Pea A 13-year-old girl becomes entangled in her town's drama when she secretly begins answering letters meant for her neighbor's advice column while dealing with her parents' divorce.

Pumpkin A gay teen in a small Texas town auditions for his high school's drag show while running for prom king and challenging traditional expectations.

Faith: Taking Flight A plus-size teen develops superpowers and must balance her newfound abilities with normal high school life while uncovering a mysterious conspiracy.

Rainbow Rowell writes young adult and adult fiction featuring complex emotional relationships and coming-of-age narratives. Her books deal with identity, body image, and romance through relatable characters facing real-world challenges.

Becky Albertalli creates contemporary young adult stories centered on LGBTQ+ teens navigating friendship, love, and self-discovery. Her work incorporates humor while addressing serious themes of acceptance and personal growth.

Jennifer Niven focuses on emotional depth in her young adult novels that tackle mental health and grief. She writes about characters dealing with difficult life circumstances while developing meaningful connections.

Morgan Matson crafts stories about friendship, family dynamics, and summer adventures. Her books feature protagonists working through personal challenges while navigating relationships and life changes.

Emery Lord writes contemporary young adult fiction exploring themes of recovery, friendship, and self-worth. Her characters face personal struggles while developing authentic relationships and finding their place in the world.