The Duff Cements That The Book Is Much Better Than The Movie

Title: The Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend}

Author: Kody Keplinger

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Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "the Duff", she throws her Coke in his face. But things aren't so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She 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.

Review

The striking difference between The Duff book versus The Duff movie, is the actual plot progression. Whilst one is solely focused on Bianca and Wesley's relationship development and her changing life going through high school, the other is more of a rom-com makeover story. It's safe to say I like the book more.

1. The character development is a lot better in the book.
I actually got to know Bianca, Wesley and many of the minor characters as the story unraveled. There was a bit more depth to the characters and I was inclined to feel more attached to them, as opposed to the movie. In the movie they're quirky and quite close to the book characters but I actually found them to be quite annoying. I found that I didn't like Bianca at all in the movie.

2. The storyline is more impactful in the book.
The Duff is very much a light, fluffy Young Adult read but the book delivered a message regarding self-esteem and body image. In the movie it sort of does that, but not until after Bianca seeks out Wesley to transform her into someone she's not. I don't particularly love this part of the plot - probably why I don't like the movie as much - because I don't agree with seeking approval from other people, especially a young boy who thinks he knows what's hot or not. Although, I do think that the book does portray Bianca and Wesley's type of relationship as very unrealistic, at least the ending is. It's also not the best relationship to ever get into but is portrayed in a sweet, romantic way.

3. The book is more memorable.
This probably links in with point number two, but the book just left a mark on me compared to the movie. If I was quite honest, the trailer for the movie does cover the entire story. It's something very easy to watch and enjoyable in the moment, but becomes something I wouldn't really watch again. I'm not too sure if I'd read the book again either, but it did give me the feels.

I don't think the movie is terrible, it was actually quite fun, but I'm glad I read the book as well.

Book Rating