I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle

Doyle, L.  (2009).  I Love You, Beth Cooper.  New York: Ecco.  ISBN 9780061236174

 

Plot Summary 

Denis Cooverman is the valedictorian of Buffalo Grove High School, and he wants to make his valedictorian speech memorable and honest.  Telling his best friend to admit to himself that he is gay is one thing, but admitting to Beth Cooper that he has loved her since middle school is another.  When she seems to be responding favorably, Denis learns she has a boyfriend.  Their graduation night becomes a roving event where Denis must avoid Beth's boyfriend while attempting to woo her.  Throughout the night though, he realizes that his dream girl is an actual person.  Now he has to decide if he can be with that Beth Cooper.

Critical Evaluation 

This is a classic underdog story, with Denis as the nerd that wants to steal the beautiful girl from her menacing boyfriend.  Many times in that story, the underdog succeeds and all is well, and this book makes the reader think that it is going that way as well.  Ultimately though, Denis' cathartic and honest speech is the impetus for more introspection.  By the end of the novel, Denis is not presented as the geek and Beth as the unattainable beauty, but they are friends with perhaps a potential for more.  This story's conclusion is more of a thematic continuation of the spirit of Denis' valedictorian speech.  It is a letting about go and being honest with one's self.

Reader's Annotation 

At graduation, why hold back all the things you've been wanting to say for four years?  Denis Cooverman is doing just that with his valedictorian speech...with mixed results.

Author Information 

Larry Doyle was born in 1958 in Camden, New Jersey but grew up in Arlington, Illinois.  He graduated from Buffalo Grove High School, the same high school from I Love You, Beth Cooper, and he graduated from the University of Illinois with undergraduate degrees in biology and psychology and a Master of Science in journalism.

Doyle was a regular writer on the shows Beavis and Butt-head and The Simpsons.  He is a frequent contributor to magazines such as The New Yorker and Esquire.  A film adaptation of  I Love You, Beth Cooper was released in 2008 to poor reception, the ending being changed to be more uplifting (Larry Doyle).

Genre 

Fiction, adult title crossover, contemporary

Curriculum Ties 

Reading and Language Arts

Booktalking Ideas 

As Denis, examine motivations for giving his bold valedictorian speech, recognizing it as a time to finally say all the things he had refrained from.

Reading Level/Interest Age 

I Love You, Beth Cooper rated an 850L on the Lexile Range.  As a book about graduating seniors, it may be of interest to older teens, 17-18.

Challenge Issues 

Violence, sex, and homosexuality are all addressed.

If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly.  Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone.  As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron.

Reason Selected

This book reads like an excellent high school movie, funny with just the right amount of sentimentality.  It will definitely appeal to fans of John Hughes or even Judd Apatow films.

References 

Larry Doyle (writer). (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 12, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_​Doyle_​(writer)