You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
“I was the Duff. And that was a good thing. Because anyone who didn't feel like the Duff must not have friends. Every girl feels unattractive sometimes. Why had it taken me so long to figure that out? Why had I been stressing over that dumb word for so long when it was so simple? I should be proud to be the Duff. Proud to have great friends who, in their minds, were my Duffs.”
This was a pure impulse read. I literally decided at 11 o'clock at night last Friday that I was going to read this. Then it was 1 o'clock in the morning and I was reading the last chapter. I read this book in one sitting, with one break to get a drink. I read this book incredibly fast. This was in part because I enjoyed it, but also because it is a very short book.
This book deals with the issue of being that one friend in the group that does not quite fit in. At least that person believes they do not. In this book that girl is Bianca. However, Bianca does not learn about her status as the DUFF (or Designated Ugly Fat Friend) until one night when Wesley decided he wants to hook up with one of her friends so he is nice to Bianca. He lets it slip that she is the DUFF and if he is nice to the DUFF her friends will like him more.
I could relate to Bianca's feelings about being the one friend who did not quite fit in. There have been many times where I've been the only single one in my friend group, the only one who does not have weekend plans, or even the boring one at a party who just kind of sits there. However, I appreciated that Bianca did not let it fully consume her once she realized she was the DUFF. Yes she was constantly thinking about it, but she still did something about it.
I absolutely loved the progression of the relationship between Bianca and Wesley. I loved all the scenes with them getting to know each other and slowly opening up to each other about their messed up lives. And I was really happen with how everything tied up in the book.
Overall, this was a solid contemporary. I'm not a fan of contemporary books for the most part, but I appreciated this one. I also really want to see the movie, so I was motivated to read the book (because you always have to read the book first).
This was a pure impulse read. I literally decided at 11 o'clock at night last Friday that I was going to read this. Then it was 1 o'clock in the morning and I was reading the last chapter. I read this book in one sitting, with one break to get a drink. I read this book incredibly fast. This was in part because I enjoyed it, but also because it is a very short book.
This book deals with the issue of being that one friend in the group that does not quite fit in. At least that person believes they do not. In this book that girl is Bianca. However, Bianca does not learn about her status as the DUFF (or Designated Ugly Fat Friend) until one night when Wesley decided he wants to hook up with one of her friends so he is nice to Bianca. He lets it slip that she is the DUFF and if he is nice to the DUFF her friends will like him more.
I could relate to Bianca's feelings about being the one friend who did not quite fit in. There have been many times where I've been the only single one in my friend group, the only one who does not have weekend plans, or even the boring one at a party who just kind of sits there. However, I appreciated that Bianca did not let it fully consume her once she realized she was the DUFF. Yes she was constantly thinking about it, but she still did something about it.
I absolutely loved the progression of the relationship between Bianca and Wesley. I loved all the scenes with them getting to know each other and slowly opening up to each other about their messed up lives. And I was really happen with how everything tied up in the book.
Overall, this was a solid contemporary. I'm not a fan of contemporary books for the most part, but I appreciated this one. I also really want to see the movie, so I was motivated to read the book (because you always have to read the book first).
So surprised with how much I enjoyed reading this book! What a fun, quick read! Got it as an ebook but I may have to buy a physical copy for my shelf as it was such a good book!
Wesley was an arse at first but I liked his development into a genuinely nice guy, yet still maintaining the arrogance that made him him. Bianca was mean sometimes but she felt like a real person. The relationship between Bianca and Wesley was kind of unrealistic but I didn't care. Toby was boring, so I'm glad it ended the way it did, even though I wish it was a bit longer so we could get some more development of Bianca and Wesley as a couple. Altogether just what I needed after a huge epic read, something easy and light and so much fun! I will definitely be reading the other books by Kody Keplinger about the students of Hamilton High!
Wesley was an arse at first but I liked his development into a genuinely nice guy, yet still maintaining the arrogance that made him him. Bianca was mean sometimes but she felt like a real person. The relationship between Bianca and Wesley was kind of unrealistic but I didn't care. Toby was boring, so I'm glad it ended the way it did, even though I wish it was a bit longer so we could get some more development of Bianca and Wesley as a couple. Altogether just what I needed after a huge epic read, something easy and light and so much fun! I will definitely be reading the other books by Kody Keplinger about the students of Hamilton High!
I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was when The DUFF arrived in the mail. I had heard so many great things about it, so my expectations were sky high. Of course we all know this could lead to a major disappointment- the chances were increasing that it wouldn't meet my high hopes. And it didn't.
It exceeded them.
