The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) By: Kody Keplinger

Title: The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)

Author: Kody Keplinger

HARDBACK

Amount of Pages: 288

Release Date: September 7, 2010

Geared Towards: Older Teens

From: Publisher

"I needed something to distract me-anything far away from my parent's drama-just for a second. And when I saw my chance I didn't stop to think about how much I'd regret it later. An oppurtunity sat on the bar stool beside me, and I lunged at it. Literally.

I kissed Wesley Rush."

Summary (From B.O.B): Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie, Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Biance ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Biance realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

Wdebo's Review: After I first saw the summary for The Duff I was so excited to read it, stories about falling in love with the wrong guy/the guy you hated have always been my favorite. So when I got it I was so excited and started reading it right away, and didn't put it down until I finished it.

At first glance The Duff seems like a total bubble gum, YA Chick Lit novel wannabe. From its all so cliche summary to the bubble gum on the cover (even though that wasn't the cover I got). But Bianca, the main character, was nothing like characters from other YA Chick Lit. She's loud, assertive, and loves to speak her mind. Bianca is a total commentor on life. Which, is quite refreshing, because she thinks like me, except sometimes she says "slut" and "whore" way too much. Though in the end she learns about lables that are apart of us but that don't define us, such as "duff."

This novel is way more complicated then other YA books, it shows the struggle to feel loved after being hurt so badly, the need of love but also the fear of it.

I did really enjoy the writing even though Bianca is a total anti-romantic (which can be pretty annoying at times for a total romantic like me) but she was totally setting herself up for a big time cliche moment. (So I loved the ending...because though clicheness can be annoying at times, it is still sooooo addicting

And might I also add that Wesley (or as Binca calls him, the man-whore) is soooo addicting and just well hot. He was such a good character choice...love! And I love how *Spoiler Alert* he doesn't run away after being pushed away by Bianca because he knows she loves (uh hum "strongly likes") him and he strongly likes her back *End of Spoiler Alert*

I finally need to add that it is so cool that Kody wrote this when she was so young, and almost the same age as me!! So her writing is very authentic and a true "teeange" voice.

Cafe Cover Chat: I like the cover, I love bubble gum and I love bubbly letters, so it's great! (A-)

All in all, a great debut book for teens that many are sure to relate to and can read with much amusment and addictive-ness, there is a wonderfully strong protagonist/narrator, that most teens should enjoy a lot.

Grade: A-

Wdebo :)