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    I Love You, Beth Cooper
    I Love You, Beth Cooper
    I Love You, Beth Cooper
    Audiobook7 hours

    I Love You, Beth Cooper

    Written by Larry Doyle

    Narrated by Paul Rust

    3.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Denis Cooverman wanted to say something really important in his high school graduation speech. So, in front of his 512 classmates and their 3,000 relatives, he announced: ""I love you, Beth Cooper.""

    It would have been such a sweet, romantic moment. Except that Beth, the head cheerleader, has only the vaguest idea who Denis is. And Denis, the captain of the debate team, is so far out of her league he is barely even the same species. And then there's Kevin, Beth's remarkably large boyfriend, who's in town on furlough from the United States Army. Complications ensue.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperAudio
    Release dateJun 9, 2009
    ISBN9780061901980
    I Love You, Beth Cooper
    Author

    Larry Doyle

    Larry Doyle goes by thelarrydoyle on Facebook, Twitter, and in real life. Too much information about him is available at larrydoyle.com.

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    Reviews for I Love You, Beth Cooper

    3.5/5

    376 ratings33 reviews

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    • 4/5
      ေအာစာအုပ္မ်ား
    • 3/5
      While this book had its moments of excessive and unnecessary crudeness, I loved the deadpan narrative technique employed. It isn't often that I praise a book for including details, but mentions of specific songs and other details in this book worked, and worked well, adding only to its realism and wit. This is one of the rare instances where details add to the plot rather than detract from the storytelling by serving as pointless, painful-to-sift-through filler. Halfway through, the book seems to switch course and just become a coming of age novel involving dorky boys at parties with alcohol (Did people seriously do that in high school? Was I just a severely sheltered child?) and I was no longer interested. It was a better story before teen partying became the central focus, when it was a realistic story about high school rather than a fantasy version of what high school should be, filled with unnecessary drama and drunkenness. I think I would have preferred a story that served more as a prequel that led up to the titular event, rather than its aftermath.
    • 3/5
      I can see this being adapted to screen, but there's nothing new here.
    • 4/5
      In the bio, it mentions Larry Doyle was a former writer for the Simpsons. That info was handy when I thought about my review. Like the Simpsons, I Love You Beth Cooper seems on the surface that it's for young teens, but it's really not. Unlike the Simpsons, this book leans more toward (and maybe a little past here and there) South Park's level of appropriateness. So, it's a book for juvenile adults I guess? I found it entertaining and a fast read. I also appreciated how each chapter showed the main character's face change as different things occurred to him/it. It was a little attention to detail that added to the book. I haven't seen the movie, but reading the book it's obvious that it would become a teen movie. It's in the same vein as American Pie type of story.
    • 4/5
      I saw the movie before I read the book, and I was not disappointed in either one.I love you Beth Cooper is the story of Denis, a high school senior, who admits his undying love to the ever popular, unattainable, head cheerleader Beth Cooper during his valedictorian speech at graduation and the events of the night after that.This book made me laugh my head off, but there were also some sentimental parts. These really hit home because I just graduated a few weeks ago.Besides some adult content and explicit language, I really liked this book. It was a nice break from some of the more depressing books I've been reading.
    • 4/5
      This book is funny and sweet, in almost equal proportions. I found myself not quite buying in to the voice for the first thirty pages or so, but then I realized that I was hooked and couldn't let it go.
    • 3/5
      Okay, so it may not make entry into the canon of the Top Works of Western Literature. You know what? I don't care. It was fun to read. I laughed out loud (literally) on several occasions. It's a fast read, tailor made for a modern (post?-modern), ADHD, immediate gratification, youth-centric, text-messaging, too-hip-for-you, movie-quoting, hyphen-using, sound-bite & blurb-craving crowd. In other words, most U.S. Americans like such as who live in the non-academic real world. Yes, it reads like a John Hughes movie, cross-pollinated with Quentin Tarantino style over-the-top violence & directed by Amy Heckerling. And the protagonist is a likable loser/nerd who harbors a secret and overpowering love for an unattainable beauty (much like, say, the title character played by Corey Haim in the movie "Lucas"). So, maybe you've seen this movie already, but the author knows that, too. He winks at us as he tosses in references to Lloyd Dobler, Jeff Spicoli, and other members of the club. If you know & love those guys, you'll enjoy this book. If, however, you're scrambling to Google those names, then go read something by Phillip Roth or Don DeLillo or Ian McEwen & feel smart about yourself.
