From School Library Journal Gr 10 Up–Bianca Piper, 17, is smart, outspoken, and loyal to her two beautiful friends. She is also convinced that she is unattractive, an opinion confirmed when school hottie and “man-whore” Wesley Rush calls her a “Duff” (designated ugly fat friend). Bianca responds by throwing her Cherry Coke in his face, but when her mother decides to divorce her father, who then lapses into drinking again, she becomes involved in a secretive sexual relationship with Wesley to take her mind off her problems. Bianca finds that as their love/hate relationship continues, she is falling in love with him. Not surprisingly, Wesley, who has family problems of his own, reciprocates and announces that, although he doesn't chase girls, he is chasing her. Eventually, everything comes to a satisfying but predictable conclusion. This debut novel is a fun read and surprisingly feminist in a number of ways. Keplinger makes good points about female body image and female friendship, and discusses how both men and women use offensive terms about women as a means of social control. Bianca and the other female characters are more believable and realistic than Wesley, who is straight out of female romantic fantasyland. It is a little difficult to understand why Bianca would get involved with him after he insults her, but in their romantic scenes, there is some seriously hot chemistry. These teens are realistically and openly sexual, and there are frequent discussions of such matters as birth control and STDs, as well as a few F-bombs. Older girls, including reluctant readers, will love this one.–Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJα(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. From Booklist Duff stands for “designated ugly fat friend.” And while 17-year-old Bianca isn’t that fat or ugly, that’s what Wesley calls her as he tries to hook up with her more desirable gal pals. But Bianca has a surprise for him when she kisses him in response. Then, as her life gets more complicated (parents divorcing, father back on the bottle), she finds it easy to drown her own sorrows in their hot, no-strings-attached sex. There are subtle strings, however, especially as Bianca and Wesley find they are not quite what the other supposed. Lots of language, plenty of sex (well, instances, if not images), and contemporary references make this feel of the moment. But the underlying worry about one’s place in the sun is eternal. Teens will relate, even though the problems, especially at home, seem a retread and the characterizations are on the thin side. What’s best here is Bianca’s brazen voice. Even when confused, she is truer to herself than most. Grades 9-12. --Ilene Cooper Praise for The DUFF : A New York Times bestseller "[A] well-written, irreverent, and heartfelt debut." ― Publishers Weekly "A complex, enemies-with-benefits relationship that the YA market has never seen before... Keplinger scores a first for a genre in which vampires and dystopian futures rule. Her snarky teen speak, true-to-life characterizations and rollicking sense of humor never cease in her debut."― Kirkus Reviews "Kudos to the 18-year-old Keplinger for writing a heroine whose complicated relationship with sex is honest and heartbreaking. Expect to be recommending THE DUFF to friends for years to come."― Romantic Times "Edgy and compelling. I couldn't put it down!"― Simone Elkeles, New York Times bestselling author of Perfect Chemistry Kody Keplinger was born and raised in a small Kentucky town. She wrote her first novel, The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend), during her senior year of high school. The DUFF was a YALSA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers and a Romantic Times Top Pick. Since then, Kody has written two more young adult novels, Shut Out and A Midsummer's Nightmare , and a middle grade novel, The Swift Boys & Me. She is the cofounder of Disability in Kidlit, a website devoted to the representation of disability in children's literature. Currently, Kody lives in New York City, where she teaches writing workshops and continues to write books for kids and teens. You can find out more about Kody and her books on her website: www.kodykeplinger.com. Read more
Features & Highlights
An irreverent and irresistible
New York Times
bestselling romance between the so-called Designated Ugly Fat Friend and the Hot Jock.
Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper may not be the prettiest girl in her high school, but she has a loyal group of friends, a biting wit, and a spot-on BS detector. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush, who calls Bianca the Duff—the Designated Ugly Fat Friend—of her crew.But things aren't so great at home and Bianca, desperate for a distraction, ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out 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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Most Helpful Reviews
★★★★★
5.0
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An unexpected favorite!
