The DUFF
Author: Kody Keplinger
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: September 7, 2010
Publisher: Little Brown Poppy
Summary:
But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.
Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out 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.
First Sentence: This was getting old.
My Review:
I am not sure how I feel about The DUFF. Sure, I kind of enjoyed it: I found it entertaining and it did make me have a big goofy smile on my face several times. However, I am also not really impressed with The DUFF for several reasons, unlike a majority of people who have read and absolutely loved the book. In the end, I can’t help but be disappointed with The Duff. This is the book that the majority of people loved and raved about? I honestly expected better or was my expectations for The DUFF just way too high?
The biggest problem I had with The DUFF was Wesley. This guy is insane. There’s literally no other way to describe him. Wesley was so mean, so rude, so insensitive, so ridiculous that he came across funny to me. (I refuse to believe that an actual normal human being can say the nasty things he said. I’m pretty much in denial.) You guys have no idea what went out of this guy’s mouth and all the garbage (“garbage” being the nicest word I can put it) Bianca had to listen to. Everything Wesley says is just so offensive that you just have to think that he said it as a joke even though you know he didn’t. It’s like Wesley doesn’t even have a filter.
“Look,” he said, “you have hot friends…really hot friends.”…”The point is, scientists have proven that every group of friends has a weak link, a Duff. And girls respond well to guys who associate with their Duffs.” (6)
Wesley is also confusing. In parts of the book, he cares so much for Bianca and is just so nice that I can’t help but wonder, is this still Wesley or am I reading wrong? It’s like he did a complete 180 degree change near the end of the book with all of his niceness, but was still himself, adding offensive comments that turn me off. I seriously wonder how Wesley would be like in college and when he becomes a dad. Honestly, I feel sorry for his children, if he ever decides to have any. Wesley is just one complicated and complex character, no doubt about that.
On the other hand, I loved Bianca. Although I’ve never been in her situation before (not that I’ve ever want to), Bianca was completely relatable. I also love the fact that Bianca is a kick-ass character in her own way. She might not be Celaena from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas who knows how to kill people left and right with her bare hands or even Scarlet from Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, but Bianca does know how to stand up for herself and isn’t afraid to say what she wants to say. (Hey, that sounds like the song Brave by Sara Bareilles!) I admired Bianca and found myself cheering for her throughout the book, although I do want to shake her at times.
Angry flames blazed in my cheeks. “If you think I’m letting one of my friends leave this place with you, Wesley, you’re very very wrong,” I spat. “You’re a disgusting, shallow, womanizing jackass, and I hope that soda stains your preppy little shirt.” (7)
One thing I noticed about The DUFF is that Kody Keplinger writes the best believable relationships. I love Bianca’s relationship with her two best friends, Casey and Jessica. Their friendship had me smiling throughout the book and it was totally believable. Their relationship shows how rocky friendships can be sometimes and how hard they can sometimes be. I also liked the relationship between Bianca and her parents; it portrays the fact that even though you are burning mad at your parents, you can’t help but love and protect them anyway. As for Bianca’s relationship with Wesley, the reason why Bianca started her relationship with Wesley was believable. In fact, I have to give major kudos to Kody Keplinger for starting their relationship that way; there are very few authors out there that will dare give their characters a romantic relationship with such an unhealthy start.
“You guys are the best. Like, really the best. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Cry into your pillow every single night,” Casey said. (51)
There is some cursing/curse words used in The DUFF, but when it is used, it is 100% believable and jusified. I do wish the cursing was toned down a bit though.
And just as a quick note for people who might want to know about this, there is sex in The DUFF (like duh Kelly, of course there is, it is implied in the summary), but the sex scenes is not written explicitly. The most it has is that pants and underwears are being taken off and then in the next scene, the sex is over.
Overall, The DUFF is a good book, but not a book that really deserves the huge hype it gets in my opinion. It isn’t a bad book by any means, but it’s not a book that would be quite memorable to me either unless someone brings it up or if I experience a situation that is similar to Bianca’s. I can see why other people loved The DUFF though; the book just isn’t my taste.
