The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend

Written by Kody Keplinger

Narrated by Ellen Grafton

Soon to be a major motion picture!

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper may not be the prettiest girl in her high school, but she has a loyal group of friends, a biting wit, and a spot-on BS detector. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush, who calls Bianca the Duff—the designated ugly fat friend—of her crew.

But things aren't so great at home and Bianca, desperate for a distraction, 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Sep 7, 2010
• ISBN: 9781441858245

Kody Keplinger

Kody Keplinger grew up in a small Kentucky town. During her senior year of high school she wrote her debut novel, The DUFF, which is a New York Times bestseller, a USA Today bestseller, a YALSA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, and a Romantic Times Top Pick. It has since been adapted into a major motion picture. Kody is also the author of Lying Out Loud, a companion to The DUFF; Run; Shut Out; and A Midsummer's Nightmare, as well as the middle-grade novel The Swift Boys & Me. Kody currently lives in New York City and writes full-time. You can visit her online at www.kodykeplinger.com.

Reviews for The DUFF

[Jill Ann · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Fun story about a group of high school friends finding there way through love, family drama and high school!

[pabuhaev · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This book has an incredible production and I appreciate the effort put into making it into an audio book

Bad at everything else

[Katie Kitkat Halliday · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book so much. This was brilliantly narrated. ?

[Joss Priego · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Haber releído este libro fue toda una experiencia, sí, no es perfecto, sí, tiene sus detalles, pero siento que te deja con lecciones importantes y sobretodo, que te ayuda a entender que NADIE es perfecto, que todos somos víctimas y victimarios en algún punto de nuestra vida, a veces sin quererlo. Me gustó menos de lo que me gustó la primera vez que lo leí, pero más de lo que imaginé que me gustaría al releerlo.

[smilioso · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I sat here and started to read this book this morning and finished it a few hours ago. All the messages and situations are things that I have gone through and just the message this book gives is something that I stand behind. No one needs should judge you because everyone makes mistakes and if they do judge you you shouldn't pay them attention because they may not know you or the situation you are in. Over all I loved the book!

[Louise Skehan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Totally different from the movie but I really liked it :D

[salsabrarian · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Read by Ellen Grafton. Bianca has teen troubles. Her parents are getting divorced, her dad is drinking again, her old boyfriend is in town with his fiance, and she's suddenly insecure about being the DUFF (designated ugly fat friend) as described by Wesley Rush, the school hottie and slimeball, and a boy she can't stand. But as her father finds escape from his divorce in drink, she finds her own escape by having casual sex with, shockingly, Wesley himself, who actually turns out to be the friend she needs. Lib notes: swearing, sexual activity (not too graphic but not euphemistic, either), drinking.

[Erin Dugan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Despite all the differences to the movie, I actually thoroughly enjoyed this book! I wouldn't be surprised if I reread or re-listen this in the future:)

[Laura Shelley-Butler · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A teen romance story with a twist. I enjoyed this audiobook!

[‎ · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

2.5/5

pretty much your typical early 2010s ya novel. nothing special.v

[thebookhoarder · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I have been wanting to read The DUFF since it came out but never got around to it. When I found out it was going to be a movie, I decided that now was the time to pick it up. I was so excited. I had heard nothing but amazing things about it and I was finally going to read it. Boy was I disappointed.I didn’t really like that much about this book. The plot was predictable, which I kind of expected going into it, but it still bothered me. I didn’t really like any of the characters. I’m not exactly sure how many times I wanted to smack Bianca because of the dumb choices she mas making, but it was a lot.I can’t even tell you what I liked about The DUFF. I can’t think of a single thing I liked. I didn’t hate it. In fact I actually thought it was okay. Maybe it’s just because it’s a fast, easy read and I needed that when I read it. I was in a bit of a reading slump when I picked this up. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting.I will be seeing the movie with my mom when it comes out. It looks pretty good and a little different from the book. Which would normally bug me, but for once I’m excited about that. Maybe I will enjoy it more than the book. That would be a first.I will be reading more by Kody Keplinger in the future. I just wont be running out to buy her books any time soon. Hopefully whatever I read next by Keplinger I enjoy more.

[howifeelaboutbooks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This novel was easy to read and get sucked into. All of the characters were realistic, and made me think of my own high school friends and classmates. The ending was, of course, a little sappy and predictable, but the majority of the story is strong enough to stand up despite the wimpy resolution.

[Sinead · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I listened to this because I enjoyed the movie and it’s couldn’t be further from the movie, but in the best way possible. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this audiobook

[Belinda Glenn · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book was interesting , but completely different from the movie (you expect that, but pretty much only the names were the same) I have to admit I enjoyed the movie better because it was light hearted and fun. I would still recommend this as the origin story though.
The narrator had trouble differentiating between voices for characters so I might read the next one.

[caseybook01 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Bianca was one of the most annoying main characters I ever read. she a completely self absorbed, judgmental and such a shitty friend.

the issue for me of this book was she always avoided the problem. the big 'WTF' is how she run off to have sex instead of helping her father who falling off the wagon. this book was just about how she avoided everything and wished it go away and IT DOES!! she hasn't do anything, everything wrap up nicely by itself.

the romance was meh, I can't see the chemistry between Bianca and Wesley and it so lame.
the ending was so clichéd. I have to roll my eyes so hard. the unnecessary love v thing, the way she got away so easily with everything ugh! I'm DONE

[Leandrodlg · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It's a story I would have liked to read at another time, as I am currently very disappointed. It seems like an excessively simple story, with a lot of emptiness throughout the plot. A book filled with clichés (perhaps some originated in this book, though I doubt it a lot).

It is undoubtedly the typical American high school story, with the protagonist having family problems, typical friends who seem more like objects than characters, and of course, the much-hated love triangle. Scenarios that are too repetitive for my taste and lacking in details, although many of these things may be justified by the fact that it is a young adult book.

Something I detest is how stereotypes are emphasized so much in this book, how women are used as sexual objects and how men are represented as machines without feelings, with some exceptions true, but they are very few.

As for the ending... pathetic, it couldn't be more predictable. I think from the moment we start the book, we already know how it will end. HOWEVER, I want to say that it is an entertaining story and it can be a bit addictive while reading, with very easy and basic writing that will ensure we don't get lost at any moment during the story and can finish it very quickly.

In conclusion, if you want to read something extremely light and don't mind clichés and the typical American stories, I invite you to read it; it might entertain you a lot. In addition to the book, there is the movie that you might enjoy a little more or not...

-SPOILER ZONE- -WARNING-

Very brief summary: Although just reading the synopsis already tells us what the book is about, here's a super summary... We have Bianca, part of a group of friends (Jessica and Casey). Then there’s Wesley, the bad boy of the school who hooks up with everyone that comes his way, he annoys Bianca by calling her the Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend). Initially, he approaches Bianca calling her Duff so he can supposedly reach her other friends, and well... it turns out he ends up hooking up with Bianca several times, and they end up falling for each other, but Bianca doesn’t want to admit it because he’s the bad boy and a jerk. That's when she goes with Toby ("Her lifelong crush") and it turns out she doesn't feel good being with him after having desired him so much, all because of Wesley. And as you can imagine, yes... the bad boy changes and is now the most loving and romantic man, and Bianca realizes this and tells poor Toby to take a hike and goes with her bad boy, and the end of the story with everyone happy.

P.S. Sorry for the colloquial language. (Translated from Spanish)

[quondame · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A high school senior "takes advantage" of the promiscuous classmate who was trying to use her to get to her prettier friends as distraction from a bad home situation. Things develop. Readable and well moving it manages not to be a waste of time. Bonus for literary references well deployed.

[sadhany · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Like His Eyes, this review might not be led by objectivity but by sentimentality.

The first thing that impressed me was how poorly I remembered this book, and I think it’s due to the movie because in my mind the scenes were more explicit and it was all more of a comedy. And boy was I wrong.

The Duff
It’s the story of our protagonist Bianca, whose life is becoming somewhat difficult, leading her to seek an escape. However, everything slips out of her hands, and she ends up facing other problems more fitting for her age.

What did I like?
• The plot: I think it even reaches a somewhat dark place; Bianca's issues are real and weigh heavily on a teenager. As someone who has also sought to escape things by immersing myself in others, I can say that the way they execute everything is very realistic.

• The characters: at least regarding the protagonists, we see that they eventually achieve growth in their development. It’s true that I didn’t like many of the supporting girls, and I felt that they portrayed Amy as stupid, but at least Bianca, Wesley, and Jessica underwent a change.

