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.

Books: The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns

Author: Khaled Hosseini

In a word: Mesmerizing.

In a few more words:

Evocative. Compelling. Illuminating. Yes, I stole these words from the back cover of these books but they definitely apply to each!

First on the docket: The Kite Runner

I'd often heard of this book in the past but it wasn't until my friend suggested I read it that I actually went out of my way to pick it up - and I'm glad I did. In its core, The Kite Runner deals with the subject of atonement and the complexities of friendship between two people of different class and character. There isn't much more that I can say about the book that hasn't been said by a billion reviewers already; instead, let me just agree with the accolades it's been given. The story has characters that you feel for, and it's ending is both heartbreaking and optimistic at the same time. Great read.

Next on the docket: A Thousand Splendid Suns

With high expectations, I picked up Hosseini's sophomore debut not longer after finishing The Kite Runner. I can safely say that those expectations were exceeded. To quote the Washington Post: "In case you're wondering whether [A Thousand Splendid Suns] is as good as The Kite Runner, here's the answer: no. It's better."

"You go ahead and take your money. We don't want your money. Just the bank's." - John Dillinger to a bank customer who accidently left his money at the bank counter during one of their stickups (p. 187)

Book:Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34

Author: Bryan Burrough

My review at-a-glance: Gunfights. Robberies. High-speed chases. Sprawling pursuits. And best of all: it actually happened.

The 1930s were a different time.

To this revelation you might have the following reaction: no duh. First off, there was this little thing the Great Depression. People were also overly fond of wearing fedoras. Computers didn't exist and $100 went a much longer way than it would now. But what isn't quite as well known are the stories of the "Public Enemies" during the 1930s and how their existence brought the FBI its power.

The cast of people involved in this complex web was nothing short of larger than life. In the forefront was John Dillinger, the charismatic "Robin Hood"-esque bank robber who managed to capture the public eye and, at least to some extent, the public's sympathy. Pretty Boy Floyd, another bank robber and an associate of Dillinger's, who was suspected of being involved in the Kansas City Massacre (of who's perpetrators remain officially "unknown.") Baby Face Nelson, the reckless, temperamental criminal who never thought twice of killing those whom he thought were in his way. Alvin Karpis, a member of the Barker-Karpis Gang and the "last man standing" amongst all his peers. And Bonnie and Clyde, whose romanticized Hollywood characterization deviates considerably from the true story behind their infamy.

In the early 1930s, the FBI was virtually unknown to the public and the onset of the Public Enemies' exploits pushed several members of this federal organization to the forefront. Burrough introduces us to them also, focusing on the roles of John Hoover, Melvin Purvis and Samuel Cowley. Little sympathy is reserved for Hoover, the first Director of the FBI, which is more than within reason if the characterization of him holds true. Additionally, Purvis' many blunders are detailed and Cowley's understated role in ending the "War On Crime" is reviewed.

Of course, the list doesn't end there. Many other "Public Enemies" fill out the real-life cast, as well as players on the FBI and various state police departments. Billie Frechette, Dillinger's girlfriend, and Ana Sage a.k.a. the "Lady In Red" are just two supporting characters important to the events that transpired. Burrough leaves no stone unturned in his investigation, which quenches one's desire for detail while making this a relatively long read - a trade off, perhaps - but a necessary one.

Personally, though I'm not a big fan of history and found it challenging to get all the characters and their paths straight at first, I found this book fascinating for the simple fact that all of this really happened. From the criminal masterminds involved and their escapades to the evolution of the FBI (which was much more tumultuous than you'd expect), it comes as no surprise to me that this was taken to be the stuff of a blockbuster movie - one which I fully intend to see (and especially look forward to watching the scene of an ingenious prison escape - for which I won't delve into, again at the risk of spoiling things). I shall end this long-winded review (I apologize!) with a Dillinger quote:

"Allow me to explain. My name is John Hodgman; you live on the planet Earth; and everything is going to be fine."

Book I've read: More Information Than You Require