I’ve been THINKING about reading this one because of all the hoopla about it, but I think I won’t read it now. I can’t stand offensive, ridiculous “love” interests that I can’t STAND so I’d rather not waste my energy. It’s too bad since Bianca does sound like a good MC, but no, Wesley, no.
Sunny recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday – 2014 Goals
Wesley will definitely offend you (I think he can even manage to offend a 5 year old), is utterly ridiculous, and is UGH overall. Bianca is beyond awesome though. She puts him in his place, but either way, I just couldn’t STAND Wesley.
Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: The Awesomeness Of Twitter
I haven’t read this book nor have I heard all the buzz about it. But I’ve been seeing this around the bookstore, it doesn’t really interest me. I personally don’t like the idea of considering someone “The DUFF” in a group of friends. Isn’t that just mean? Or was that part mostly just Wesley? Was that fact lighter by making humorous? I’m still a little iffy about this book.
Francine Soleil recently posted…Mini Book Review: Splintered by A.G. Howard (WITH POKEMON)
The term “The DUFF” was basically part of the main focus of the book ever since Wesley introduced the term on page 6. From then on, Bianca was feeling insecure about herself and applying the term everywhere until she managed to overcome it towards the very end of the book. The term “The DUFF” was taken pretty seriously with the exception of Wesley, who is so insensitive that he calls Bianca “Duffy” all the way until the very end of the book. I can’t say anymore because of spoilers.
Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: The Awesomeness Of Twitter
Great review! i liked this book because I loved Bianca, she was a great character and Wes was a psycho! lol! ;)
Thanks Cali! :D
I LOVE Bianca too; she’ll make an awesome role model!
Ha ha, Wesley was definitely a psycho in his own way. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: The Awesomeness Of Twitter
I really liked it when I read it a few years ago, and ended up buying it for my friend as well. I think the relationships were really strong, as was Bianca. Wesley would say the most cruel things, but to me it was kind of believable, just because I have seen those kind of comments tossed around like they mean nothing. Although I enjoyed The DUFF much more than you did, you explained your point of view very well. Great review!
P.E. @ The Sirenic Codex recently posted…WoW – Far From You
My god, I’m lucky I never met a guy or any person like Wesley. I probably can’t help but punch them in the face and get suspended for it then. Well, I probably won’t punch them in the face, but I will avoid them whenever I can. I can’t tolerate people like Wesley.
I can see why you like The DUFF a lot though and thanks P.E.! (:
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Frostbite – Richelle Mead
I wasn’t as impressed with this book either. I SO did not like Wesley and his attitude and felt it kind of hard to believe that he turned nice at the end. It just didn’t compute that the same guy who would insult a girl and would do all these crappy things would then be all sweet and good boyfriend material. I do agree with you though, I loved Bianca’s no shit attitude and she was a really great MC!
Great review, Kelly! I really liked reading your point of view on this book.
Annie recently posted…Adorkable by Sarra Manning
Exactly! It’s like Wesley suddenly changed so much that he was a different person, but at the same time he was still a jerk. When he wrote that letter to Bianca, I was like this is so NOT him. The “P.S” statement could be like him, but overall, it doesn’t sound like him.
I wish I could be more like Bianca; I need her headstrongness (if that’s even a word)! ;D
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Frostbite – Richelle Mead
I think if I read this in the right mood, I would love it. I can totally see myself getting all emotional over seeing Bianca and Wesley fall for each other, even though it goes against everything they ever thought could happen. I can definitely see myself being a little annoyed by Wesley’s initial assy-ness though.
Ha ha, you’ll probably love this book when you’re in the right mood. ;D
I was in the right mood to read contemporaries, but yeah, sadly this one didn’t impress me much. ):
It’s pretty much impossible not to be annoyed with Wesley. Sure, you may cheer for Wesley and Bianca being together, but it is pretty much impress not to be annoyed at Wesley.
