The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger (2010)
Overview
The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend is a young adult romance novel written by Kody Keplinger in 2010. The story follows the life of 17-year-old Bianca Piper, a high school student who has been labeled the “DUFF” (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by her classmates. After discovering her nickname, Bianca embarks on a journey to break free from the label, while also learning to accept herself and love who she is. Along the way, she meets Wesley Rush, a charming and popular classmate who helps her discover the truth about her identity.
Plot
Bianca Piper is a senior in high school and the best friend of Jessica and Casey, the two most popular girls in school. She is content with her life and her place in the social hierarchy until one day when her classmate Toby reveals to her that she is the DUFF of her group: the Designated Ugly Fat Friend. This label shakes Bianca’s world, and she embarks on a journey to break free from the label and accept herself.
As she begins her journey, Bianca meets Wesley Rush, a charming and popular classmate. Though her friends warn her to stay away from him, Bianca can’t help but be drawn to him. With his help, she discovers the truth about her identity, and learns to love herself for who she is.
Main Teachings
The main teachings of The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend are about self-acceptance and self-love. Through Bianca’s journey, readers learn that it is important to accept and love themselves for who they are, rather than trying to fit into a mold that society has created. Bianca also learns to embrace her flaws and imperfections, and that it’s okay to be different.
At the end of the story, readers are reminded that beauty is not defined by a person’s size or looks, but rather by their character, personality, and attitude. The book encourages readers to be confident in themselves and to not let society’s standards define their own worth.
Interesting Facts
- The DUFF was originally written as a standalone novel, but two sequels were later released – Lying Out Loud (2014) and Shut Out (2015).
- The DUFF has been adapted into a movie, starring Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell, and Bella Thorne. The movie was released in 2015 to critical acclaim.
- The DUFF has been translated into over 20 languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
- The DUFF was a finalist for the 2011 YALSA Teen Read Award.
FAQs
- What is the DUFF?
The DUFF stands for Designated Ugly Fat Friend and is a term used to describe someone who is seen as the least attractive person in a group. In the book, Bianca Piper is labeled as the DUFF by her classmates. - Who wrote The DUFF?
The DUFF was written by Kody Keplinger in 2010. - What is the main teaching of The DUFF?
The main teaching of The DUFF is about self-acceptance and self-love. Through Bianca’s journey, readers learn that it is important to accept and love themselves for who they are, rather than trying to fit into a mold that society has created. - Has The DUFF been adapted into a movie?
Yes, The DUFF was adapted into a movie, starring Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell, and Bella Thorne. The movie was released in 2015 to critical acclaim.