I know there have been mixed reviews, so I'll say now that The DUFF may not be for everyone. But what book is? Books are essentially art, and we all know that not all art is for all people. That being said, I will say this book worked for me. Bianca is hilarious with a fantastic sarcasm. She made it really easy for me to get into the novel. I'll warn now that Bianca doesn't have the cleanest mount at times. However, I thought it added to her character. Bianca is full of angst, which she fully acknowledges (to a certain degree). Plus, Keplinger made her frustration understandable, which in turn (for me), made the cursing understandable- or at least not surprising. Cursing aside, Keplinger really made me feel like I knew Bianca. Even though I couldn't directly relate with everything, I could feel what she was going through. I connected. It's the best feeling- connecting with a character. It makes for great books.
Aside from Bianca, the storyline as a whole was fantastic. The synopsis honestly is only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many twists and turns, the book as a whole was a wonderful roller-coaster. I cannot tell you the amount of times I was laughing during the novel, only to be in shock the next. Every character was developed well, and weaved in and out of the story at just the right moments. I don't think I could have asked for more from them.
All in all, I feel as though The Duff turned a new page for Young Adult books. Sure there are some classic YA moments and themes, but Keplinger has shined a new light. She delved deeper into the topics that are only lightly touched upon in other novels (read: casual sex, alcoholism, insecurities). I'd like to thinks this lends to her being a young adult herself, and, in no doubt, her great writing. I cannot wait to read more from her.
It exceeded them.
I know there have been mixed reviews, so I'll say now that The DUFF may not be for everyone. But what book is? Books are essentially art, and we all know that not all art is for all people. That being said, I will say this book worked for me. Bianca is hilarious with a fantastic sarcasm. She made it really easy for me to get into the novel. I'll warn now that Bianca doesn't have the cleanest mount at times. However, I thought it added to her character. Bianca is full of angst, which she fully acknowledges (to a certain degree). Plus, Keplinger made her frustration understandable, which in turn (for me), made the cursing understandable- or at least not surprising. Cursing aside, Keplinger really made me feel like I knew Bianca. Even though I couldn't directly relate with everything, I could feel what she was going through. I connected. It's the best feeling- connecting with a character. It makes for great books.
Aside from Bianca, the storyline as a whole was fantastic. The synopsis honestly is only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many twists and turns, the book as a whole was a wonderful roller-coaster. I cannot tell you the amount of times I was laughing during the novel, only to be in shock the next. Every character was developed well, and weaved in and out of the story at just the right moments. I don't think I could have asked for more from them.
All in all, I feel as though The Duff turned a new page for Young Adult books. Sure there are some classic YA moments and themes, but Keplinger has shined a new light. She delved deeper into the topics that are only lightly touched upon in other novels (read: casual sex, alcoholism, insecurities). I'd like to thinks this lends to her being a young adult herself, and, in no doubt, her great writing. I cannot wait to read more from her.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The thing that I loved about this book is that it could totally happen. While I am not in high school anymore I really related to this book and I loved that it was so honest. I loved the friendship between Bianca, Jessica & Casey. I was totally convinced that I was going to hate Wesley and I did, in the beginning. Once he was with Bianca he was a different person and I liked him a lot better. He actually turned out to be sweet & I liked him and Bianca together. Of course their relationship started out pretty messed up if you ask me. Of course I would never date a guy like Wesley and I am not like Bianca either, but I see why they are perfect for each other and that is why I enjoyed the book. Also their banter was pretty awesome! Can't wait to read more from Keplinger!
Not to get too psychoanalytical but it kind of annoyed me that Bianca used sex as a way to forget her problems. Obviously that isn't going to fix them or make them go away and she knew that and did it anyway. She should have just faced them head on. And Wesley is just an arrogant jerk to cover up his own issues, which is also so helpful. But I guess the nice part about this book was seeing both of them realize this and fix it. But seriously there were a lot of times I wanted to punch Wesley myself, but he got better. But to be honest their relationship is a little messed up. Anyway as I said before I did enjoy it! Oh an his love letter, so adorable!!!
Not to get too psychoanalytical but it kind of annoyed me that Bianca used sex as a way to forget her problems. Obviously that isn't going to fix them or make them go away and she knew that and did it anyway. She should have just faced them head on. And Wesley is just an arrogant jerk to cover up his own issues, which is also so helpful. But I guess the nice part about this book was seeing both of them realize this and fix it. But seriously there were a lot of times I wanted to punch Wesley myself, but he got better. But to be honest their relationship is a little messed up. Anyway as I said before I did enjoy it! Oh an his love letter, so adorable!!!