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Frostbite – Richelle Mead
The title is crazy!
Missie recently posted…Steelheart – an Epic Novel
Ha ha, the title is crazy, but it’s also unique. :P
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Frostbite – Richelle Mead
I was a bit on the fence about this one… I’ve seen this book around twitter and good reads, but I really enjoyed your review. Gave me more of an inside’s look, without giving too much away.
Diana @ The Lovely Getaway
ps. CUTTTEEEE bloggg!<3
I was hoping I’ll enjoy The DUFF since everyone else seem to LOVE it, but yeah, it was just an okay book. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it more than I did though when you get the chance to read it! (:
P.S. Thank you! :D<3
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Frostbite – Richelle Mead
I love enemies to something more stories. I haven’t found time to read this one, but I really want to. I’m so not impressed with guys that are “badboy” for the heck of it with no reason. And even with reason, I usually don’t accept it unless it’s VERY good. UGH. It’s good that you liked it, but I’ll be sure to bug you on twitter if I end up hating Wes.
Great review, Kelly! <333
Nova @ Out of Time recently posted…Blog Tour Review: Stir Me Up – Sabrina Elkins
I love enemies to something movies too, but Wesley annoyed me and made me SO mad that he just doesn’t cut it for me. When I think of him, I think of doing some physical harm to him. The DUFF also doesn’t quite explain why he is the way he is (it only explains his family situation), so Wesley’s behavior isn’t justified at all.
And feel free to bug me on twitter! ;D<3
Thanks Nova! :D
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Frostbite – Richelle Mead
That’s the problem I sometimes have with hyped books. I expect to be mind-blown and dazzled, but that doesn’t happen so I am disappointed – despite the fact that it’s not a bad book. I don’t like the sound of Wesley.. I don’t like people who are so foul and mean. Bianca on the other hand sounds like someone I would like!
Mel@thedailyprophecy recently posted…FF 24. What I look for in book boyfriends.
I really tried to lower my expectations for this one, but yeah, in the end, The DUFF didn’t impress me much anyways. Expectations always mess things up. D:
You will definitely not like Welsey; simply put, he’s a jerk. I can even think of worse names for him.
You will LOVE Bianca, she’s not afraid to say what she wants to say and she’ll put people in their place with the snap of her fingers. She will also do anything for her friends. :D
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Frostbite – Richelle Mead
I’m one of those people who absolutely loved this book. I first read this way before I was on GR and knew blogs even existed. So I guess that’s why I don’t remember much of this book. Honestly though, I can’t remember why I love most of the books I love. Anyway, I seriously need to do a re-read of this. Now that I’ve read so many more books since then, this might not come off as amazing as the first time. Kody Keplinger is extremely talented though; IT’S SO RELATABLE, MAN. Lovely review, Kelly. <3
Ha ha, I’m the same as you, I can’t remember why I love most of the books I loved before I started blogging. That’s what lead me to blogging the first place. :P
I’m interested in hearing your thoughts of The DUFF when you re-read it! I wonder if you’ll love it as much as you did when you read it the first time. o:
The DUFF is definitely so relatable! :D
Thank you Angela! <3
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Frostbite – Richelle Mead
This is a book I’ve been seeing a lot… but just never felt like reading, you know? I don’t know why. It just never held my interest. After reading your review, I’ve kind of calmed down that I’m not missing too much. I am the type who usually HATES it when the love interest is an honest-to-god jerk I would like to castrate in real life, and I never understand the attraction there.
As for “expectations”… they suck. 90% of the time when I let myself expect something mind-blowing from a book that has a lot of hype around it, I’m disappointed. I’ve learned to just tone it down and expect less. That way, I enjoy the books more :/
Love the review, Kelly!
Nitzan Schwarz recently posted…Who Wore It Better – Days of Blood and Starlight
I’ve never felt like reading The DUFF either until I was in my contemporary mood and this book popped up.
