The D.U.F.F.

The D.U.F.F - Lexile Level 650 

I was honestly quite surprised by this book.  I assumed that it was a normal YA novel about a girl that did not like herself and would be dealing with her own emotional issues.  Though that is a portion of the book, more of it dealt with blatant sex between two teens.  Kody Keplinger weaves a very interesting tale that I was able to read in one sitting. 

Bianca is young girl that never thought of herself as anything more than a protective friend.  It is not until she runs into her most hated foe, Wesley Rush.  Wesley tells Bianca that he wants to be friends with her so that he can get her friends to like him, and then sleep with them.  She is appalled by this notion, and even more disgusted when he explains that she is the D.U.F.F. (Designated, Ugly, Fat, Friend) and that she is merely fodder for his quest.  After this incident, Bianca starts to think of herself in a different way, as the DUFF.  She mulls over this idea, and starts to question her own beauty and self-worth.  Wesley continues to pursue a fake friendship with Bianca, as she continues to rebuff him.  Unfortunately, she is paired with him for a school project and finds herself forced to spend time with him outside of the classroom.  At first she tries to get Wesley to come to her house so that she feels safe and on her home field. 

Bianca is dealing with problems at home as well.  Her mother is on a book tour, and her father is home…waiting for his wife to return.  Her father is a recovering alcoholic, and as the stress of his estranged marriage hurt him more and more, he begins to drink again.  Because of this, Bianca is forced to go work with Wesley at his house.  It is at that time that she finds that, while rich, Wesley is completely alone at home, as his parents are constantly travelling and neglect Wesley and his sister (who lives with her grandmother), and Wesley is left to live his life of depravity without anything calling him out on his inappropriate actions.  Though Bianca is completely repulsed by Wesley’s actions, she is attracted to him physically.  In order to avoid dealing with her troubles at home, she decides to sleep with Wesley and begin a relationship that is completely based on sex. 

Their relationship continues as her life becomes harder, and finally she realizes that she is in love with Wesley.  In order to keep herself from committing to a relationship, she tells Wesley that their relationship is over.  She then tries to begin a relationship with another man, but still cannot fully commit, as her mind is always with Wesley.  Bianca struggles with keeping her secrets, maintaining her friendships, and accepting herself. 

This book may speak to many teens, but it is certainly not acceptable literature for younger teens.  There are many adult situations, and extremely large amounts of profanity.  I would not agree that this is meant for young adults between the ages of 14-17.  I did enjoy this book, but it really would be a better read for adults ages 18-24. 

 

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