Author: Larry Doyle

In two words: surprisingly funny.

In a few more words: Yeah, I know what you're thinking. Isn't I Love You, Beth Cooper the name of that predictable-looking high school rom-com staring some curly-haired kid and that chick from Heroes?

The short answer is: yes, and that's largely why I was reluctant to read the book. But after hearing several proclamations of its hilariousity and that its author, Larry Doyle, used to write for The Simpsons, I was curious to say the least. So I put down some $ and picked up the trade paperback in its original cover's cartoonish glory, and am I glad I did.

The story is pretty much what the title advertises: nerdy valedictorian and otherwise person non-grata in high school Denis Cooverman announces he's in love with head cheerleader Beth Cooper during his graduation speech (which also contains other revelations about the school populace until he's forcibly silenced). Then comes the fallout in the muscle-bound package of Beth's giant army boyfriend, his goons and some fun random violence. Rich, Denis' film-buff of a best friend, serves as an amicable sidekick in the adventure along with Beth's friends. It's funny, smart and dare I say refreshing for the kind of novel in this genre. I probably won't be seeing the movie but the book is worth picking up if you like your humor with the occasional dose of violence, bodily fluids and towel-snapping. (And you know you do. Don't lie.)

Author: Stieg Larsson

In a word: fiery. (Heh.)

In more words: A worthy sequel to a great book.

If you aren't acquainted with the world Stieg Larsson created in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, here's some things you need to know:

- it's a little violent,

- it's a little graphic, and

- it's very Swedish.

On the surface, The Girl Who Played With Fire is a suspenseful page-turner and murder mystery much like its predecessor; the difference is that the murder in question has a deeply personal connection to the unpredictable protagonist Lisbeth Salander. (Readers of Larsson's first novel will note that while Lisbeth played a starring role among its cast, the mystery introduced revolved more around the trials of journalist Mikael Blomkvist.) The case at hand occurs when two investigators looking into the sex trafficking trade in Sweden are found murdered in their apartment with Lisbeth's fingerprints on the weapon used. While Blomkvist works to clear her name, Lisbeth is forced to face the brutal past responsible for shaping her character. And though her stubbornness grates at times, I can appreciate a ruthless heroine who refuses to whimper and back into a corner when faced with a dangerous situation and wait for a knight in shining armor to glitter her way to freedom.

Other players in this novel include Mikael Blomkvist, the journalist who believes Lisbeth innocent, unconventional supporters of Lisbeth including boxer Paolo Roberto (one of my favorite characters in the story) and her former boss Dragan Armansky, diabolical creeps such as Bjurman, the so-called guardian Lisbeth was assigned to after being determined mentally "incompetent" (readers of the first novel will recognize him with disgust), members of the Swedish police force who have extremely polarizing attitudes to the case at hand, corrupt politicians and the ambiguous Zala, who holds the key to this mystery.

In this novel, Larsson attacks the sex trafficking industry, political corruption and the harsh reality of sexism in society with great gutso. While this novel doesn't boast quite as much graphic imagery as his previous one, he still has an important story to tell that makes you think. Published posthumously, readers have one more title to look forward to from Larsson after this and I for one will be first in line when it hits the shelves.