You will definitely HATE Wesley Nitzan. He’s annoying, mean, rude, inconsiderate, mainly just everything you won’t like. And I can totally see you castrating him in real life. ;D
I sadly did tone down my expectations for The DUFF, but meh, I thought it was only an “okay” book. Maybe my expectations were still too high? I dunno.
Thanks Nitzan! (:
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Frostbite – Richelle Mead
Haha, I’ve got plenty of books on the contemporary corner prepared for just when I’m in such a mood, so I don’t think I’ll get to The Duff.
GHA. That settles it, no reading this book for me. He doesn’t even redeems himself SLIGHTLY in the book???
Be-warned, douches of the book world, Nitzan is coming to get you and make sure you don’t breed and make mini yous! Because one of you is one too many… LOL
Maybe that just means it wasn’t that good. I mean, if you lower your expectations and it STILL doesn’t meet them, it just might be the book itself…
<3
Nitzan Schwarz recently posted…Review: Playing for Keeps by R.L Mathewson
I’m sorry you didn’t love it as much as you had hoped but I am glad I read this because I think I would have went into it with too high of expectations. Wesley does sound…confusing. But Bianca sounds great and I love that her relationship with her best friends is so strong! Really great review!
Nicole @ The Quiet Concert
Nicole recently posted…Stacking the Shelves (55) – Jan 18th
My expectations almost always ruins books for me. ):
You are guaranteed to not like Wesley. Trust me. The nicest thing I can say about him is pretty much that he’s a jerk.
Bianca’s friendship with her two other friends had me smiling throughout the book. The DUFF is probably one of the best friendship books I’ve ever read. <3
Thanks Nicole! :D<3
Kelly recently posted…Judge A Book By Its Signature: The Moon and More + This Lullaby – Sarah Dessen
I’ve read a lot of reviews saying they loved the book, but truthfully I tried starting it back when it came out, and gave up a few pages into it. I’m thinking maybe I just didn’t enjoy the contemporary feel to it at the time. So as one of my resolutions this year I’m gonna try and give some of the books I never finished a chance again. maybe, it’ll be different a second time around.
Ashley recently posted…Blogger Resolutions 2014
Sometimes, rereading books you DNF will be better the second time around and hopefully you can finish The DUFF this time! -crosses fingers-
Kelly recently posted…Judge A Book By Its Signature: The Moon and More + This Lullaby – Sarah Dessen
It’s too bad you couldn’t enjoy this more. But I understand why after reading your review. Usually I go for the more the books that most people don’t enjoy anyways. lol. This was one of my favorites. It really resonated with me.
When I go for books that most people disliked, I mostly agree with the majority 98% of the time so that doesn’t work out well for me. ):
Ha ha, I can see why The DUFF resonated with you. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Judge A Book By Its Signature: The Moon and More + This Lullaby – Sarah Dessen
I didn’t realise there was a lot of buzz going on for this book. I’ve got it on my potential TBR list for BoutofBooks this week. Love your honest review. Ya can’t love everyone. interested to read it though. I knew a boy who sounds like the main boy. The first couple years of Highschool were the worst, bickering all te time & I ended up being friends with him the next year. I say we matured :) great review.
Sharlene Says recently posted…Review & ARC Excerpt: Breakfall (Fall Trilogy, #1) by Kate Pavelle
I can read some pretty intense books, so when I read Kody Keplinger’s books they are light and humorous. There may be a few dramatic scenes, but what book hasn’t? Wesley may not be the most likeable, but he is realistic. People act like this in really life.
I didn’t like the sound of ‘The Duff’, because I thought it would be a sadistic book. I was wrong. The idea is no matter who you are, people always have something they are self-concious about, and I think the author is trying to say no one is perfect. Reading her idea behind the book tells me, it was meant in a relatable way, and it totally is. Everyone can feel like the duff. She just expressed what everyone has felt like. I feel this book showed a great romance realistically.
I would recommend her other books too- A midsummer nightmare, Shut off and short story(from the duff and midsummer nightmare) called Secrets and Lies.