This one was full of cliches.
There was the not-so-popular girl, Bianca and the hot guy Wesley. She claims to hate him but then kisses him and then they start to hook up on regular bases.
Then comes the drama with her girlfriends. Then drama with her family. Then she realizes she's in love with the hot guy she's supposed to hate.
Then they have this huge fight. Then she has this big-ass revelation and after some time, they kiss and make up. Wohhooo, happy ending for everyone!
Like I said, cliches.
BUT, even though I could predict almost every single thing in this book, I still couldn't put it down. I mean, I finished it almost in one day and I am f-ing proud of myself because I've never finished a book in a day. Yay me!!
You might think I'm being cynical for bringing out all these let's call them flaws, but truth be told, I've read plenty of these kinds of books. So it's not about me being cynical or whatever, but it's about authors rewriting the same story with different characters.
Maybe I should move on from these sappy teenage stories. Maybe.
2017 EDIT: I read it once again. HERE are my new and maybe improved thoughts on the book!
There was the not-so-popular girl, Bianca and the hot guy Wesley. She claims to hate him but then kisses him and then they start to hook up on regular bases.
Then comes the drama with her girlfriends. Then drama with her family. Then she realizes she's in love with the hot guy she's supposed to hate.
Then they have this huge fight. Then she has this big-ass revelation and after some time, they kiss and make up. Wohhooo, happy ending for everyone!
Like I said, cliches.
BUT, even though I could predict almost every single thing in this book, I still couldn't put it down. I mean, I finished it almost in one day and I am f-ing proud of myself because I've never finished a book in a day. Yay me!!
You might think I'm being cynical for bringing out all these let's call them flaws, but truth be told, I've read plenty of these kinds of books. So it's not about me being cynical or whatever, but it's about authors rewriting the same story with different characters.
Maybe I should move on from these sappy teenage stories. Maybe.
2017 EDIT: I read it once again. HERE are my new and maybe improved thoughts on the book!
I might actually rate this at 4.5 - a full point higher than Love Letters to the Dead, which I also rated at a 4 (but mentally 3.5). But the two do not feel the same to me. The main character of this book and I also have pretty different lives, but I relate to this one so much more. I don't think I've actually been used as a duff, but I often *feel* like a duff. I do have pretty good self esteem, compared to what it was in high school (which was not really that great at all) but as all humans do, I still have my moments of self doubt, and my moments of "why the heck would this person be interested in me" etc. So it was enjoyable to see this character go through that and move past it, and I appreciated the message that the book was written for.
In regards to the movie, it is so very very completely different, in almost all aspects. The main characters, their names, and that Wesley calls Bianca the duff, and they kiss at some point, is about all that's the same. Pretty much every single other thing is different. But, I didn't mind that. They are so separate that they're enjoyable as totally separate things. And honestly, I don't know how well this kind of plot would do as a teen movie. Society at large is probably, unfortunately, not able to rationally handle seeing a girl of this age live this kind of lifestyle. I could only see it working if it was made as a gritty indie flick, not a cheesy pop teen blockbuster. The movie was very funny, and I loved Mae Birdwing (and Robbie Amell, not gonna lie - he IS a year older than me, unsurprisingly).
I also have to mention the Wuthering Heights comparison, because it really is so exactly perfect that I wonder if the author set out to adapt it, or loosely base the characters off of Emily Bronte's. I do love Wuthering Heights fiercely, so I really enjoyed the mentions of it, and the part it plays in the plot.
In regards to the movie, it is so very very completely different, in almost all aspects. The main characters, their names, and that Wesley calls Bianca the duff, and they kiss at some point, is about all that's the same. Pretty much every single other thing is different. But, I didn't mind that. They are so separate that they're enjoyable as totally separate things. And honestly, I don't know how well this kind of plot would do as a teen movie. Society at large is probably, unfortunately, not able to rationally handle seeing a girl of this age live this kind of lifestyle. I could only see it working if it was made as a gritty indie flick, not a cheesy pop teen blockbuster. The movie was very funny, and I loved Mae Birdwing (and Robbie Amell, not gonna lie - he IS a year older than me, unsurprisingly).
I also have to mention the Wuthering Heights comparison, because it really is so exactly perfect that I wonder if the author set out to adapt it, or loosely base the characters off of Emily Bronte's. I do love Wuthering Heights fiercely, so I really enjoyed the mentions of it, and the part it plays in the plot.
A very quick, cute and easy-to-read book. It's also very predictable and cliché :P But I totally recommend it for people who want a light and fun read.