    • 4/5
      It’s no surprise that Mr. Doyle is a former TV writer, or that this book was made into a movie, because it reads just like a teen mis-adventure movie, more Can’t Hardly Wait or Dazed and Confused than The Breakfast Club or Sixteen Candles (am I dating myself here?). I listened to this one weekend while painting my bathroom, and it was the perfect choice.Denis and Rich (sometimes known as "Dick Munch and the Penis") are feeling fortunate to have made it out of high school relatively unscathed. . The book opens with Denis’s valedictorian speech, just before he utters the titular "I love you, Beth Cooper." Beth is the beautiful, popular cheerleader, already involved with a guy on leave from the Army who has more brawn than brains. During an awkward exchange after the ceremony, Denis manages to invite Beth to a non-existent party at his house, never truly imagining she would show up.But she does.What follows is possibly both the best and worst night of Denis’s life. Don’t expect any big life lesson here, unless you count "no one is as perfect as they seem", but do expect a lot of fun and unexpected adventures.I’ve heard the movie wasn’t particularly good, but I’ll probably give it a watch anyway.
    • 4/5
      This book was hilarious. I don't think i've ever laughed at a book so hard. The writing was great and any teenager would be completely fascinated by all the events that take place and would relate to the plot line easily. The movie is a pretty good rendition of the book.
    • 3/5
      What a cracking read! Not normally what I'd pick up, in particular since I'd seen the movie trailer - however I had it on my to-read list before I knew of the movie so took the plunge regardless. I Love You, Beth Cooper is wonderfully fluffy read but not the kind that knocks out a few brain cells with its simplicity.I was heartened by the earnest yet awkward interior monologue of Denis Cooverman, our smart/naive and smitten/realist protagonist. I also enjoyed getting to know Beth Cooper, a self-assured and manic individual who would be quite frightening to know as an agent with little regard for consequence or self-preservation as she exploits "the moment" for all it's worth.I loved the pace and syntax in what could be best described as a rollercoaster ride - each time the story calmed enough for you to think that the debris was to be cleared and story wrapped up, it took off again at a hair-raising pace and with renewed energy. I read this book from cover to cover in one sitting and was smiling all the way although it is likely, very likely, that with a different and less happy-go-lucky mindset, I would not have been quite so charmed.
    • 3/5
      Before you judge me, I must inform you that I bought this book before the movie came out. I had heard the movie was awful so I was a little tentative to read the book. It was charming, however. Not exactly something you would turn to if you were looking for something deep and intellectual, but good enough to pass the time. I am surprised the movie was not good, however, because Doyle usually writes for screen. If you are looking to turn your brain off for a while and jump into awkward adolescence, take a look.
    • 4/5
      This book was hilarious. High school geek and valedictorian Denis Cooverman veers from his speech to declare his love for head cheerleader Beth Cooper who he's been lusting after since 7th grade. It's news to her and as soon as his speech is over some crazy events are set into motion. This book had me trying to stifle giggles on the train (people were probably slowing inching away from me). It's a very fast read. I basically read it over the course of three days. It may possibly make it to the movies. Regardless, this was funny stuff.
    • 3/5
      One question that kept flitting through my mind while reading this book was - what on earth is the intended demographic? I enjoyed the beginning of the book very much. I thought the premise that kicks off the story was really funny and was convincingly written.The story that ensues and becomes bigger and larger in its attempt at humor just didn't read smart or funny to me as it progressed. It had the feeling of someone getting more and more excited by the reaction of their audience and becomes sloppy and loud just trying to keep up their own momentum.I *HATED* the pictures of the title character that take up the whole page of each chapter showing his condition worsening over the course of the night. Blech. Not funny - just icky.Anyway - despite all this - there were a few moments that were funny sprinkled here and there - I just am pretty sure that for most people it isn't worth dredging through the other stuff to find them.
    • 3/5
      Poor Denis...This is either the best or worst night of his life. After declaring his love for the head cheerleader in his valedictorian speech, Denis gets a taste of what life might be like with his "perfect" woman. This is a great example of being careful what you wish for. However, the book is wonderful and very funny...if a bit one note...It could have been alot shorter.
    • 2/5
      I didn't much care for this book. The humor didn't appeal to me, but I could tell it was based off all the teen romantic comedies you see at the movies. Of course, I don't care for those either, which explains my feelings about the book. If you like that type of film, you'll likely enjoy this as well. Anyway, I did manage to finish it, and it wasn't horrible, it just wasn't suited to my taste in books.
    • 4/5
      This book is wonderfully outlandish. Just trying to image a person going through everything that Denis Cooverman goes through on the night of his high school graduation is enough to make me laugh. Very funny, and sentimental as it made me reflect on my own high school experience.
    • 4/5
      Reminiscent of "Can't Hardly Wait" (one of my personal favorite movies staring Ethan Embry), this is the story of one teens experiences at the end of high school. Denis Cooverman has always been a geek. For as long as he can remember he has been the butt of every joke, getting swirlies in between classes and practical jokes played on him ever day. Denis knows that he wants to be remembered differently, he wants to make his mark on Buffalo Grove High School class of 2007. So in his valedictorian speech at graduation, Dennis confesses his long time love for head cheerleader and most popular and beautiful girl in school, Beth Cooper.As you can guess hilarity ensues when Beth Cooper's army thug boyfriend happens to be home on leave and consequently uses Dennis's face as a punching bag. The story all takes place int he 24 hours after his famous confession, which turns out to be the most interesting 24 hours of Dennis Cooverman's life.This is classified as an adult book but I would say judging by the font size, illustrations and hilarious movie quotes that this is secretly meant to be marketed to teens. The only thing keeping it off high school shelves may be the language and several "sexual situations" although Dennis starts and ends high school as a tragic virgin. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone.
    • 4/5
      The premise of I Love You, Beth Cooper sounded fun and didn't disappoint.Denis Cooverman decides as he is making his high school valedictorian speech, that it is now or never to declare his love for the very popular head cheerleader Beth Cooper. He has loved her from afar for five years. Well not too far, he has sat behind her in almost every class for five years. But as captain of the debate team, they don't run in the same circles. Or even walk.I was laughing out loud in the first ten pages. Larry Doyle is very funny. (He has written for The Simpsons television show)Beth decides to let Denis know that although she found his declaration embarrassing, it was kind of sweet. Beth's boyfriend, home on leave from the army, isn't too thrilled with Denis's announcement or Beth's talking to him. Denis and his best friend Rich, who can't stop spouting movie lines, host a grad party in the hopes Beth and her cool friends might come. Things don't go entirely as Denis had imagined. The real Beth isn't quite what Denis has fantasized for the last five years. The entire book takes place on graduation night. Think McLovin and friends from the movie Superbad. Or think of your own high school days and grad night.....Doyle's debut novel kept me chuckling the entire way. This perennial edition from Harper Collins also includes some extras, including entries from the I Love You, Beth Cooper Agony/Ecstasy Contest.
    • 3/5
      Sometimes ludicrous but always funny. If you weren't one of the popular kids in school you will be sure to have a sinking feeling in your gut from time to time while reading this novel. The main character is endearing and you will laugh with him all the way through as much as you will share his feelings of awkwardness. A great way to go back to school again.
    • 3/5
      I think you have to be a 20 year-old-male (which I obviously am not) to fully appreciate the inanities of this book. While the first chapters do present humorous situations and are a woeful reminder of how painful high school could be, it quickly degenerates into a bunch of ludicrous American Pie-style stupidities. Doyle obviously capitalizes on his Simpsons experience. The Simpsons has the merit of lasting only 20 minutes.
    • 5/5
      This has to be one of the funniest books that I have read in a long while. The characters are believable, but way to the extreme. As a person who works in the school setting, it is always great to see an acurate, albeit outlandish take on the typical highschool genre. I loved it!! It doesn't hurt that Larry Doyle was a writer for The Simpsons.
