The Duff by Kody Keplinger

Publisher: Little Brown
Date: September 7, 2010
Series or Standalone: Standalone
ISBN: 0316084247
Format: paperback, 304 pages
Source: personal paperback

Rating: A

First line: This was getting old.

After months of recommendations and reading the reviews, I finally decided to pick up the book. I didn't know what to expect.

The story starts with 17-year-old Bianca Piper out with her friends that she thinks are so much prettier than her. When Wesley, one of the hottest guys in school, gives her the nickname of "The DUFF"(The Designated Ugly Fat Friend), she throws a cherry coke in his face. Bianca is also having problems at home, so when she kisses Wesley, and likes it, they start an enemies with benefits relationship and it helps Bianca cope. After a while, Bianca finds out that Wesley is a really good listener and he has a lot of problems of his own. Now, she may be falling for the person she thought she hated.

I really enjoyed this books. It dealt with a lot of real issues, like divorce and self esteem. At first I didn't like Wesley, I just thought he was a huge jerk. Calling girls "The DUFF" is hurtful, girls already have enough self esteem issues. He was so cocky too, he needed to get over himself. After the story progressed I liked him, he was sweet, and caring and I could tell he cared about Bianca.

It was nice to see Bianca's family life as well. It wasn't good, but it was relatable because a lot of people don't have good family lives. It was a sensitive side that Bianca tried to avoid. She was going through things that a lot of people do with her parents getting divorced and her mother never being there.

Bianca was insecure. She truly believed she was "The DUFF", but I think everybody feels like "The DUFF" sometimes. It's easy to compare yourself to your friends or someone else, and have negative thoughts about yourself. I do it all the time.

The DUFF was relate-able and romantic, I loved it! Fans of contemporary fiction will enjoy the Duff.

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