Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
I have a love/hate view of this book. I saw the movie before I read the book, so I was expecting something similar to the movie. The guy is her next door neighbor, he calls her the duff, she becomes fixated over the term, she wants him to give her a makeover so she can be more confidant, a guy she has a crush on breaks her heart, there is a mean girl, and they fall in love. This was not the case.
There was very little in common with the movie and the book. For example, her dad is in the picture, and the mom is the absentee one. Her dad is a former alcoholic and falls of the wagon when they inevitably get a divorce. Unable to handle the stress of her dad drinking (and eventually becoming violent), her anger with her mother, and the reappearance of her first love who cheated on her (and happens to be the brother of one of her best friends) she looks for a "distraction" to get her mind off of things. The distraction is sex with Wesley. I have very mixed feelings about this. Instead of telling her friends for fear they would judge her dad, she alienates them, and sleeps with a "womanizing playboy who will sleep with anything that moves", who happens to be the one person she truly hates. This is very unhealthy, even though he seems to be the only one ( besides her BEST FRIEND who won't give her any STD's) who actually cares enough to ask about her problems. I think the knowledge that Wesley won't tell anyone about her problems, and seems to understand them because his family is dysfunctional, is the only reason she opens up to him. And without him, she may have done something terrible because of all of the stress.
And yet for some reason I love this story. It may be because of the characters themselves, or the love story, or just the message that running from your fears won't make them go away. I loved the spunky attitude of Bianca, or how she tries to keep it together (emotionally) after she keeps taking one hit after another from the crappy situation of high school, and her parents getting divorced. I loved Wesley for caring about Bianca and never judging her for her problems.
The biggest reason I loved the book was because of the feels. No matter what situation she was in, I felt for Bianca. I felt her fear when she found the beer bottles after she saw the divorce papers. I felt every emotion when Wesley told her she was running away from him. And because of this I could not put the book down. I would definitely recommend this book who needs to dive into a world that will give them a momentary escape from their problems, and will five them the courage to face them head on.
There was very little in common with the movie and the book. For example, her dad is in the picture, and the mom is the absentee one. Her dad is a former alcoholic and falls of the wagon when they inevitably get a divorce. Unable to handle the stress of her dad drinking (and eventually becoming violent), her anger with her mother, and the reappearance of her first love who cheated on her (and happens to be the brother of one of her best friends) she looks for a "distraction" to get her mind off of things. The distraction is sex with Wesley. I have very mixed feelings about this. Instead of telling her friends for fear they would judge her dad, she alienates them, and sleeps with a "womanizing playboy who will sleep with anything that moves", who happens to be the one person she truly hates. This is very unhealthy, even though he seems to be the only one ( besides her BEST FRIEND who won't give her any STD's) who actually cares enough to ask about her problems. I think the knowledge that Wesley won't tell anyone about her problems, and seems to understand them because his family is dysfunctional, is the only reason she opens up to him. And without him, she may have done something terrible because of all of the stress.
And yet for some reason I love this story. It may be because of the characters themselves, or the love story, or just the message that running from your fears won't make them go away. I loved the spunky attitude of Bianca, or how she tries to keep it together (emotionally) after she keeps taking one hit after another from the crappy situation of high school, and her parents getting divorced. I loved Wesley for caring about Bianca and never judging her for her problems.
The biggest reason I loved the book was because of the feels. No matter what situation she was in, I felt for Bianca. I felt her fear when she found the beer bottles after she saw the divorce papers. I felt every emotion when Wesley told her she was running away from him. And because of this I could not put the book down. I would definitely recommend this book who needs to dive into a world that will give them a momentary escape from their problems, and will five them the courage to face them head on.
A little bit predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless. Goodreads really needs to get some half star ratings going though, because I would go for a 4.5/5 on this one.
This was a quick read for me, and while I did enjoy it I wasn't blown away by it. It was fun to read and kept me interested, but I don't feel like the characters were developed well enough. I wasn't drawn to any of the characters, and I wasn't really involved in their stories but it was still a fun read.
So I did not think I would enjoy this book at all, but truth is I read it in under a day. For some reason the main character is easy to relate too, and although it is one of those "I don't see that happening in real life" story line type of books, its still makes for one amazing read. I cant help but want to read more books like this, and in my opinion it is a book every girl should read because it helps show that no one is perfect, because we are all just the DUFF.
I must (rather ashamedly) admit that I hadn't actually heard of The DUFF until I saw my Twitter feed blow up with 'I can't wait for The DUFF #SoExcited' and other tweets like that. So, I clicked on the link, and watched the trailer. And then I immediately switched over to Amazon and then to Flipkart (the Indian retailer) and then stalked bookstore websites, but The DUFF just. Wasn't. There.
Aaaaaaaaah!
So, I was dying inside- because, I mean, HAVE YOU READ THAT SYNOPSIS- until I saw it on NetGalley, pressed the request button, and here I am, reading the acknowledgments, two hours later.
Can I just say- MOST ADDICTING BOOK EVER.
