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Book Review of The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend (Hamilton High, Bk 1)

The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend (Hamilton High, Bk 1)
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Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com

Seventeen-year-old Bianca is loyal, cynical, and the uglier one, in her opinion, of her friends.

When a jerk at school named Wesley tries to flirt and get the attention of her, she at first ignores him, due in part to his nickname for her: DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend). Plus, things at home start getting rough with her parents' divorce.

During a particularly low point in her life, she has sex with Wesley and starts an enemies-with-benefits relationship. Until it all goes bad and she starts falling for him!

Will Wesley return her feelings, or will Bianca get horribly burned by love?

Although the characters are slightly one-sided and there's a lot of swearing, sexual references, and mature content, the author creates a main character who is relatable and easy to sympathize with. The friend characters are likable and true to their characters throughout the book. The issues in the book are the same that many have faced and well-dealt with.

Those who can look past the language and sexual content will enjoy how well the author seems to have captured the heart of adolescence and coming of the age of adulthood. Readers who like romance, friendships, and realistic fiction will enjoy reading THE DUFF.