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Swim the Fly #2
Beat the Band
Get ready for riffs on hot girls, health class, and social hell! The outrageously funny boys from Swim the Fly return to rock their sophomore year.
In this hilarious sequel to Swim the Fly , told from Coop’s point of view, it’s the beginning of the school year, and the tenth-grade health class must work in pairs on semester-long projects. Matt and Sean get partnered up (the jerks), but Coop is matched with the infamous "Hot Dog" Helen for a presentation on safe sex. Everybody’s laughing, except for Coop, who’s convinced that the only way to escape this social death sentence is to win "The Battle of the Bands" with their group, Arnold Murphy’s Bologna Dare. There’s just one none of the guys actually plays an instrument. Will Coop regain his "cool" before it’s too late? Or will the forced one-on-one time with Helen teach him a lesson about social status he never saw coming? With ribald humor and a few sweet notes, screenwriter-turned-novelist Don Calame once again hits all the right chords.
In this hilarious sequel to Swim the Fly , told from Coop’s point of view, it’s the beginning of the school year, and the tenth-grade health class must work in pairs on semester-long projects. Matt and Sean get partnered up (the jerks), but Coop is matched with the infamous "Hot Dog" Helen for a presentation on safe sex. Everybody’s laughing, except for Coop, who’s convinced that the only way to escape this social death sentence is to win "The Battle of the Bands" with their group, Arnold Murphy’s Bologna Dare. There’s just one none of the guys actually plays an instrument. Will Coop regain his "cool" before it’s too late? Or will the forced one-on-one time with Helen teach him a lesson about social status he never saw coming? With ribald humor and a few sweet notes, screenwriter-turned-novelist Don Calame once again hits all the right chords.
390 pages, Hardcover
First published September 5, 2010
About the author
Don Calame
6 books167 followersDon Calame the author of SWIM THE FLY, BEAT THE BAND, CALL THE SHOTS and DAN VERSUS NATURE. He is also a professional screenwriter whose film projects include EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH and HOUNDED. Of his many prior occupations, he says his most satisfying was teaching elementary school for four years in Los Angeles, where he received the LAUSD District Intern Golden Apple Award and a Los Angeles Education Partnership Grant. He lives in British Columbia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
July 29, 2012
Oh yeah!! My first comedy turned out to be way funnier than I expected. I am so glad that I have GR friends because I don’t have to read synopsis after synopsis trying to figure out what I might like. Shout out to DaemonBlack(bookfreak) for an awesome recommendation.(22 yo girl in case you think this is just a guys book)
The story is about Sean, Coop, and Matt, three high school boys. Unfortunately *looks right* *looks left* it is told in a voice that high school boys actually think and act. I would be embarrassed to be a guy if I didn’t remember how much fun it was to be totally stupid and be a downright goof ball. Coop kind of leads the gang and is always coming up with stupid ideas that usually get himself and his friends into trouble. He is so worried about fitting in with the cool gang that he almost loses sight of the real prize. When he enters the band in a battle of the bands with a fake demo his world really gets crazy as he tries to figure out how he’s going to pull it off.
The good. Where to start? Daemon said that she had to stop and put it down from laughing so hard. I was skeptical because I’m more of an intense reader and although I was a goof ball and totally still am, I wasn’t sure about reading a whole book about it. Well I literally had to stop at least twice maybe three times to wipe my face off and blow my nose. I attempted to read at a doctor’s appointment because before going to the appointment it started turning into a normal book for a little bit. I open it up and get whacked with a belly buster. I close the book and hold it in. I think to myself okay that was stupid(what I read) and say I can do this. Open up again read the same stinkin line trying to find out where I left off and literally laughed out loud and all eyes were on me. Had to go to my Netgalley book that wasn’t going well to kill the time because my arm pits were sweating from trying to hold in my laughter and I wasn’t even able to hold it in. It was like a giant beach ball coming at you in the batter’s box. You could see it coming but it was so damn funny to read.
The bad. The closest thing I can come up with here is the romance part and this is being nit-picky just to find something. I loved Helen and the part of her and Coop becoming friends but it was the only part of the book that probably wouldn’t have happened. (that’s right all the other stuff totally happens. *head down avoiding eye contact*)
I’m not sure who I could recommend this to but at 50% I called my sister and told her she has to get this book. At $2.99 if you want to shed tears for another reason give it a shot. We do enough intense tear jerkers and OMG books that this was so refreshing to just have fun and laugh.
*This is the second book of the series. I didn't read the first but I hear it might be funnier. I will be reading it in the future.*
The story is about Sean, Coop, and Matt, three high school boys. Unfortunately *looks right* *looks left* it is told in a voice that high school boys actually think and act. I would be embarrassed to be a guy if I didn’t remember how much fun it was to be totally stupid and be a downright goof ball. Coop kind of leads the gang and is always coming up with stupid ideas that usually get himself and his friends into trouble. He is so worried about fitting in with the cool gang that he almost loses sight of the real prize. When he enters the band in a battle of the bands with a fake demo his world really gets crazy as he tries to figure out how he’s going to pull it off.
