Review of The Duff by Kody Keplinger

Book Title - The Duff

Author - Kody Keplinger

Released - September 7th 2010

Rating - Fall Faerie (4 stars)

Synopsis from Goodreads - 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, Bianca 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 Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

My Review -  I've never heard the term "Duff" before. When I read The Duff and found out what it means - Designated Ugly Fat Friend- I found myself being sad, mad, and disbelieving at the same time. I couldn't believe that a term like that even existed! How horrible and cruel would a person have to be to even make that up in the first place?! The author Kody says on her websites FAQS that she actually heard the term before and her story started evolving after hearing the term! I knew that if just hearing the term brought forth those emotions in me, then I could only imagine how Kody's character Bianca Piper felt after being called that name in the book.

Not surprisingly, Bianca reacts with anger, insecurity, and sadness, all things you would expect a teenage girl to feel by being called something so cruel. Add that to the fact that her Mom is never around, and her Dad is in denial and Bianca is looking for escape from her life any way possible. Imagine her surprise when the same jerk that called her a Duff to begin with, is the same one she ends up kissing and realizing she can find an escape from the stresses in her life with. She starts having a secret relationship with Wesley. Bianca doesn't even tell her best friends! The worst part? Wesley is a player. Rumor has it he pretty much gets with any and every girl he can. Bianca is determined to only use him for the mental escape and physical release he gives her but eventually their physical escapades start including conversations as well and Bianca starts to have feelings for Wesley. Could it be that Wesley isn't the man whore everyone thinks he is? Could it be that Bianca may have been wrong and Wesley is just the kind of guy she needs?

I loved The Duff. It is a brilliant, fast-paced, engaging read. Kody Keplinger gives Bianca depth, personality and just the right amount of snarkiness that makes her full of awesomeness. Given the fact, Kody is a teenager herself, it isn't surprising that her interpretation of teenage life in her novel is right on. The fact is, some teenagers do cuss, they do have sex, they do drink, and divorce is a very real issue in the lives of their parents at times. Some authors get flack for including sex or cursing in their novels but I think that makes the novel more realistic. Given the topic of Kody's book, it is necessary and I admire Kody for knowing for not being afraid to dive right in.

I admit that reading The Duff made me wonder if I myself am The Duff amongst my friends. Am I the Designated Ugly Fat Friend? Perhaps. However, I've come to the conclusion that if I am, I don't care. I wouldn't give up my group of friends for anything, even if that means I'm The Duff. Does Bianca come to the same conclusion? You'll have to read to find out!

Reviewed by: