Mini Book Reviews → The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger + Love, Lucy by April Lindner + The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel

In an effort to share my thoughts on all the books I read, I started "Forget Me Not"* in February 2015. I don't always have a lot to say about certain books, so I thought I'd gather three mini reviews and stick them together :)

*"Forget Me Not" has since been reformatted to fit under the "Mini Book Reviews" series.

The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger

Young Adult Fiction // Categories: Contemporary, Romance

Release Date: September 7, 2010

Publisher: Poppy (Hachette Book Group)

Rating: 3 stars

I was expecting a fun and "easy to get through" book, and that is exactly what The DUFF delivered. Bianca is very snarky and cynical—and interestingly enough, I like that about her. In no way am I excusing her behavior, but it just strongly shows how flawed of a person she is. We're all like that sometimes, right? Other than that, I wasn't fond of her at all. The way she treated Jessica and Casey, two of her closest friends, was uncalled for. They wanted to help her through her home situation, but Bianca brushes them off every time they ask her to hang out and ignores them outside of school. I understand why she may be shutting them out, but to do that and run toward someone she claims she hates? I'm not okay with that.

The DUFF was entertaining; I'll give it that. I can appreciate the overall message, but not the way it was delivered. I've heard the movie is quite different, so I'm interested to see what changes.

🖤🖤🖤

Love, Lucy by April Lindner

Young Adult Fiction // Categories: Contemporary, Romance

Release Date: January 27, 2015 

Publisher: Poppy (Hachette Book Group)

Rating: 3 stars

I absolutely love reading books that take place in Europe. Just thinking about the beautiful attractions and magical atmosphere make me want to hop on a plane, but it really bums me out when characters explore but don't describe their surroundings very well or "visit" a museum but don't actually go in. I wanted a taste of Florence and sadly, I was disappointed. I know this wasn't the main point of Love, Lucy, but I went in with that expectation. I was also a bit annoyed at Lucy and the way she treated some of the people in her life.

I didn't know Love, Lucy was a modern retelling of E.M. Forster's A Room with a View, so I cannot tell you how it compares because I've never read it. I can, however, tell you that it was just okay. I enjoyed it, but I didn't think there was anything special or memorable.

🖤🖤🖤

The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel

Adult Fiction // Categories: Contemporary

Release Date: December 30, 2014

Publisher: Gallery Books (Simon and Schuster)

Rating: 4 stars

The Life Intended captured me from the very beginning. Although I am not in the same life stage as Kate, the main character, I still felt connected to her. When Kate started dreaming vividly of Patrick, it made my heart a little uneasy because I've also had experiences where my own dreams left me wondering, "what if?" I wanted her to be able to slip into this different world and I kept thinking, "HOW is she going to get through this?" Harmel did a great job at telling Kate's story. It seems like it would be sad, but it is very hopeful.

If you've read any of these three books, how did you feel about them?