The good. Where to start? Daemon said that she had to stop and put it down from laughing so hard. I was skeptical because I’m more of an intense reader and although I was a goof ball and totally still am, I wasn’t sure about reading a whole book about it. Well I literally had to stop at least twice maybe three times to wipe my face off and blow my nose. I attempted to read at a doctor’s appointment because before going to the appointment it started turning into a normal book for a little bit. I open it up and get whacked with a belly buster. I close the book and hold it in. I think to myself okay that was stupid(what I read) and say I can do this. Open up again read the same stinkin line trying to find out where I left off and literally laughed out loud and all eyes were on me. Had to go to my Netgalley book that wasn’t going well to kill the time because my arm pits were sweating from trying to hold in my laughter and I wasn’t even able to hold it in. It was like a giant beach ball coming at you in the batter’s box. You could see it coming but it was so damn funny to read.
The bad. The closest thing I can come up with here is the romance part and this is being nit-picky just to find something. I loved Helen and the part of her and Coop becoming friends but it was the only part of the book that probably wouldn’t have happened. (that’s right all the other stuff totally happens. *head down avoiding eye contact*)
I’m not sure who I could recommend this to but at 50% I called my sister and told her she has to get this book. At $2.99 if you want to shed tears for another reason give it a shot. We do enough intense tear jerkers and OMG books that this was so refreshing to just have fun and laugh.
*This is the second book of the series. I didn't read the first but I hear it might be funnier. I will be reading it in the future.*
July 26, 2012
After achieving their goal of seeing a real, live woman au natural in the summer between their freshman and sophomore years, Matt, Sean and Coop are back with a new goal--to see if they can make it to the elusive third base. Told from Coop's point of view, Beat the Band is a follow-up to one of my favorite books in recent memory Swim the Fly.
But maybe Fly set my expectations bar way too high because while I liked Beat the Band, I didn't love it. Part of that could be that Coop is a bit rougher around the edges than Matt was. As they begin their sophomore year, Coop is obsessed with the one thing that pre-occupies all teenage boys--and no, I don't mean video games. Coop believes he's just one step away from being a sex symbol and having the lovely ladies swoon for him, but only if he can do something truly epic, memorable and monumental. When a battle of the bands is announced, Coop talks Sean and Matt into entering with him. If they win, Coop believes they will be rock gods and won't be able to fend the ladies off with a stick.
There's just a couple of flies in the ointment. First is that the group isn't really a band. In his desperation to enter the battle, Coop and his father "borrow" a couple of songs from an obscure band on MySpace. Second is his out of work father's constant interference in the band's sound, look and direction. Seems that dad is trying to relive his glory days through the band...oh and he's avoiding doing silly little grown-up things like looking for a job or sending out resumes.
Thirdly, there's the fact that Coop is paired with "Hot Dog" Helen for their semester-long health class project. Adding insult to injury, the two have been assigned the subject of contraceptives for their presentation. Coop's reputation could take a serious hit from which it may never recover if he can't find a way to ditch Helen. In order to get in with the more popular girls, Coop hatches a plan to get Helen to transfer to a private school.
Of course, if you've read or seen any fiction involving teenagers in the past couple of years, you'll quickly figure out that there is more to Helen than meets the eye--from her home situation to the origin of her nickname to the fact that she's cuter than any of the popular girls but she hides it well. And, of course, Coop finds himself falling for Helen even as he tries to deny his feelings and becomes more and more conflicted about his role in torturing the poor girl.
And while you can see where Coop's final destination is, the journey to get him there is a rocky one--and at times almost painful to read. Part of the reason I didn't care for this novel as much as Fly firmly rests at Coop's feet. In Fly while Matt was ruled by his hormones and made bumbling decisions, at least you always had the feeling his heart was in the right place. With Coop, it takes a long stretch of the novel to get his heart into the right place--and a lot of it only comes from seeing Helen in her cross country outfit and realizing that she's hiding under her frumpy regular exterior.
I will give Don Calame credit that once Coop starts to see Helen as more than a nickname and an impediment to his goal of getting to third base, the novel immediately becomes more reminiscent of Swim the Fly. By the end, it's got the same heart as Fly did, though the fallout from some of Coop's actions seems to get resolved a bit too hastily for my liking. (Helen finds out about Coop's role in making her life miserable late in the story and too easily forgives him. It gives the the story a happy ending but it doesn't feel like Coop has necessarily earned that happy ending).
Factor in the plotline about Coop's dad pushing him and the band and trying to live vicariously through them again and it all adds up to a novel that isn't quite as much as its predecessor.