I absolutely loved the fact that even though she used sex to run from her problems, she realized that it wasn't the way, and even that sex itself is portrayed as what it is in high school, or should I say that unlike many other books, the DUFF wasn't afraid to show us that sex is what many relationships are based on, not kisses and smoldering stares and instant love. There was no crappy dating my best friends boyfriend drama, that seems to happen all the time- but instead the Bianca and Casey and Jessica were loyal and funny and imperfect just like all friends are realistically.
More than that though, there was just something so CUTE about the book; something something so funny, something so realistic, that it kept me HOOKED! All I can say is that I CAN'T wait to see the movie- and you should definitely read the book:)
Aaaaaaaaah!
So, I was dying inside- because, I mean, HAVE YOU READ THAT SYNOPSIS- until I saw it on NetGalley, pressed the request button, and here I am, reading the acknowledgments, two hours later.
Can I just say- MOST ADDICTING BOOK EVER.
I absolutely loved the fact that even though she used sex to run from her problems, she realized that it wasn't the way, and even that sex itself is portrayed as what it is in high school, or should I say that unlike many other books, the DUFF wasn't afraid to show us that sex is what many relationships are based on, not kisses and smoldering stares and instant love. There was no crappy dating my best friends boyfriend drama, that seems to happen all the time- but instead the Bianca and Casey and Jessica were loyal and funny and imperfect just like all friends are realistically.
More than that though, there was just something so CUTE about the book; something something so funny, something so realistic, that it kept me HOOKED! All I can say is that I CAN'T wait to see the movie- and you should definitely read the book:)
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The cover:
It is simple and it says a lot about the main protagonist.
The storyline:
This is where things get sad, ugly, horrific, humiliating and at last happy and fun.
This book is unique in so many different ways. It was hard for me to finish it not because it was bad but because it told the truth, and the truth always hurt.
At first, I didn’t like the book, I had no idea who Bianca was and it all started with her kissing Wesley and suddenly they started sleeping together, and as one who hates this type of books, I almost stopped reading it. Then the good/sad part came along and it was hard to both read through it and to fight against the urge to finish it.
Kody did a great job describing how some peoples’ lives are totally messed up and how they go through it and why they do what they do to be distracted from their lives. She used a lot of cursing words, and a lot of inappropriate scenes but all what she described is true and happens in our real lives but everyone is too scared to admit it.
The ending was perfect in every possible way.
The characters:
Bianca is your typical not-popular girl. Believe it or not, but I know that every girl in us (girls) has her version of Bianca, whether you’re a Duff, a player, a geek or a cheerleader. I respect her for many reasons.
Wesley is awesome. Simple. He knows what he wants and he’s not ashamed of it. When he knew that he needed to stop and go after Bianca, he did. I like this about him.
Jessica and Casey are every girl’s dream of best friends or BFFs. They are awesome friends and they stood up for Bianca and helped her with all the tragedy in her life. And they’re super funny and cute!
My favorite quotes:
This is a new section in my review in which I’ll highlight my favorite quotes throughout the book .
“And my name isn’t Duffy. It’s Bianca. We’ve been in the same homeroom since middle school, you self-absorbed son of a bitch.” Bianca to Wesley – Chapter 1
“Oh, come on,” I fumed. “The guy is a man-whore. I can’t stand him. He sleeps with everything that moves, and his brain is located in his pants—which means it’s microscopic.” Bianca to Casey – Chapter 1
After thinking about it for a while, I decided that there were a lot of benefits to being the Duff. Benefit one: no point in worrying about your hair or makeup. Benefit two: no pressure to act cool—you’re not the one being watched. Benefit three: no boy drama. I figured out benefit three while we were watching Atonement in Jessica’s bedroom. In the movie, poor Keira Knightley has to go through all of this damn tragedy with James McAvoy, but if she’d been unattractive, he never would have looked at her. She wouldn’t have gotten her heart broken. After all, everybody knows the “it’s better to have loved and lost…” spiel is a load of crap – Chapter 7
The game was over. The Panthers had won. And I was still the Duff. -- Chapter 12
Oh God! I thought, realizing what that twinge in my gut must mean. Oh God, I’m jealous. I’m seriously f***ing jealous! Oh, shit – Chapter 16
“No!” I shouted, spinning around to face her. “No, no, no! I do not love him, okay? Love is rare and hard to find and takes years upon years to develop. Teenagers don’t fall in love. I don’t love Wesley.” Bianca to Casey – Chapter 19
Then the inevitable happened. I thought of the douche bag. The playboy. The womanizer. The one person who could ruin this moment for me. Yes, I had a crush on Toby Tucker. How could I not? He was sweet and charming and smart… but my feelings for Wesley were way beyond that. I’d skipped the crush kiddie pool and jumped right into the deep, shark-infested ocean of emotions. And, if you’ll forgive the dramatic metaphor, I was a lousy swimmer. -- Chapter 21
Confused, I unfolded the paper and read the single sentence that was scrawled across the top. “Wesley Rush doesn’t chase girls, but I’m chasing you.” – Chapter 24
p.s.: I know you’re rolling your eyes right now, but I don’t care. Honestly, it’s always been kind of a turn-on. Wesley in his letter to Bianca. – Chapter 25
Note to self, I thought. Murder Jessica when there are no witnesses. – Chapter 27
Conclusion:
This book is so realistic and fun to read. Once you start it you won’t be able to put it down.