I'll admit that I didn't want to read The DUFF. Not one little bit. I kept hearing people talk about it and how excited they were and I just wanted to run in the opposite direction. The fact of the matter was, I didn't want to read a book about a "designated ugly fat friend," not when I felt like one myself. I suppose you could say that I was a bit afraid of Kody Keplinger's debut novel. I can now say that I would have been kicking myself forever if I hadn't given this novel a chance. Before I'd even finished reading, I realized that The DUFF is one the best contemporary YA novels I've ever read and that I may never be able to get it out of my head.
There were so many aspects of this novel that touched me emotionally. It feels cheesy to say that The DUFF inspired me, but there really is no other way to put it. As far back as elementary school, I've felt like the DUFF. Of course, I knew that my friends, who I think are gorgeous, intelligent girls, didn't like things about themselves, but, for the most part, I dismissed their complaints and insecurities. In my mind, they had nothing to complain about... at least not compared to me. I knew that my insecurities were magnified by my negative body image and self-esteem issues, but I could never truly bring myself to turn this self-destructive behavior around. Somehow, Keplinger's words and Bianca's story finally allowed me do this. For years, I've been putting myself down by comparing myself to my friends, when, in reality, we have all have flaws and characteristics that make us amazing and unique. Seeing how Bianca puts herself down, when the reader can clearly see that she's an amazing, vibrant person with so much to offer, really drove this truth about myself home. I truly believe that every girl, and many boys. have felt like or will feel like the DUFF at some point in their lives, and I applaud Kody Keplinger for having the guts - and the wisdom - to write Bianca's story because it's a story everyone can relate to.
I was surprised, but unbelievably happy to find that Keplinger tackles teen sex in The DUFF. Her treatment of the controversial topic is honest and, in my opinion, perfectly done. I can sincerely say that I have never read a sex scene in a YA novel that I believed as much as those found in The DUFF. I didn't feel that Keplinger condoned or discouraged teen sex, she merely presented a realistic portrayal, and, for that, I'm extremely grateful. I have no problem with sex in YA, but I firmly believe that if it's going to be incorporated, it must be done with tact. In my mind, Keplinger has written successfully what many seasoned writers cannot.
It was the romantic plot line that finally convinced me to pick up The DUFF. I can never resist a good love story and Keplinger did a phenomenal job. I find that I like my main character and her romantic interest to bicker and fight and sometimes flat our hate one another before they realize that, against all odds, that hate may have transformed into love - with some passion in between. I'm a huge fan of tension and denial and grand gestures and Keplinger's romance left me sighing happily. I'm especially impressed by the author's ability to nearly make me hate Wesley as much as Bianca does (at the beginning of the novel) and still have me completely in love with him by the end. I was terrified that he was just as bad as Bianca thought he was. And, in ways, I suppose he was. He was definitely flawed, he is, after all, a teenage boy, but he has so many wonderful qualities as well. Bianca and Wesley's romance is will forever be one of my favorites.
I'll definitely be buying myself a copy of The DUFF. And I'll definitely be recommending [forcing] my sisters and friends to read it as well. I'm in awe of this remarkable debut novel and I urge each and every one of you to read it, especially if you can say that you've ever felt like the a DUFF.
Grade: A+
82 people found this helpful
★★★★★
1.0
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Icky heroine
Bianca is supposed to be smart and sassy, a tough girl who protects herself with her mouth so no one can see how vulnerable she really is. That is how the author seemed to start the book, anyway. However, Bianca quickly morphs into one of the most unlikeable, unsympathetic heroines I've come across in a while. Her friends are saints for even keeping her in their vicinity. Bianca is a foul mouthed, crabby user of other people, and she never really redeems herself. She never comes to any real epiphany about her own true ugliness inside. The author tells the reader that Bianca is beginning to see her "neuroses" and faults, but this means nothing because the character's behavior shows the opposite of someone who has come to any sort of enlightenment.