But for all that, there are still flashes of what drew me to Fly here--and I'll probably pick up the third installment in the series when it hits shelves later this year. Once Coop gets to a point that he is really conflicted and in over his head with the band and his feelngs for Helen, the novel works well. And there are some funny moments for Coop in the novel as the conflicted horn-dog tries his best to figure his way through the world of high school.
But maybe Fly set my expectations bar way too high because while I liked Beat the Band, I didn't love it. Part of that could be that Coop is a bit rougher around the edges than Matt was. As they begin their sophomore year, Coop is obsessed with the one thing that pre-occupies all teenage boys--and no, I don't mean video games. Coop believes he's just one step away from being a sex symbol and having the lovely ladies swoon for him, but only if he can do something truly epic, memorable and monumental. When a battle of the bands is announced, Coop talks Sean and Matt into entering with him. If they win, Coop believes they will be rock gods and won't be able to fend the ladies off with a stick.
There's just a couple of flies in the ointment. First is that the group isn't really a band. In his desperation to enter the battle, Coop and his father "borrow" a couple of songs from an obscure band on MySpace. Second is his out of work father's constant interference in the band's sound, look and direction. Seems that dad is trying to relive his glory days through the band...oh and he's avoiding doing silly little grown-up things like looking for a job or sending out resumes.
Thirdly, there's the fact that Coop is paired with "Hot Dog" Helen for their semester-long health class project. Adding insult to injury, the two have been assigned the subject of contraceptives for their presentation. Coop's reputation could take a serious hit from which it may never recover if he can't find a way to ditch Helen. In order to get in with the more popular girls, Coop hatches a plan to get Helen to transfer to a private school.
Of course, if you've read or seen any fiction involving teenagers in the past couple of years, you'll quickly figure out that there is more to Helen than meets the eye--from her home situation to the origin of her nickname to the fact that she's cuter than any of the popular girls but she hides it well. And, of course, Coop finds himself falling for Helen even as he tries to deny his feelings and becomes more and more conflicted about his role in torturing the poor girl.
And while you can see where Coop's final destination is, the journey to get him there is a rocky one--and at times almost painful to read. Part of the reason I didn't care for this novel as much as Fly firmly rests at Coop's feet. In Fly while Matt was ruled by his hormones and made bumbling decisions, at least you always had the feeling his heart was in the right place. With Coop, it takes a long stretch of the novel to get his heart into the right place--and a lot of it only comes from seeing Helen in her cross country outfit and realizing that she's hiding under her frumpy regular exterior.
I will give Don Calame credit that once Coop starts to see Helen as more than a nickname and an impediment to his goal of getting to third base, the novel immediately becomes more reminiscent of Swim the Fly. By the end, it's got the same heart as Fly did, though the fallout from some of Coop's actions seems to get resolved a bit too hastily for my liking. (Helen finds out about Coop's role in making her life miserable late in the story and too easily forgives him. It gives the the story a happy ending but it doesn't feel like Coop has necessarily earned that happy ending).
Factor in the plotline about Coop's dad pushing him and the band and trying to live vicariously through them again and it all adds up to a novel that isn't quite as much as its predecessor.
But for all that, there are still flashes of what drew me to Fly here--and I'll probably pick up the third installment in the series when it hits shelves later this year. Once Coop gets to a point that he is really conflicted and in over his head with the band and his feelngs for Helen, the novel works well. And there are some funny moments for Coop in the novel as the conflicted horn-dog tries his best to figure his way through the world of high school.
January 13, 2011
Don Calame has a great sense of humor. I enjoyed reading Swim the Fly but my experience with the sequel Beat the Band was even better. Cooper makes for a hilarious and sympathetic protagonist. Like many high school students, Cooper is obsessed with his reputation. He desperately wants to cover all the bases with a hot girl and be cool with all the guys (and the popular girls) in school. However, the already shaky foundation upon which his reputation sits is about to crumble when he is paired up with Hot Dog Helen Horowitz, the school pariah, for a semester-long Health class project. He does everything not to be seen with her and to get rid of her and gets encouragement from the popular kids. He goes so far as to enter himself and his friends in the school Battle of the Bands contest in order to up his cool status. However, he begins to realize that Helen isn't all that bad. In fact, she's pretty awesome! But has he gone too far? Has he become just another bully?
This book is full of great jokes. The fart-library scene had be cracking up. It's also got a lot of cringe-worthy moments when we feel bad for Helen who doesn't deserve the bullying and angry at Cooper for letting it happen. Cooper is a great character and it's wonderful watching him evolve. I think Cooper's Dad is one of the best characters in the book. He's a cool/uncool dad who is oblivious to the "you can't do that" mindset and encourages his son to compete in the Battle of the Bands even when the circumstances look very dire. You'll envy Cooper for having such an awesome dad.
I read this on audiobook and the narrator Nick Podehl did such an amazing job with all the voices and even with the fart noises. Go Podehl!
I highly recommend this to people who want to read a funny YA novel or want to read something about bullying. Or both!
This book is full of great jokes. The fart-library scene had be cracking up. It's also got a lot of cringe-worthy moments when we feel bad for Helen who doesn't deserve the bullying and angry at Cooper for letting it happen. Cooper is a great character and it's wonderful watching him evolve. I think Cooper's Dad is one of the best characters in the book. He's a cool/uncool dad who is oblivious to the "you can't do that" mindset and encourages his son to compete in the Battle of the Bands even when the circumstances look very dire. You'll envy Cooper for having such an awesome dad.
I read this on audiobook and the narrator Nick Podehl did such an amazing job with all the voices and even with the fart noises. Go Podehl!
I highly recommend this to people who want to read a funny YA novel or want to read something about bullying. Or both!
December 18, 2010
Beat the Band is an excellent sequel to Swim the Fly. The characters seem to come alive even more as we see them through a second crazy plan. Initially, I found Cooper to be a hard narrator to support. His views, particularly of the girls in his class, really started to get under my skin. I realize part of that is that the reader is brought inside the mind of a teenage boy, but I initially found Cooper more irritating in that regard.
But I was so glad at the end that I stuck with it because Cooper learned so much more about himself, girls, and life, and it was great to see the end of that journey. However, one thing I appreciate about Don Calame's writing is that the message is there but it is not overdone.
My heart went out to the Helen Harriwick who was teased, not because of anything that she really did, but because of rumors started by other people who were upset with her. It really reminded me of the parts of high school that I do not miss. I do hope that Don Calame addresses Helen's story again in the next installment. I don't expect the teasing to suddenly stop because that is not realistic, but I do hope it gets better for Helen.
But I was so glad at the end that I stuck with it because Cooper learned so much more about himself, girls, and life, and it was great to see the end of that journey. However, one thing I appreciate about Don Calame's writing is that the message is there but it is not overdone.
My heart went out to the Helen Harriwick who was teased, not because of anything that she really did, but because of rumors started by other people who were upset with her. It really reminded me of the parts of high school that I do not miss. I do hope that Don Calame addresses Helen's story again in the next installment. I don't expect the teasing to suddenly stop because that is not realistic, but I do hope it gets better for Helen.
July 19, 2010
Woooo, ah, I love this series. But as I said, it's not for everyone. In fact, it probably only appeals to teenage guys about my age... Heh.
But I was laughing out loud for half the book, and the other half was devoted to a surprising amount of drama and romance. This book is exactly like the first book, except if anything, funnier and with a good bit less romanticism.
The first book, (Swim the Fly) was written from the perspective of Matt, the calm dude. And this book tells a new story from the perspective of Cooper, the insane planner/jokester. And I suspect a third book will be written from the last of the trio's perspective.
Uhhh, I can't think of anything else, so I'll just end it he-
But I was laughing out loud for half the book, and the other half was devoted to a surprising amount of drama and romance. This book is exactly like the first book, except if anything, funnier and with a good bit less romanticism.
The first book, (Swim the Fly) was written from the perspective of Matt, the calm dude. And this book tells a new story from the perspective of Cooper, the insane planner/jokester. And I suspect a third book will be written from the last of the trio's perspective.
Uhhh, I can't think of anything else, so I'll just end it he-
September 11, 2011
“You won’t be sorry; I promise… this is going to be epic!” –Cooper Redmond… Famous last words, yes? Maybe, but that all depends on how you look at it. Even when you lose, sometimes you win something much better.
Although in the same vein of funny as SWIM THE FLY with most of the same cast, BEAT THE BAND (Swim The Fly #2) is a completely different story. To be honest the fact that this second book is written from Cooper’s pov had me going in a bit weary from the start. Coop’s brazen and often overly juvenile personality, albeit hysterical at times, made him a much less likable character in comparison to Matt, who was just so darn endearing as he narrated his way through book one. But I have to say those concerns were completely a non issue. I’m not saying there weren’t some blatantly foul displays of inappropriate male adolescents from Mr. Cooper, because there most definitely were, more than a few and they were laugh-out-loud funny. But we also find there is a lot more to Coop than fart jokes and double entendres in this second installment. Fortunately author Don Calame saw fit to introduce us to the many layers of Cooper Redmond; as he navigates his way through embarrassing Sex Ed Health Class assignments, the school pariah, an out of work dad, hawt mean girls, his first kiss, the battle of the bands and his conscious.
This is a definite equal opportunity series that teens and adults of both genders will relate to and enjoy. I’m a 32 year old mom of 2 boys and I loved both books. I highly recommend the audio versions, which have provided countless hours of entertainment and distraction for me on the evil treadmill. Narrator Nick Podehl expertly gives a voice and a very distinct individuality to each character. I really hope Calame plans to round out the group and put out a third book from Sean's pov.
Although in the same vein of funny as SWIM THE FLY with most of the same cast, BEAT THE BAND (Swim The Fly #2) is a completely different story. To be honest the fact that this second book is written from Cooper’s pov had me going in a bit weary from the start. Coop’s brazen and often overly juvenile personality, albeit hysterical at times, made him a much less likable character in comparison to Matt, who was just so darn endearing as he narrated his way through book one. But I have to say those concerns were completely a non issue. I’m not saying there weren’t some blatantly foul displays of inappropriate male adolescents from Mr. Cooper, because there most definitely were, more than a few and they were laugh-out-loud funny. But we also find there is a lot more to Coop than fart jokes and double entendres in this second installment. Fortunately author Don Calame saw fit to introduce us to the many layers of Cooper Redmond; as he navigates his way through embarrassing Sex Ed Health Class assignments, the school pariah, an out of work dad, hawt mean girls, his first kiss, the battle of the bands and his conscious.
This is a definite equal opportunity series that teens and adults of both genders will relate to and enjoy. I’m a 32 year old mom of 2 boys and I loved both books. I highly recommend the audio versions, which have provided countless hours of entertainment and distraction for me on the evil treadmill. Narrator Nick Podehl expertly gives a voice and a very distinct individuality to each character. I really hope Calame plans to round out the group and put out a third book from Sean's pov.
April 1, 2012
Cooper Redmond thinks his garage band, Arnold Murphy's Bologna Dare, has what it takes to win his high school's Battle of Bands and make him uber-popular and attract the hottest girls in school. His band mates, Sean and Matt, don't quite agree. When Cooper is paired with the school joke, Helen, for a semester-long health class project, he is sure that no matter how well his band does, being seen with Helen will ruin his chances to become big man on campus. When it's discovered that Helen has a killer singing voice, which is just what the band needs, can he put aside his concerns over social acceptance and do what is right for the band, and Helen? Or will he follow the n-crowd in their endless quest to bully Helen out of school just to be one of them?
Cooper is a mouthy, bossy, disrespectful sophomore who is obsessed with sex and popularity. All he thinks or cares about are the good-looking girls in his class and how he can get them naked, all written in quite ribald language - the author pulls no punches here. Cooper improves somewhat as the story goes on, but I couldn't help but think how glad I was that this young man is not my son's friend. His band mates, Sean and Matt, are pretty spineless and go along with whatever hare-brained scheme Cooper dreams up. Of course, there is the big redemption scene at the end, but it all ties together too neatly, and people are forgiven too quickly. Touted as humor, the only thing I found funny about this book was how much the author was allowed to get away with.
Melinda Dye, review for Humor
Cooper is a mouthy, bossy, disrespectful sophomore who is obsessed with sex and popularity. All he thinks or cares about are the good-looking girls in his class and how he can get them naked, all written in quite ribald language - the author pulls no punches here. Cooper improves somewhat as the story goes on, but I couldn't help but think how glad I was that this young man is not my son's friend. His band mates, Sean and Matt, are pretty spineless and go along with whatever hare-brained scheme Cooper dreams up. Of course, there is the big redemption scene at the end, but it all ties together too neatly, and people are forgiven too quickly. Touted as humor, the only thing I found funny about this book was how much the author was allowed to get away with.
Melinda Dye, review for Humor
February 1, 2011
Just like it's predecessor, Swim the Fly, this book had me in tears from laughing so hard. Cooper Redmond decides that for their sophomore year goal, he and buds Matt and Sean will get to all the bases with, he hopes, the four hottest girls of the class. Yes, he crude and objectifies girls, especially when he's daydreaming of foursomes. Most teenage boys also hope for a girl to ask for a co-ed shower. What's funny is he doesn't stand a chance at any at scoring at these things, let alone first base. Living in a house full of males makes me appreciate the witty put-downs and sleeping with your mama jokes and the fart scene in the library. Cooper's rep will seriously go downhill if he's forced to partner with Helen for a semester long health project like his teacher expects him to. Cooper becomes part of a plot to get Helen to realize her life would be better elsewhere and switch schools. But the more he has to spend time with her, the more he likes her. Cooper does some growing up, but Helen's forgiveness comes too easily and I feel he will grow up acting like his father. Which means he will do what he wants then try to smooth things over with the wifey later. And that's if she somehow finds out.
February 19, 2012
Ok, this book had me laughing right from the start. Coop is such a skuz it is unbelieveable, but he has a good heart, and you can't really dislike him.
His Health teacher teams him with a totally unpopular girl for a whole semester for a presentation on contraception, so Coop HAS to do something to redeem his own reputation at school. His first choice is to help the clique of hot girls who are making his partner's life even more miserable. His second thought is to revive the band he had formed with Matt and Sean, and win the school Battle of the Bands, because who doesn't love a rock and roll star? Of course, they haven't practiced in years, and are not very good, but all that can be overcome, right?
Well, maybe. Read and enjoy. If this book doesn't make you laugh, I'm worried about you.
(I do own this one, and I'm planning to keep it. I am giving it one more star!
His Health teacher teams him with a totally unpopular girl for a whole semester for a presentation on contraception, so Coop HAS to do something to redeem his own reputation at school. His first choice is to help the clique of hot girls who are making his partner's life even more miserable. His second thought is to revive the band he had formed with Matt and Sean, and win the school Battle of the Bands, because who doesn't love a rock and roll star? Of course, they haven't practiced in years, and are not very good, but all that can be overcome, right?
Well, maybe. Read and enjoy. If this book doesn't make you laugh, I'm worried about you.
(I do own this one, and I'm planning to keep it. I am giving it one more star!
March 19, 2011
You know, I do not like Judd Apatow movies, and Homer Simpson truly drives me crazy. So, I knew this book was not written for me. I just really do not like bathroom humor. Other than that, but that is a big that in this book, the story was sort of sweet, and well written,too. Sort of like Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging, but with boys. But please YA authors, you can be funny without being vulgar.
March 30, 2011
Cooper is an asshole--I kind of thought that in the first book, too--but he manages to be so likeable anyway.
And I still love Nick Podehl as a narrator.
And I still love Nick Podehl as a narrator.
March 23, 2026
i knew what i was getting myself into so this is no one’s fault but my own
April 5, 2011
The boys from Swim the Fly by Don Calame are back! Beat the Band isn’t exactly a sequel to Swim the Fly, but it does have the same characters. Once I heard about Calame’s second book I had to have it. While the first book by Calame was narrated by Matt, Beat the Band has Coop’s tale to tell. It isn’t essential to read Swim the Fly, but after reading Beat the Band, you’ll want to. Both books are hilarious.
It’s tenth grade and the boys are upping the ante on their juvenile bets. For the summer, it was to see a real live naked girl. This school year? Cooper’s aiming to tag the bases. Coop wants to hook up with model-looking Prudence Nash on the 10th grade health class project…but he’s paired with the infamous “Hot Dog” Helen Harriwick. In the eyes of the teens at Lower Rockville High, this is social suicide. So he does what every teen in the depths of loserdom does to reclaim a bit of cool.. forms a band. If Matt, Cooper, and Sean’s band, Arnold Murphy’s Bologna Dare, wins the Battle of the Bands, they will rocket to cool in no time. Despite the fact none of them can play an instrument, they’ve never rehearsed, and they have no idea what they’re doing. But then Coop spends more time with Helen and discovers what he was missing.
I praised Swim the Fly for its combination of humor with heart. It’s good to see Beat the Band doesn’t fail in this department. Once again, the characters are somewhat rude and juvenile, the humor might be crude, and the adults in the novel might as well as be teens themselves, but what Calame does so well is make it all work wonderfully. I enjoyed the character development in the first book, Beat the Band gives readers another taste of that. Once again, I have to compare it to Judd Apatow movies – high on crude, laughs, and heart.
Cooper is very juvenile and his POV provides the typical boy viewpoint towards girls and sex. It reminded me of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer quote actually.
Cordelia: Well, does looking at guns make you wanna have sex?
Xander: I’m 17. Looking at linoleum makes me wanna have sex.
But as Cooper gets to actually know Helen and Prudence, his viewpoint shifts to something less superficial and caveman like. He sees woman as more than sex objects – as much as you can expect a teen boy to change. A reader can find the humor in Cooper’s utter clueless nature and rejoice when he finally gets some sense.
Don Calame takes the staples of high school comedy – Battle of the Bands, being partnered with a social outcast, teen boys’ hormones — and injects new life into them. The band antics are hysterical and terribly misguided. One of my favorite chapters was when the boys chose the outfits for their “look”…and ended up with three completely different looks, resulting in looking like surreal Village People castoffs. I won’t reveal the rest of the funny situations in detail – golf shop antics, band practice and more but trust me, you’ll laugh.
The situations may be crude and not for all, but these boys, despite their clueless nature, are oddly lovable and Beat the Band delivers beat after beat of the funny.
Copy for review provided by the publisher
It’s tenth grade and the boys are upping the ante on their juvenile bets. For the summer, it was to see a real live naked girl. This school year? Cooper’s aiming to tag the bases. Coop wants to hook up with model-looking Prudence Nash on the 10th grade health class project…but he’s paired with the infamous “Hot Dog” Helen Harriwick. In the eyes of the teens at Lower Rockville High, this is social suicide. So he does what every teen in the depths of loserdom does to reclaim a bit of cool.. forms a band. If Matt, Cooper, and Sean’s band, Arnold Murphy’s Bologna Dare, wins the Battle of the Bands, they will rocket to cool in no time. Despite the fact none of them can play an instrument, they’ve never rehearsed, and they have no idea what they’re doing. But then Coop spends more time with Helen and discovers what he was missing.