I’ll give it 4 stars and put it as a favorite. I loved it!!!
It is simple and it says a lot about the main protagonist.
The storyline:
This is where things get sad, ugly, horrific, humiliating and at last happy and fun.
This book is unique in so many different ways. It was hard for me to finish it not because it was bad but because it told the truth, and the truth always hurt.
At first, I didn’t like the book, I had no idea who Bianca was and it all started with her kissing Wesley and suddenly they started sleeping together, and as one who hates this type of books, I almost stopped reading it. Then the good/sad part came along and it was hard to both read through it and to fight against the urge to finish it.
Kody did a great job describing how some peoples’ lives are totally messed up and how they go through it and why they do what they do to be distracted from their lives. She used a lot of cursing words, and a lot of inappropriate scenes but all what she described is true and happens in our real lives but everyone is too scared to admit it.
The ending was perfect in every possible way.
The characters:
Bianca is your typical not-popular girl. Believe it or not, but I know that every girl in us (girls) has her version of Bianca, whether you’re a Duff, a player, a geek or a cheerleader. I respect her for many reasons.
Wesley is awesome. Simple. He knows what he wants and he’s not ashamed of it. When he knew that he needed to stop and go after Bianca, he did. I like this about him.
Jessica and Casey are every girl’s dream of best friends or BFFs. They are awesome friends and they stood up for Bianca and helped her with all the tragedy in her life. And they’re super funny and cute!
My favorite quotes:
This is a new section in my review in which I’ll highlight my favorite quotes throughout the book .
“And my name isn’t Duffy. It’s Bianca. We’ve been in the same homeroom since middle school, you self-absorbed son of a bitch.” Bianca to Wesley – Chapter 1
“Oh, come on,” I fumed. “The guy is a man-whore. I can’t stand him. He sleeps with everything that moves, and his brain is located in his pants—which means it’s microscopic.” Bianca to Casey – Chapter 1
After thinking about it for a while, I decided that there were a lot of benefits to being the Duff. Benefit one: no point in worrying about your hair or makeup. Benefit two: no pressure to act cool—you’re not the one being watched. Benefit three: no boy drama. I figured out benefit three while we were watching Atonement in Jessica’s bedroom. In the movie, poor Keira Knightley has to go through all of this damn tragedy with James McAvoy, but if she’d been unattractive, he never would have looked at her. She wouldn’t have gotten her heart broken. After all, everybody knows the “it’s better to have loved and lost…” spiel is a load of crap – Chapter 7
The game was over. The Panthers had won. And I was still the Duff. -- Chapter 12
Oh God! I thought, realizing what that twinge in my gut must mean. Oh God, I’m jealous. I’m seriously f***ing jealous! Oh, shit – Chapter 16
“No!” I shouted, spinning around to face her. “No, no, no! I do not love him, okay? Love is rare and hard to find and takes years upon years to develop. Teenagers don’t fall in love. I don’t love Wesley.” Bianca to Casey – Chapter 19
Then the inevitable happened. I thought of the douche bag. The playboy. The womanizer. The one person who could ruin this moment for me. Yes, I had a crush on Toby Tucker. How could I not? He was sweet and charming and smart… but my feelings for Wesley were way beyond that. I’d skipped the crush kiddie pool and jumped right into the deep, shark-infested ocean of emotions. And, if you’ll forgive the dramatic metaphor, I was a lousy swimmer. -- Chapter 21
Confused, I unfolded the paper and read the single sentence that was scrawled across the top. “Wesley Rush doesn’t chase girls, but I’m chasing you.” – Chapter 24
p.s.: I know you’re rolling your eyes right now, but I don’t care. Honestly, it’s always been kind of a turn-on. Wesley in his letter to Bianca. – Chapter 25
Note to self, I thought. Murder Jessica when there are no witnesses. – Chapter 27
Conclusion:
This book is so realistic and fun to read. Once you start it you won’t be able to put it down.
I’ll give it 4 stars and put it as a favorite. I loved it!!!
[I got this through NetGalley even though it came out a years ago but it had the movie cover so... Also, I haven't seen the movie yet.]
It wasn't that bad. It wasnt bad period.
I expected it too suck, what can I say?
But I liked Bianca a lot; when I started it I felt like she was so much like me: bitter and cynic.
I kinda wish Toby had been the one for her because I really liked him, I wasn't really looking forward to see her end up with Wesley but it was obvious.
Also, I'm very offended by "emo shit" but oh well.
It wasn't that bad. It wasnt bad period.
I expected it too suck, what can I say?
But I liked Bianca a lot; when I started it I felt like she was so much like me: bitter and cynic.
I kinda wish Toby had been the one for her because I really liked him, I wasn't really looking forward to see her end up with Wesley but it was obvious.
Also, I'm very offended by "emo shit" but oh well.
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated