The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger

[Bana AZ]

I chose this book because I heard one of my friends reference the word "DUFF" and I was feeling in the mood for something easy to read, so I picked this up.

This wasn't my first choice for when I started my list of books, but I'm falling behind, so I'm choosing easier books.

I kind of liked it. I didn't expect so much sex, but it added to the story, made it less typical (unlike the movie which I watched after reading).

I would recommend this if you're in the mood for a quick read about teenage problems.

[Brittany (booksandbottles)]

I haven't read this, and honestly I don't plan to. I saw the movie and was just entirely put off! People wonder why we have such a body image problem with teenagers and even up into the 20s for some women, and I truly believe it is because of stuff like this. Material that is proving that high school students refer to people as a "duff" or anything like that is just wrong. The reason that people still use hurtful words like "duff" (among other things far worse) is because of the media that calls attention to it. But kudos to you for both watching the movie and reading the book.

[Keri]

I've read the book as well and really enjoyed it. The movie definitely didn't live up to the book in my opinion. I agree that there is a horrible image problem that teens and young women are having to deal with but I believe that is the whole point of the book. In the end the main character learns how to deal with this situation and how to look at herself in a positive way even though she might be "the Duff". It is wrong that people refer to others that way but I can't ever see that changing unfortunately. There will always be mean girls so its good to see examples on how to deal with what you can't fully control. There is quite a bit of sex but I also think that is what helped make it more realistic for this day in age and for that situation. It's happening so why not address it??