A huge issue is the author's treatment of abuse. When Bianca is the victim, the author makes it pretty clear that it is wrong. However, when Bianca is dishing it out, the author treats it as kittenish behavior. In the last pages when Bianca tells the guy she ends up liking that she will hit him and throw things at him because that is just "who she is", I thought "So, she's an abuser, but it's okay because she's a girl??? And the author thinks this is, what, cute?" The treatment of abuse seemed like a double standard that I REALLY would not want a young adult to bond with. Also, as has been mentioned by others, there was the issue of the angry sex. The novel provides way too much detail and not just for a YA book, and the sex has an abusive quality that is only partially addressed.
Because the main character of Bianca is who the novel is really about, and because she is so distasteful to me as a main character, I cannot give the book more than one star. I just didn't like it.
55 people found this helpful
★★★★★
2.0
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Unfortunately, the cover is the best part of this book.
This review has also been posted to my book blog, Ten Cent Notes. ([...])
In an attempt to escape her crappy home situation, cynical and snarky Bianca Piper begins a no-strings-attached enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley Rush, the infuriating guy who informs her that in her group of friends, she's the Duff. The designated. ugly. fat. friend. The premise here is interesting and refreshing, a brand-new take on the age-old themes of self-esteem issues and romance. Except in this story, far from being a hopeless romantic, Bianca doesn't believe in love. At least, not for teenagers, not after getting hurt years earlier by a guy she truly cared about. While I really liked the idea of this premise, the plot didn't quite match up. The story moves at a nice pace, but ends up seeming very bare bones -- as if there was supposed to be more happening than we actually saw. There are a few very important subplots here, including her screwy family life and the self-esteem issues she has around her two best friends after being called "the duff." Ultimately though, the friendship issues are hardly explored until near the end of the book, and though her family's situation rapidly deteriorates, it's really not all that bad when she begins her fling with Wesley. Her mother is gone a lot (a lot), but Bianca honestly doesn't seem to care except for the hurt her dad is feeling, and I think this would have played out so much better if we'd been able to know Bianca's family a bit better. Our main character is such a jaded, cynical girl that even though we know she cares about her family and friends we only know this because we're told -- it rarely ever comes through fully in her actions or words.
I'm sure many readers will like the cynical Bianca Piper, but for me it was a bit too much. She crossed the line between snarky and mean too often and though she obviously cared deeply about what was going on with her dad, in most respects she was very self-absorbed, opinionated, and judgmental. Despite the fact that I actually liked many of the secondary characters, including her two best friends, I couldn't help wondering why they would hang out with Bianca, who continually avoided them, blew them off, lied to them, and ignored them. As someone who's had too many friends who did that exact thing, this rubbed me the wrong way. I realize, of course, that the main character and her relationships in this book weren't meant to be sweet, happy, and worthy of a cheesy romantic comedy, but going so far in the other direction pushed me away. There are a few wonderful scenes between Bianca and her dad (one in particular), but their relationship is never explored enough to really make it stand out or outweigh many of the other relationships in the book.
There are quite a few themes here, most of them related to labels (such as "duff" and "slut") and self-esteem issues. While these are good messages and I'd love to read more books dealing with them, the way they were handled here didn't make them appealing. The themes are heavy-handed and far too obvious, culminating in this feeling like A Book With A Message. However, despite being annoying, the handling of the themes fits in perfectly with Bianca's in-your-face personality and narrative voice.
But, okay, let's take a break from all this negativity. The setting here? Impressive. Though the always-bland school setting detracts from it a bit, the contrast between Wesley and Bianca's houses plainly shown without being over-the-top or in-your-face.
All-in-all, this book with the so-cute cover was a disappointment. Important relationships seemed skimmed over. Bianca was unlikeable in many ways; despite the family issues the book had no emotional resonance, and the themes were overwrought. Though the premise was new and refreshing, and the setting was well-written, it wasn't enough to carry -- or save -- the book.
30 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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It's Gettin' Real in Here
About The DUFF by Kody Keplinger. It is awesome. And here's why!
Reason #1. Honesty.
Okay, so I'm a teen girl. (I swear.) And there are a lot of books in this genre out there, not books that are necessarily bad, but book that don't really get to the core of what, for me, being a teen girl is all about. And that, among other intangible things, is pure, hilarious, snark-filled neurosis, with a side of occasional confidence and a helping of amazing friendship. One of my favorite parts of this book is the fact that it's not a boy who delivers the main character, Bianca, with self-esteem on a silver platter. In fact, Wesley's a total ass and one of the forces Bianca has to fight against. Bianca's journey to self-confidence isn't about boys, or rebellion, or getting a sexy makeover. It's about being real. And realness isn't something you find so often these days.
Reason #2. Hilarity.
Seriously, I loved Bianca. Her sarcasm is just epic, and she is not afraid to tell it like it is, even when those things are a little awkward. The same thing applies to the writer herself, Kody. She's a teen, too, and you can tell she knows what's up. And she's funny. And completely willing to make sex jokes. Wh00t!
Reason #3. Characters.
I will totally honest here and say Wesley's a creeper. Even by the end, I thought he was still a little creepy. However, it works. It shouldn't, but it does. Through great character development, Wesley is real, which is an impressive feat. And Bianca's best friends, Jessica and Casey, made my day. Bianca and Jessica's relationship especially struck me as fantastic. These are friendships you could walk into your nearest high school and find, playing out their little dramas, day by day.
Overall, there are many other things I could rave on about, but instead, I'd love for you to go forth and buy The DUFF right now. Even if it sounds like something you usually wouldn't read, I insist that you read it if only because it is real. It is an important contribution to the world of YA literature, and you cannot miss out. Yay!
27 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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Hilariously Snarky, But With a Great Message Too - A Debut Not To Be Missed
Every girl in the history of the world has, at one point or another, felt like the DUFF - the designated ugly fat friend; That one girl in a group of friends who feels like she just doesn't compare to the rest. That is exactly how 17 year old Bianca Piper feels and as her home life comes crashing down, she needs an escape, a way to forget about all the bad things happening to her. Wesley Rush - womanizing, jackass Wesley Rush - becomes that escape.
Kody Keplinger has perfectly captured the insecurities that all women have. Her writing is witty, sarcastic, hilariously funny, and perfectly executed. Bianca is easy to relate to and I could even understand her situation and why she keeps going back to Wesley. And Wesley - he's a jackass, but he's a funny jackass. His cockiness and the banter that goes on between him and Bianca is a blast to read. Then, there's Bianca's best friends: Jess and Casey are wonderful, Casey especially. They are the best friends that every girl wants and should have. I loved them both.
This book is everything I'd hoped for and then some. Bianca is intelligent, strong, fierce in that `I'll give you a verbal beatdown' kind of way, yet she is wholly and entirely flawed. She has sex, repeatedly, with a guy who called her a Duff - with someone who tears her down all the time with a degrading nickname. All the time she spends with Wesley makes her open up to him, and him to her. The two aren't really that different from one another and maybe, just maybe there could be some feelings other than hatred and lust there.
Aside from Bianca's complicated and illicit after school activities, she has to cope with a mother who abandoned her and a father that seriously cannot cope. After 18 years of sobriety, a sudden divorce sends her father on a downward spiral and sooner or later, Bianca's dysfunctional home life and her dysfunctional relationship begin to crash together. The ending is somewhat predictable, but getting there is the best part.
The Duff is a snarky and heartfelt novel that delves into issues of insecurities, self-esteem, and casual sex, but does it without overwhelming the reader. Innuendos line the pages, but the story is heartfelt and real. Bianca could be me, she could be you, she could be any girl in the world and that's what makes this story truly shine.
Opening line: This was getting old.
Once again, Casey and Jessica were making complete fools of themselves, shaking their asses like dancers in a rap video. ~ pg. 1
Favorite line: "No matter where you go or what you do to distract yourself, reality catches up with you eventually." ~ pg. 126-126
17 people found this helpful
★★★★★
2.0
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A Powerful Message Hidden Behind Too Much Sex
How many times have we all felt like The Duff (The Designated Ugly Friend) growing up and even now in our lives? Through the course of The Duff, Kody delivers a powerful message to proud of who you are. Even the most perfect looking people have Duff like qualities.
Even though I had a few issues with the book, I still felt sympathy towards and related to Bianca on some level. Being a teen herself, I felt that Kody was able to provide a real teenage voice to Bianca, who's dealing with some tough situations, and learns a lot about herself through the course of her choices. Bianca is a straight shooting, snarky, loyal character, and I liked how much she grew by the end of the book.
My favorite characters are Bianca's best friends, as they see her and love her for who she is. I liked that Wesley was someone who helped Bianca see herself differently. Wesley and Bianca both gain a lot from each other. They both see through the walls they've built up and see each other for who they really are. I wanted to see more of them outside of just having sex. I felt that took away from really getting to know more about their characters.
While I liked that Kody doesn't sugar coat reality and what teens really deal with, in the end The Duff was not for me. I'm a pretty open minded reader and there's not many books I don't like, but I had a hard time with The Duff. I felt that too much sex and one too many uses of the F-word took too much a way from the story for me to really appreciate it.
14 people found this helpful
★★★★★
2.0
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Not... Really What I Expected.
One of my least favorite things about having a book blog is writing a negative review. I especially hate it when I've come to really love the author (via social media - twitter/facebook) and that the novel has received a bunch of positive press. So, regretfully, I have to say that The DUFF was just not the book for me.
First let me start with the positive: I absolutely love Bianca. She's the first YA character I've come across that has the exact same opinion on love as I do. That made me super excited - her tangent about it not necessarily being real love in high school, and that it takes time to develop was just so amazing. Mind blowing actually. After all the books I've read, to finally meet a character that views love (at least from a high school perspective) the same as myself, was super refreshing. I can also say that I really adore her personality, she doesn't take any crap, and she gives it as much as she takes it. However, she's not as strong as I'd like her to be when it came to her family. Which is understandable, you don't want to hurt ones you love... but I have to say that doesn't mean you can go and hurt yourself as well. This is where I start to dislike some of the message the books sends.
I probably should say I'm not a fan of teenagers having sex (at least, I don't like it when they don't really have a connection - if they've at least been together for some period of time (Rose/Dimitri) I'm really okay with it). I know this happens, I understand that it's real... but it doesn't mean I like it. So, as strong of a person I see Bianca as, the fact that she jumps into bed with Wesley... makes me sad. First, we're introduced to Wesley as a player - a man of many women, and for some reason none of them seem to care. So, Bianca decides to kiss him during a fight... and then later decides to sleep with him (a lot) to sort of "forget" about her situation at home. That... is just unhealthy. Why kiss the boy you just publicly tore apart? I don't know... their relationship just didn't do it for me. I can understand why she ended up liking him - he stood up for her, and was there for her even if it was in the mode of comfort and sex. I'm just still not a fan. Though I can say (spoiler) that at the end, I love, love, loved that she didn't tell Wesley that she loved him. Cause, lets be honest, they were in super-like, not love.
Then there is this underlying plot of being "The DUFF" (Designated Ugly Fat Friend). I wasn't aware this term existed till this book, and I still have yet to actually hear someone use it. Which is a good thing - it's a ridiculous term. My problem with this aspect of the plot is that it wasn't really a shock as to how it would turn out, especially if you read Keplinger's little author blurb on the book flap. She basically took her real life experience with the term and put it in this book. It's a great message (spoiler) - that every girl feels like a DUFF depending on the day, time, you're not alone, etc... it's just not a new one.
The last part I want to talk about, and I'm ending this on a high note, is the plot with Bianca's parents. That was the dynamic I was most interested it. From my past reviews and posts I'm guessing you may know how much I love tough subjects - and divorce definitely falls into that category (and so does dealing with an alcoholic parent, but I digress...). So seeing how Bianca deals with this (even if it is by having sex with Wesley) is interesting for me. So this part of the plot was good to go with me, it was a bit of extra goodness I hadn't been expecting.
