Saturday Poll: Book to Movie Adaptations

Which was the best book to movie adaptation? 

Gone Girl

Fifty Shades of Grey

Mockingjay (Part 1)

The Duff

Wild

American Sniper

Other

Please Specify:

Poll Maker

Book Review: The Duff

                

Title: The Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)

Author: Kody Keplinger

Genre: YA fiction 

Published: 2010

Rating: 

Brief Overview: Bianca's whole life is turned upside down when Wesley, the guy she hates, informs her that she is the duff of her group of friends (a.k.a designated ugly fat friend). In a moment of weakness she kisses Wesley and that spirals into an enemies with benefits relationship. In the midst of all this, Biancas ex-boyfriend returns to town, her parents get divorced and her crush, Toby breaks up with his girlfriend. 

Main Character: I loved Bianca as the main character she was funny and cynical and I related to her. She notices what is going on around her and has neuroses and bad habits for coping. She is smart and witty but still makes bad choices. She is self sufficient but also a little vulnerable. She seemed like a person I would want to be friends with.

Impressions: I had heard good things about this book, and had already watched the trailer for the movie (In theaters February 20th), but the title initially struck me as offensive. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't need to be offended and that the term duff was handled gracefully. In the movie trailer, it seems that Bianca tries to un-duff herself, but in the book there is no makeover or un-duffing, instead Bianca stays true to her duffy self and I think that is awesome. Furthermore, the book makes it clear that everybody is somebody's duff. I loved this book. It was a short and easy read and I actually read it in one sitting. One thing I always note when reading young adult fiction is whether an author represents teen characters well. Kody Klepinger was a teenager herself when she wrote this book, and it really shows. The characters are smart and funny and talk like real people and that really makes it a more readable book. 

Movie Trailer: 

What to read next: 

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Crash by Nicole Williams