Review: The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

The Duff by Kody Keplinger
Little Brown/2010/Young Adult/288

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 "the Duff," she throws her Coke in his face.

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. And eventually, through this realization, Bianca begins to see how harmful her unhealthy way of dealing with her problems has been, and finds a way to confront them head on.

This was easily my most anticipated book of 2010. From the moment I first read the synopsis, I was intrigued. Not only because the main character and I share the same name but also because I ADORE plots like this. I seriously can not get enough of enemies turned lovers or whatever.


I know that the conservative parents will be shaking their heads at Keplinger's debut novel but if you are looking for an edgy, realistic portrayal of teenagers, you should pick up this book. I had never heard of the term the DUFF before which is: The Designated Ugly Fat Friend. And I'm sure most of us have felt like that at one point in our lives, I know I sure have. 


Wesley (did I mention that I absolutely adore this name?) was great. I loved reading about how Bianca saw him at first and the progression between the two of them. Bianca's sarcasm and pessimistic personality was definitely a bonus to read about. She kind of reminded me of Sarah Dessen's character Remy from This Lullaby (which I love). By the end, I was rooting for them to have a relationship that was more than sex. 


I can't wait to read Kody's next book! 

4.8 stars out of 5

Cover: B-/C+ The cover definitely grew on me. When I first saw it, I thought, "Eh.." but now I feel its a good choice for the book. The girl has the over confident expression, which I think fits Bianca's personality. 
Favorite Character: I'm going to go with Bianca. But I also like Wesley. 
Put-down-ability: Could not put it down at all!! When I was finally able to check the book out from the library, I read this book in one setting. My goodness! I loved this book. 


*Source: public library

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler Little Brown/June 1, 2009/Young Adult/290 pages 
Summary According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago. Beautifully written and emotionally honest, this is a debut novel that explores what it truly means to love someone and what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer. 


Review I first heard of this book last summer during a scavenger hunt that Sarah Ockler was doing and I have been meaning to read this for months now. I'm so glad I finally got around to it! Right from the very beginning it is, like the summary says, beautifully written. Sarah Ockler is able to tackle subjects like death and heartbreak with ease. The story is told from Anna Reiley's POV. She has been best friends and neighbors with siblings, Frankie and Matt Perino, for as long as she can remember.


For years now, Anna has been in love with Matt and soon they are finally together, but they keep it a secret from Frankie. Then, Matt dies in a car crash and Anna and his family are left trying to rebuild their lives. It's been a year since Matt died and Anna is invited to the Perino's summer trip to California. Although she is hesitant to go along with it, Frankie declares they will meet 20 boys while away. 


The title of the book is misleading. Yes, the girls make this bet, but is so much more than a game like this. During those weeks at the beach, Anna has to come to grips with letting go and finding herself. Ockler captures many genuine moments and the book is hard to put down. The last 150 pages or so were my favorite. I loved reading about their time in San Francisco and the band they went to see. So much happens at the end of the book; secrets are reveled and relationships are on the mend, but it is amazing and so touching.


TWENTY BOY SUMMER is a wonderful summer read! I absolutely can't wait to read Sarah's new book coming out this fall!

RATING

Writing: 5/5

Originality: 4/5

Characters: 5/5

Voice: 4/5

Ending: 5/5 Overall: 4 stars

Favorite character(s): I thought Anna was an awesome MC. Sam was really nice, too! Cover: B+ That sea glass is so beautiful and I love how it ties in with the story! Love the colors. (I want some sea glass, now!)

Put-down-ability: 4 in the beginning. The whole story is great, but it wasn't until the end that I could not put down - 2. (1- very hard to put down 10-easy to put down)

*Source: Won from a contest a long time ago at Books By Their Cover! Thanks. HEY! Don't forget to enter my TWENTY BOY SUMMER GIVEAWAY!!! DEADLINE IS JULY 31st!