Book Review: The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

The DUFF: (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by Kody Keplinger

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Poppy (September 7, 2010)

Amazon Description:

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.
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I had no idea what to expect when I opened up this book. What I found was a story that many people can identify with. The DUFF is that person whose friends look better than them...therefore make them the ugly one in the group. I think a lot of us have been there at some point along with Bianca. This book gives a glimpse of what real teenage life is like. It's not easy and it's not pretty. Self esteem issues, sex, parent's divorcing, fighting with friends, etc. All of that is real life and I like how for the most part things aren't sugar coated in The DUFF. Even though I can't imagine dealing with my problems the same way Bianca did, I can see how some people would. She used sex to temporarily forget her problems the way some people used drugs or alcohol. It is about the escape from the real world. Bianca didn't handle most of her problems very well and should have leaned on her friends for more support, but nobody is perfect especially under so much stress. Bianca's relationship with Wesley was pretty interesting, especially considering she hated him in the beginning. Wesley definitely grew on me though and it became clear that he had a lot in common with Bianca. I am very happy with how things turned out in the end even though it was kind of easy to see it coming.

4.5/5