Title: The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend
Author: Kody Keplinger
Rating: ★★★★★

Let me start out by saying I only picked this up because the movie was on TV the other day and I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it (mainly because of Robbie Amell). Deciding to read it before bed, however, proved to be a gigantic mistake because I couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing the whole thing in one reading. I then went to work the next day and spent my entire shift thinking about this damn book. I had assumed that the movie was probably a slightly altered version of events than the book (aren’t all adaptations) but the book was like a completely different story and so much better.

“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 can bet that most people who have read or will read The DUFF will either love or hate Bianca, the main character. I was surprised to find a heroine with whom I could actually relate to: she was a little cynical, had a negative viewpoint on most things, and completely sarcastic. Her entire relationship with Wesley was so entertaining and I totally enjoyed it. Speaking of, Wesley Rush was a cocky, womanizing playboy…so we can all guess how I would feel about him by the end of the book. Oh Wesley, the fact that I find you my type is very concerning, but not at all surprising. *cue Julia Michael’s Heaven*

“Wesley Rush doesn’t chase girls, but I’m chasing you.”

“Bianca, whore is just a cheap word people use to cut each other down,” he said. His voice softer. “It makes them feel better about their own mistakes. Using words like that is easier than really looking into the situation. I promise you, you’re not a whore.”

Going into this, I had expected to definitely be entertained by the book, and to possibly enjoy it, but I did not expect to absolutely love it as much as I did. I’m honestly mad that I haven’t read this before. And not only was it a delightful read, but it also contained an important message about the power of words and the meanings we give them.

“It was insulting and hurtful, and it was one of those titles that just fed off the inner fear every girl must have from time to time. Slut, bitch, prude, tease, ditz. They were all the same. Every girl felt like one of these sexist labels described her at some point.” 

I would absolutely recommend this book if you enjoy easy reads, entertaining drama, love-to-hate relationships, or if you’re a fan of the movie like I am!