Syndetic Solutions - [Book Review for 9780061236174]

I Love You, Beth Cooper

by Larry Doyle

Syndetic Solutions - [Book Review for 9780061236174]

Book Review

Library Journal :

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In his debut effort, Doyle, a contributor to The New Yorker and a former writer for The Simpsons, has basically novelized a madcap teen graduation flick. That's not to say the book isn't a lot of fun, but it's not particularly memorable, either. We open with geeky valedictorian Denis Cooverman doing something of which most valedictorians only dream—forgoing the typical "the future is what we make of it" speech to instead incriminate all his classmates for their bullying, conceitedness, self-indulgence, closeted sexuality, and other qualities that made his high school career a living hell. But the biggest bomb drops in the form of Denis's declaration of love for the goddess-like Beth Cooper, with whom he has never actually spoken but has worshiped from afar. The pace is ratcheted up to warp speed after the groundbreaking disquisition, and the speech leads to Denis's experiencing more sex, violence, substance abuse, and all-around life in one night than he thought humanly possible. This is not exactly a fresh take on a boy's coming of age, but Doyle's sharp, unaffected brand of humor provides sufficient laughs. Recommended for large general fiction collections.—Kevin Greczek, Hamilton, NJ

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Adult/High School—Valedictorian Denis Cooverman gives a life-changing graduation speech when he declares his love for fellow classmate and head cheerleader Beth Cooper, whom he has sat behind for four long years. Thus begins the odyssey of Denis and his friend Rich, who go on to spend one night in the company of Beth and her friends. Meanwhile, her new Army boyfriend, Kevin, takes umbrage at Denis's announcement and vows to kill him, with more and more intent as the night wears on. Denis is a naive smart guy, Beth is a typical popular teen, Rich fulfills the role of the sexually ambivalent sidekick, and Kevin is the jealous bruiser in this exuberant coming-of-age tale. Although the book is replete with stock characters, Denis's commentary on his evening and the ensuing dialogue are full of memorable moments. Each chapter begins with a quote from a classic teen movie that is fun to try to identify. Additional pop references are provided by Rich, who has an almost savantlike gift of spouting movie quotes at apt but inappropriate moments, and by Denis's graduation playlist running throughout the novel. This is a quick, funny book with a protagonist readers can root for even as they groan at his geekiness.—Charlotte Bradshaw, San Mateo County Library, CA

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Speaking in "the stilted manner of adolescent public speakers throughout history," and sweating so profusely that he develops a "groin pool," Denis Cooverman interrupts his high-school valedictory address to say what's truly on his mind: "I love you, Beth Cooper." His confession kicks off this outrageously funny novel, set during a single graduation night that Denis miraculously spends with the object of his desire, a head cheerleader who, for the first time, registers his existence. Doyle has written forBeavis and Butt-Head and The Simpsons, making it no surprise that his first novel both celebrates and mercilessly satirizes all things teen with razor-sharp humor: "The sullen girl sang, wringing fresh bitterness from the already alkaline lyrics." The homage to teen movies is obvious, from the stock characters and scenarios (including the ubiquitous naked-drunk-girls scene) to direct quotes from legendary teen-film characters. It's the nonstop jokes and wry, uproarious descriptions that set this apart, and like the shows Doyle has helped create, the text is filled with phrases ("benevolent cliquetator") and lines readers will savor.

GillianEngberg.

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