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darbymalvey 's review for:
The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend
by Kody Keplinger
I was skeptical when I began this book, because from the very start it is all too obvious that this book was written by a teenager. Every thought and emotion is spelled out and described, and we are certainly told more than we are shown about the supporting characters. (If a character is bubbly don't have the narrator tell me that she's bubbly, show me that she is, through her actions and words!) However, as the story progressed I became less concerned about the utterly teenage voice (and, after all, the narrator IS a teenager) as I found myself more and more wrapped up in the plot and in the main character's choices.
I love, love, LOVED that this book features a main character who feels that she is "the Duff" and, even more than that, I loved that although there's romance aplenty in this YA novel, this is not a makeover story. Bianca, our protagonist, does not slim her average-sized body down, change her unmanageable hair, or adopt a new style of dress - she remains true to herself, and I was so happy to see that. Although I'm sure many out there will disagree, I also loved this book's frank and honest attitudes toward sex and sexuality. I'd certainly recommend this book for older teens, but I was thrilled to see smart, responsible teenagers who still do the things teenagers do.
Did I find the way some characters personalities drastically altered to be unrealistic? Yes. Did I find the resolution of the novel sudden and rushed after so much longing and debating? Absolutely. But for those who are looking for a smart, strong, normal teenage narrator and a fun (and occasionally steamy) romance with some thoughtfulness on the side - you absolutely can't go wrong with "the DUFF".
I love, love, LOVED that this book features a main character who feels that she is "the Duff" and, even more than that, I loved that although there's romance aplenty in this YA novel, this is not a makeover story. Bianca, our protagonist, does not slim her average-sized body down, change her unmanageable hair, or adopt a new style of dress - she remains true to herself, and I was so happy to see that. Although I'm sure many out there will disagree, I also loved this book's frank and honest attitudes toward sex and sexuality. I'd certainly recommend this book for older teens, but I was thrilled to see smart, responsible teenagers who still do the things teenagers do.
Did I find the way some characters personalities drastically altered to be unrealistic? Yes. Did I find the resolution of the novel sudden and rushed after so much longing and debating? Absolutely. But for those who are looking for a smart, strong, normal teenage narrator and a fun (and occasionally steamy) romance with some thoughtfulness on the side - you absolutely can't go wrong with "the DUFF".