Written in two perspectives, those of Ursula Riggs and Matt Donaghy, two students at the same high school, the novel peers deep into the ideas of true friendship and self discovery. As the character describes in first person, Ursula Riggs comes from a wealthy, attractive, and popular family, but she is none of those things. When Ursula went through puberty she grew "big" and "ugly." When society began to reject her for these superficial subjects, she developed a second self - she called this "Ugly Girl." Ugly Girl is strong, immovable, and self-confident. She sheilds her heart and is hurt by no one. Matt Donaghy is one of Ursula's class mates, a popular, nice, straight A student. He seeks the approval of his friends through their laughter and is always attempting a joke. One day his big mouth and jokes get him into trouble and he ends up in jail. His friends quickly divide their confidences in him and refuse to come to his defense. The only person willing to come to his rescue is "Big Ursula Riggs" - Ugly Girl. Through their common trials throughout the novel, the two develop common virtues. They become friends, misfits, and lovers.
This book is really funny and very sweet. I liked Joyce Carol Oates' different take on romance. Aside from the language (cursing is fairly common) I would recommend it to all.
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