    • 5/5
      I Love You, Beth Cooper, by Larry Doyle (a former Simpsons writer, natch), starts at a high school graduation at which we meet Denis Cooverman, the captain of the chess club and our lovable, often laughable protagonist. He gives a very memorable valedictorian speech that can be summed up as follows: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and tell the world the truth about yourself, because you don’t want to look back on your life and regret the things you didn’t do.”And then he takes his own advice and admits his love for Beth Cooper, the captain of the cheerleading squad and the girl he has loved unrequitedly for years.This confession is the catalyst for a crazy night in which Denis and his best friend Rich (whom Denis outed in his speech as well, though Rich insists throughout the book, “I’m not gay!”) journey around town with Beth and her best friends Cammy (sarcastic) and Treece (slutty), facing run-ins with Beth’s coked-up Army boyfriend Kevin as well as car chases, break-ins, sex, near-death, and underage beer-buying. I Love You, Beth Cooper is really a satire on teenagers and their behavior, but it does have a heart, and that heart is Denis; he has a number of cringe-worthy moments, but he also grows up along the way, as he takes risks he would never have dreamed of before and ultimately realizes that though Beth isn’t the perfect goddess he always imagined her to be, he might love the reality of her even more. I felt like the resolution was a little neat and ultimately left me hanging (not in an I Am Charlotte Simmons “wtf? Seriously, this is the end?” way, though – more like an “ooo, this feels like a possible sequel is coming” way), but overall, I Love You, Beth Cooper is a really fun book, and I highly recommend it, especially as a summer read.
    • 4/5
      This is a very funny book by a Simpsons writer. It has the same kind of humor. The valedictorian at a high school graduation (nerdy geek kind of guy) confesses his love for the head cheerleader in his speech. What follows is an insane night of parties, beatings, car nabbings, etc. in true teen movie fashion. The book was fun, but what I really enjoyed was the true high school horror stories from readers at the back of the book. Someone should put out an anthology of those. There's definitely some sex and nudity in the book, so be cautious when recommending.
    • 3/5
      Pretty clever and funny. The song and movie references got a bit annoying, in my opinion.
    • 5/5
      Dennis Cooverman is the archetypal geek, and in an attempt to break the stereotype, he confesses his unrequited love for the cheerleader of his dreams during his valedictorian speech to his senior class at graduation. This sets in motion a series of events that results in one of the funniest novels I have read in some time. Imagine Christopher Moore writing a coming of age novel filled with teen hormones, parties and the age old geek vs. jock dynamic and you get the idea. Doyle turns the very cliche on it's head, treating teenagers as real flesh and blood human beings much like Frank Portman did in the wonderful novel King Dork. The author is a former scriptwriter for The Simpsons and it shows as the jokes both high and low brow come fast and furious. This is a laugh-out-loud funny novel and is very highly recommended.
    • 2/5
      I ended up just skimming this book as I just wasn’t in the mood for silly – with a capitol S. Doyle is imaginative – lots of his puns, jokes, wordplay in general – is funny, but it’s almost like he’s trying too hard. It reminded me a bit of “As Dog is My Witness,” but a lot sillier and without the mystery edge. The premise is very YA – nerdy valedictorian in love with head cheerleader – but I suppose the endless brawling, some alcohol consumption (but isn’t there a lot of that in many YA novels?), and some fondling has put this into the adult category. I don’t really understand that division. Perhaps something publishers have a decision in. Anyway, Nerd announces his love during his graduation speech, beauty is somewhat charmed, Army boyfriend is not. The whole story takes place over one night. Could be funny to some people.
    • 5/5
      I found this book irresistible. It was an easy read, extremely hilarious, and the characters were a riot.
    • 5/5
      This book was a quick read, and it so captured the excited turmoil of high school. Thank goodness I don't have to go back. Once you get started, you won't put this down until it's over. Funny, charming and memorable.
    • 5/5
      Larry Doyle wrote some of the better Simpsons episodes, which I think is a reasonable frame of reference for this book. Those looking for a deep or meaningful account of adolescence may want to look elsewhere but if you want a clever, funny work of fiction about adolescence will enjoy this. The blend of real and fictionalized pop culture references kept me entertained. I'd read another book by this guy.
    • 1/5
      Updated risky business. Might be more funny to a high school boy.