I praised Swim the Fly for its combination of humor with heart. It’s good to see Beat the Band doesn’t fail in this department. Once again, the characters are somewhat rude and juvenile, the humor might be crude, and the adults in the novel might as well as be teens themselves, but what Calame does so well is make it all work wonderfully. I enjoyed the character development in the first book, Beat the Band gives readers another taste of that. Once again, I have to compare it to Judd Apatow movies – high on crude, laughs, and heart.
Cooper is very juvenile and his POV provides the typical boy viewpoint towards girls and sex. It reminded me of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer quote actually.
Cordelia: Well, does looking at guns make you wanna have sex?
Xander: I’m 17. Looking at linoleum makes me wanna have sex.
But as Cooper gets to actually know Helen and Prudence, his viewpoint shifts to something less superficial and caveman like. He sees woman as more than sex objects – as much as you can expect a teen boy to change. A reader can find the humor in Cooper’s utter clueless nature and rejoice when he finally gets some sense.
Don Calame takes the staples of high school comedy – Battle of the Bands, being partnered with a social outcast, teen boys’ hormones — and injects new life into them. The band antics are hysterical and terribly misguided. One of my favorite chapters was when the boys chose the outfits for their “look”…and ended up with three completely different looks, resulting in looking like surreal Village People castoffs. I won’t reveal the rest of the funny situations in detail – golf shop antics, band practice and more but trust me, you’ll laugh.
The situations may be crude and not for all, but these boys, despite their clueless nature, are oddly lovable and Beat the Band delivers beat after beat of the funny.
Copy for review provided by the publisher
June 21, 2012
Beat the Band is the sequel to the hilarious Swim the Fly. You can read my review of the first novel HERE.
This novel is another comical, daft teenage drama. Told from Coop’s point of view, the story follows the three guys through their first semester of the new school year. After an epic summer, Coop, Matt and Sean are back to reality. Matt is still hopelessly devoted to the lovely Valerie. Sean is still loopy. Coop is the guy who ropes them into all kinds of trouble.
Cooper is a really funny viewpoint character. He is crude, all about self-preservation and has pretty much a one track mind. When the hand of fate deals up Helen Harriwick as his health partner, Coop is desperate to save his image. What could be worse than having to do a project with the school outcast? Doing a project with the school outcast on the topic of contraception. Coop is traumatised by the thought that his sex life will be over before it has even begun. He can’t face the social ridicule dumped on him because he has to work with Helen. He isn’t exactly your heroic type of guy. But that just adds to the believability factor. Cooper is really self-centred. He decides the answer to his problems lays in the Beat the Band contest because who gets more respect and chicks than a rock god?!
Coop is on a mission to revive the band and convinces Matt and Sean that they must help. I really liked that Coop was always leading the other two guys astray. The plot was perhaps not all that surprising but it had its own unique voice and twists which carried it off in glorious fashion. In fact, I was completely invested in the story. Despite all his self-centredness, Coop can’t help but see beyond the hideous reputation Helen has to see the funny, caring, intelligent girl underneath. But odd habits die hard for Coop and even though he begins to have feelings for Helen, the prospect of ruining his chances with the popular girls, stops him from confessing his mistakes.
One of the things that I really liked about this book was the portrayal of Cooper’s parents. His dad recently lost his job and he is having trouble dealing with it so he throws himself into managing Cooper’s band. The themes of recession, employment and parental illness all feature in the novel and it was refreshing to see an author engaging with them. It is all too tempting to “get rid of the parents” and let’s face it, most teenagers are dealing with them. Beat the Band is full of issues that teen readers with identify with.
It’s a fantastically funny story, full of vibrant characters and brilliant dialogue. Beat the Band is a must read! (Especially if you want to know how a teenage boy’s mind works!)
This novel is another comical, daft teenage drama. Told from Coop’s point of view, the story follows the three guys through their first semester of the new school year. After an epic summer, Coop, Matt and Sean are back to reality. Matt is still hopelessly devoted to the lovely Valerie. Sean is still loopy. Coop is the guy who ropes them into all kinds of trouble.
Cooper is a really funny viewpoint character. He is crude, all about self-preservation and has pretty much a one track mind. When the hand of fate deals up Helen Harriwick as his health partner, Coop is desperate to save his image. What could be worse than having to do a project with the school outcast? Doing a project with the school outcast on the topic of contraception. Coop is traumatised by the thought that his sex life will be over before it has even begun. He can’t face the social ridicule dumped on him because he has to work with Helen. He isn’t exactly your heroic type of guy. But that just adds to the believability factor. Cooper is really self-centred. He decides the answer to his problems lays in the Beat the Band contest because who gets more respect and chicks than a rock god?!
