The Duff by Kody Keplinger--Review

Title: The Duff
Author: Kody Keplinger
Hardcover, 288 pages
Special Note: ARC Review

Published September 7th 2010 by Little Brown/Poppy (first published 2010)
http://kodymekellkeplinger.blogspot.com/

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 Thoughts:

Bianca is a strong female protagonist, who I feel, is very honest character and has an authentic feel. The author, Kody Keplinger, was only seventeen when she wrote this novel, which only validates the organic nature of this novel. A lot of people will think, why would a hot guy have a fling with the Duff (Designated, Ugly, Fat, Friend), the answer is simple. All girls feel like the Duff sometimes, even though they really aren't, which, I think, is truly the lesson in this story. The relationship between Wesley and Bianca feels so real, and the dialog you can practically hear in your head, which always makes for a great read.  

I enjoyed the grittiness of this story and how Kody wasn't afraid to write sex scenes in a YA novel that might make people's jaw drop. I had the pleasure of getting to know Kody while she was in process of getting her agent and working on this novel as well as her upcoming novel, A Midsummer's Nightmare, which, I know will be just as great. Kody does an excellent job of creating snarky female protagonist who worm their way into your heart. I could seriously read this one again and again.

So if you like YA contemp, heavy, and I do mean HEAVY, in the romance category, snarky female main characters and hot boys, this ones for you!