I Love You, Beth Cooper

Larry Doyle (a former writer for "Beavis and Butthead" and "The Simpsons") brings his comedic genius to the novel with this story of one nerd's dream come true--spending graduation night with head cheerleader Beth Cooper. Fans of the movie will recognize the voice of Paul Rust, who portrayed geeky valedictorian Denis Cooverman in the 2009 film of the same title. Rust delivers this humorous and sometimes-outrageous account, told from Denis's point of view, in a mostly straightforward manner. He saves his more dramatic efforts for the antics of Beth's friends and boyfriend, allowing the satirical tone to come mainly from the bizarre set of circumstances that emerge during the last--and greatest--night of high school. E.N. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

March 12, 2007
Former TV writer and magazine editor Doyle frenetically chronicles in his debut a long night of goofy teenage antics. After concluding he has nothing to lose, geekazoid valedictorian Denis Cooverman declares, during his graduation speech, his love for Beth Cooper, the way hot chief cheerleader. He is amazed to discover Beth is not completely repulsed by his feelings for her, although her army boyfriend, Kevin, is enraged. Beth, implausibly, later shows up at Denis's graduation party with two interchangeable sidekicks, Cammy and Treece. The party comprises exactly two guests, Denis (aka "The Coove") and his possibly gay best friend, Rich. Once Denis and Rich recover from the shock of being in the presence of pretty girls, they attempt to party, but the awkward celebration is cut short when Kevin arrives with his bruiser friends. Denis and Co. make their first of what will be several escapes, the circumstances of each providing Denis with evidence that Beth isn't the flawless goddess he'd imagined her to be. Overly rapid pacing, unlikely turns of events and quirky, funny dialogue reveal Doyle's TV roots (he has written for The Simpsons
and Beavis and Butt-head
). Doyle wrings from his typecast crew just enough teenage agony and ecstasy to keep readers interested.