To wrap this up, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I would not hand this to anyone younger than a freshman in high school - and some parts of me feels like that's pushing it. I rarely feel this way about books, but there was such an emphasis on sex... I know I wouldn't want my little brother and his friends (be it the girls or the boys) picking it up, that's for sure.
So this book didn't do it for me, but I still love Kody - she's adorable. While The DUFF didn't really "turn my brain" it doesn't mean it won't turn your's - I encourage you to give it a try.
9 people found this helpful
★★★★★
2.0
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Too much meaningless sex
Bianca Piper has always felt out of place next to her shining, tall, and beautiful friends, and isn't quite as social as they are. So when popular and rude Wesley Rush calls her the DUFF--Designated Ugly Fat Friend--of the group, she's hurt, but certainly doesn't let it show. She hides all of her insecurities and problems (like the fact that her mom is never around and her dad can't deal with his divorce without alcohol) behind a cynical attitude. But then Bianca and Wes are assigned to work on a school project together, and despite the fact that Bianca despises him, Wesley is proving himself to be quite an excellent distraction.
The DUFF is a very blunt and open read, and Bianca is straightforward, and her sarcasm and witty quips will entertain more cynical readers. She is a mature character in that she knows how to take care of herself, and she realizes that a lot of practices and traditions that go hand in hand with high school are somewhat ridiculous, but her disdain for them comes close to being obnoxious, and her caustic attitude toward practically everything does get a bit tiring. However, the pressures she feels from her parents' issues and her conflicting feelings and confusion towards them do ring true, and are well portrayed. Though the storytelling is pretty solid, the dialogue seems a bit flat and forced at times, especially when any of the characters are trying to be sincere.
However, the biggest issue I had with The DUFF was the fact that the "distraction" that Bianca sought out, mindless, meaningless, and continuous sex with Wesley, was essentially romanticized. I appreciate that the issue of impulsive hook-ups is addressed (since it does happen quite a bit), but I believe it to be a lot more serious of an issue than Keplinger ever treated it to be. With the exception of a few brief pages in which whispers of a pregnancy scare circulate (not Bianca's, of course), Keplinger doesn't bring up any of the more serious consequences of casual sex, including damage to the physical and emotional health. Instead, Wesley is the uncaring player turned perfect boyfriend, and Bianca sticks with him, without a break in their sexual relationship. I don't think that this is a realistic relationship, nor a healthy one, and it can give a lot of readers the wrong idea about healthy ways to deal with problems in life.
All in all, The DUFF ends happily enough, though the resolutions to all of Bianca's problems seem to be too easy and too simple. Still, anyone who has ever been frustrated by high school or felt like the designated ugly fat friend of their group and wished to be something more will most likely be able to relate to Bianca.
Cover Comments: I like the way the title descends down the page, and the bright yellow that the letters are written in. It will definitely be eye-catching!
9 people found this helpful
★★★★★
3.0
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Enjoyable but completely juvenile
*Spoiler Alert*
I don't normally like calling books "juvenile", it seems insulting to the audience but that is really the only adjective I can think that conveys my meaning.
There were so many problems with this book I am not even sure where to start. This is one of those books that was fun reading but if you start thinking too much about it you get a little annoyed.
The leading character Bianca is obnoxious. She was fine most of the novel (snarky, sarcastic, witty) but in the final scene she is beyond annoying. She was the only character I felt had no growth. Threatening to throw drinks in your boyfriends face and yell at him "every day" is not cute. Its mean and, well, juvenile. Being yourself is one thing, but being childish and rude is another, and the former is no excuse for the latter. The only thing she learned is that "we're all effin Duffs" and that well, perhaps, just maybe, she should be more careful when it comes to sex so she won't get knocked up. Uhh, really? It irritated me. With all of her parents issues I would have thought she would have learned that the key to relationships is communication and that if she has any hope of having a happy, healthy, relationship with Wesley that instead of yelling and throwing things at him when he pisses her off that she should, oh I don't know, talk to him maybe...like a mature adult would. That is the sort of lesson I was hoping would be shown, among others. Needless to say I had a hard time seeing their relationship lasting for any length of time. Which is fine, not all books are about the happily ever after we're going to be together forever thing. But I do think it could have been a much better ending had some of Bianca's behavior been addressed, or at the very least, not pointed out so blatantly.
