Thursday, January 20, 2011

The Duff- Review, Giveaway, Winner

Hey guys!

I loved the comments on last week's giveaway. You guys have some amazing things lined up.

BEFORE I DIE winner:

BROOKE!!!

Congrats, Brooke. Email me at muchlanguage(at)gmail(dot)com, and let me know if you prefer hard copy or Kindle, as well as your address if you choose hard copy.

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THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger

From Booklist:

Duff stands for “designated ugly fat friend.” And while 17-year-old Bianca isn’t that fat or ugly, that’s what Wesley calls her as he tries to hook up with her more desirable gal pals. But Bianca has a surprise for him when she kisses him in response. Then, as her life gets more complicated (parents divorcing, father back on the bottle), she finds it easy to drown her own sorrows in their hot, no-strings-attached sex. There are subtle strings, however, especially as Bianca and Wesley find they are not quite what the other supposed. Lots of language, plenty of sex (well, instances, if not images), and contemporary references make this feel of the moment. But the underlying worry about one’s place in the sun is eternal.


My one thing:

The one thing I loved above all else is the way the relationship develops between Wesley and Bianca.

I've read a lot of YA. And I'm really tired of relationships where the girl sees the guy and he's hot and it turns out he secretly likes her too.

That's not to say that Bianca's relationship is ideal. Have mindless sex until the pain subsides is not any way to go. But if I wanted advice I'd write Dear Abby. This relationship is real. (This may be a side effect of Kody actually being a teen) Because sometimes it's not love at first sight. Sometimes, an SO is a complete twat in the beginning or someone that you never really noticed.

(I'm trying a new review style. I realise that there are a lot of reviews out there. And that's why I never posted any, because I felt like you didn't need reviews which essentially say the same thing coming at you from a million sides. So I'm trying a new approach, MY ONE THING, where I pick one thing I really liked about the book and give it a little depth. )

As per Thursdays, you can win a copy of the book. Just leave a comment answering this question:

What kind of literary relationships do you like to read?

Open internationally and to followers only. (First Thursday of the month for non-followers.)
Contest ends Wednesday 11.59pm EST.

Good luck!

9 comments:

Judit said...

Congratulations, Brooke :)

I love reading about two best friends becoming more than that :) My favorite example is Violet and Jay from The Body Finder. They were the best friends from childhood but Jay suddenly became this hot guy every girl was lusting for...including Violet. It was funny to follow their relationship as it was gradually transforming from friendship to love. They are one of my favorite couples ever! :)

Thank you for the review, Claire. The DUFF looks very interesting :)

judittten at gmail dot com

Alleged Author said...

I love to read about the relationship between kids and their parents. Love it when an author truly can write believable dialogue between a boy and his dad.

I've been waiting for my library to get The DUFF. Definitely would love to read it!

Unknown said...

I like the 'one thing' slant, but I'd suggest you also tell us one thing that might not have worked so well. Unless it's a perfect book, that is.

(I can hear Claire laughing all the way from Japan, "There is no perfect book, Grasshopper, only perfect readers!") :)

Unknown said...

Thanks, Claire!

Abby Stevens said...

I like literary relationship like that of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, where the hero and heroine butt heads and really challenge one another.

Marsha Sigman said...

I like it when it's unpredictable. Like maybe two love interests and you aren't really sure which one the girl will choose.

But I also loved Jay and Violet in The Body Finder.

Kulsuma said...

I like relationships where there is tension and obstacles before the couple can be together-- but they also must remain interesting to me after they're together. Luckily for them, that's usually where the story ends:)

k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk

Natalie Aguirre said...

Congrats Brooke! I like relationships where the boy is not super hot. I totally agree with you on that. I think it leads to more complicated, real relationships.

And I like your book reviews. They have a lot of your personality.

Unknown said...

Hey Claire! I referenced you in my most recent blog post and wanted to say thanks for the inspiration. (and for running a great blog)

EJ