• The narrative: it’s not complex, and I don't expect it to be because it’s a YA book; it doesn’t need to be poetic because otherwise, its audience won't fully understand it. I think it’s well written for the audience it wants to reach.

What didn’t I like?
• The girls: I think some female characters were created under a bad stereotype.

In my adolescence, I thought Wesley was a jerk, but he is actually quite a pleasant character; yes, he’s promiscuous, but he never makes promises of anything more and is quite decent if we forget the first encounter with Bianca.

I know many will say they don’t understand how Bianca left her friends as soon as she started seeing Wesley, and that’s where the error lies; she wasn’t seeing him, she was fleeing; she just wanted to be blank. And those who have experienced depression or similar issues can understand that when something overwhelms you and you find an activity that brings you peace or serotonin, you begin to sink into it until you disappear. You have no idea how much I have distanced myself from my friends or stopped going out just to spend more time with the activity that provided me an escape.

I think it’s a book that won’t please everyone, but rather the audience for which it is written and maybe those who have gone through something similar.

Do I recommend it?
Yes, for a specific audience.

Would I read it again?
Yes. (Translated from Spanish)

[laralu · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A romance that I enjoyed to the fullest, a very good book if you want to read about love, SUPER different from the movie and I would say it is a thousand times better to read the book, they didn't do it any justice in the movie. (Translated from Spanish)

[Oniria · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I like this type of plots. I liked how they changed certain aspects. But again, it is an easy read because it is tailored to a romantic and fairly youthful audience. (Translated from Spanish)

[anapaula04 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked it very much! I think it's a good book to disconnect from everything, and the fact that it's enjoyable to read helps a lot. I found the ways of addressing certain issues, such as a dysfunctional family, low self-esteem, and the fact that the protagonist is in denial about her reality, looking for any way to escape, to be very accurate. In the end, it's her, on her own, who gradually overcomes these problems. (Translated from Spanish)

[BoggieBiker · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It's entertaining, a smooth and comfortable read for when you experience "blockages." It makes a very noticeable difference from its movie; it won't be one of my favorites, but it was definitely good. (Translated from Spanish)

[juanantonio.l · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The main virtue of this book for teenage girls is that it perfectly fulfills its purpose. It is very easy and entertaining reading to pass the time. Don’t expect to find a gem of Universal Literature in it. But it is that book that will be very easy for you to follow about a teenage girl with doubts, who falls in love with the bad boy of the school but doesn’t want to admit it, her parents are separated... (Translated from Spanish)

[Cris ¿Qué libro leo? · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A perfect young adult book to disconnect a little from the noise and chaos of the world. The Duff is a light, super enjoyable book that you breeze through and brings a smile along the way. This story immerses us in a youth drama set in high school, where we can face typical adolescent problems. Popular girls, heartbreaks, love, and plenty of clichés that honestly make it quite entertaining. (Translated from Spanish)

[Karenbooknerd · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Adolescent joy
Why do people read after this? (Translated from Spanish)

[samuelvd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After several rather dense readings, I wanted to disconnect with a light, contemporary young adult book. "The Duff" has been a great choice. In this novel, we find a youth drama set in a high school, with the typical problems of adolescence. It’s not a book that will change your life, but it doesn’t aim to. Although it is full of clichés, it entertains and captivates. I enjoyed its quite original plot and the tone of the narration. (Translated from Spanish)

[Mate Aguado · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It pulls you out of "literary slumps" and also gives you a couple of genuine laughs. Entertaining. (Translated from Spanish)

[Un libro, mil mundos · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book, it is easy to read, it's addictive and caught me from the beginning, it is very realistic for today’s world, I must confess that I expected a bit more and not that ending. (Translated from Spanish)

[CandelariaB · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Three words:
I want.
A.
Wesley. (Translated from Spanish)

[kerilynned · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is like the third time I have read this book and I love it every time I read it! This book doesn't even compare to the movie in my opinion. In order to enjoy them both I have to think of them as two separate stories. From what I have read some people don't really like the fact that there is sex and cursing but I feel that is what makes it so real. This book is way more of an accurate representation of what it is like to be a teenager than other books. The fact is teenagers cuss and most have sex. I don't see the reasoning behind leaving things like that out. Bianca might not handle the stress in her life in the correct way at first but I do think it is realistic. So many teenagers, even adults, find a way to escape the drama in their lives instead of facing it. She also grows so much over the course of the story. Highly recommend!!