The whole plot is a little far fetched for me (how many 17 year old 'plain jane' girls do you know who have sex with the hottest, sexiest guy in school 4 times a week?)and honestly makes me glad I never attended public school. However this is fiction so I went with it. But my God, there must be something in the water of this town because everyone is sleeping with everyone. Now I know that sex and teenagers is a reality, and it annoys me in YA novels when sex and virginity is obsessed over like a sacred, holy, thing. Because to me that is not very realistic, and places the emphasis on the wrong thing (the place/moment instead of the person) but this novel takes it to the complete opposite end. These kids are not even out of high school and ALL of them have had multiple sexual partners, and most with out any sort of emotional turmoil/repercussions. Now I know I sound like an old prude, but I'm not. I'm only 20 but I'm sorry, it annoyed me. We have a girl who can not even say vagina but has no problem describing what oral sex feels like to her friend. It was inconsistent.
The writing is not very subtle, and the issues the author addresses are completely spelled out. There was no leading the reader to come to their own conclusion, this might be because it was 1st person and the author herself is very young (and seriously, bravo to her! I love to see a young author break through on to the scene.) But personally I hate when I feel like an idea is being shoved down my throat. I like reading and having my own revelations along with the character so a little more subtlety would have been nice.
Despite its flaws I'm very glad I read this book. It was fun and enjoyable. You just have to take it for what it is and not try to analyze it too much.
5 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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Sexy Romantic Comedy for the New Teen Generation
Enter The Book for the new generation of teens: Kody Keplinger's strikingly smart debut THE DUFF. Conservative and prudish adults will most definitely try to ban this book, but teenagers will snatch this sexy and edgy debut right up for its relatable, modern protagonist and spot-on dialogue.
Fans of "traditional," brushed-up YA literature beware: you are not going to like Bianca. She is loud, angry, spiteful, cynical...and as a result, she will be welcomed with loving arms by today's teenagers. Bianca is what's missing in literature and probably desperately sought after by teens, a sort of Holden Caulfield for this generation. She has no illusions about "true luv" teen romance; instead, her concerns are grounded in the reality of family tensions, arguments with friends, and wavering self-esteem.
While Bianca's aggression and cynicism may grate on many readers' sensitivities (including, occasionally, mine), I was still able to see where she was coming from. We need to dispense with our illusion of teen girls as virginal, hopelessly romantic, and sweet-sixteen-and-never-been-kissed, because the truth is that there are a lot more girls out there like Bianca than we care to admit, and they will jump at this relatable book.
The other characters in THE DUFF are nicely three-dimensional too, despite the fact that their problems occasionally seem a little too convenient and piled-on for plot's sake. Bianca's feisty hot-and-cold relationship with Wesley, in particular, is smoldering. Their initial coming together was a bit rough--I had some trouble believing that something like this would happen--but once they got going, boy, did they get going. And not just in sexual terms, either (though there is plenty of that, so if you're uncomfortable with sex in literature, go somewhere else). Gone is the age-old idea that teen romance should consist of sweet heroines and reformed bad-boy love interests. In THE DUFF, Bianca and Wesley are constantly at odds with one another, and Bianca is not afraid to yell at him and say what she thinks. Even if this type of romance is not exactly the best model (though neither is the passive female/bad-boy male one), it makes for one heck of an exciting read.
THE DUFF reminds me of why romantic "screwball" comedies can be so great: for the characters' chemistry and the sharp dialogue. It's wish fulfillment to an extent (how I sometimes wish I could get away with Bianca's cynicism and attract a jerk-turned-sweetie like Wesley), but it's also highly relatable, and I have no doubt that there will be a legion of girls out there who can see parts of themselves in Bianca. I can't wait to see what Kody Keplinger has for us next!