Coop is on a mission to revive the band and convinces Matt and Sean that they must help. I really liked that Coop was always leading the other two guys astray. The plot was perhaps not all that surprising but it had its own unique voice and twists which carried it off in glorious fashion. In fact, I was completely invested in the story. Despite all his self-centredness, Coop can’t help but see beyond the hideous reputation Helen has to see the funny, caring, intelligent girl underneath. But odd habits die hard for Coop and even though he begins to have feelings for Helen, the prospect of ruining his chances with the popular girls, stops him from confessing his mistakes.
One of the things that I really liked about this book was the portrayal of Cooper’s parents. His dad recently lost his job and he is having trouble dealing with it so he throws himself into managing Cooper’s band. The themes of recession, employment and parental illness all feature in the novel and it was refreshing to see an author engaging with them. It is all too tempting to “get rid of the parents” and let’s face it, most teenagers are dealing with them. Beat the Band is full of issues that teen readers with identify with.
It’s a fantastically funny story, full of vibrant characters and brilliant dialogue. Beat the Band is a must read! (Especially if you want to know how a teenage boy’s mind works!)
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
In the author note for BEAT THE BAND, Don Calame states, "It was hard saying good-bye to the characters in SWIM THE FLY. And then I realized I didn't have to. I just needed to find a way to get them back into trouble again."
This reader is extremely pleased that Calame missed his characters enough to give them another chance in BEAT THE BAND. I found them even more engaging and entertaining this second time around.
It is sophomore year, and Cooper Redmond has a new goal in life. He has decided that during his second year in high school he needs to find a way to hit all the bases, and he's not referring to athletic feats on the baseball diamond. Cooper has his sights set on Prudence, the leader of the hottest group of popular girls in the school.
When Mrs. Turris announces the semester-long health project, Cooper sees it as his chance to shine. He is sure the odds are in his favor and he'll score Prudence, or at least one of her minions, as a project partner. When the Fates intervene and give him hated Helen Harriwick as a partner instead, his whole plan begins to crumble. And if having a disastrous partner is not bad enough, the subject of their partnership project is contraception. It's truly the end of the world for Cooper.
Cooper thinks he may have the answer to all his problems when he hears the announcement about the upcoming Battle of the Bands. He and his buddies, Matt and Sean, have experimented some with the rock band idea. Maybe they could dust off their instruments and, with a little practice, wow everyone with their musical talent enough to get people thinking of Cooper as a cool dude and not as some loser stuck with "Hot Dog" Helen.
What follows is a story hilarious and raunchy enough to hook every guy reader, and gross out most girls brave enough to crack the cover. Calame is right on target with the thoughts and antics of 10th grade boys. His gritty locker room banter combined with offbeat characters like Cooper's dad and his crazy schemes work to create a super sequel to SWIM THE FLY. This one has me waiting eagerly for what Calame has to offer next.
In the author note for BEAT THE BAND, Don Calame states, "It was hard saying good-bye to the characters in SWIM THE FLY. And then I realized I didn't have to. I just needed to find a way to get them back into trouble again."
This reader is extremely pleased that Calame missed his characters enough to give them another chance in BEAT THE BAND. I found them even more engaging and entertaining this second time around.
It is sophomore year, and Cooper Redmond has a new goal in life. He has decided that during his second year in high school he needs to find a way to hit all the bases, and he's not referring to athletic feats on the baseball diamond. Cooper has his sights set on Prudence, the leader of the hottest group of popular girls in the school.
When Mrs. Turris announces the semester-long health project, Cooper sees it as his chance to shine. He is sure the odds are in his favor and he'll score Prudence, or at least one of her minions, as a project partner. When the Fates intervene and give him hated Helen Harriwick as a partner instead, his whole plan begins to crumble. And if having a disastrous partner is not bad enough, the subject of their partnership project is contraception. It's truly the end of the world for Cooper.
Cooper thinks he may have the answer to all his problems when he hears the announcement about the upcoming Battle of the Bands. He and his buddies, Matt and Sean, have experimented some with the rock band idea. Maybe they could dust off their instruments and, with a little practice, wow everyone with their musical talent enough to get people thinking of Cooper as a cool dude and not as some loser stuck with "Hot Dog" Helen.
What follows is a story hilarious and raunchy enough to hook every guy reader, and gross out most girls brave enough to crack the cover. Calame is right on target with the thoughts and antics of 10th grade boys. His gritty locker room banter combined with offbeat characters like Cooper's dad and his crazy schemes work to create a super sequel to SWIM THE FLY. This one has me waiting eagerly for what Calame has to offer next.
May 12, 2011
An outstanding sequel to Swim the Fly! Like the Harry Potter characters, I loved reconnecting with these fellows and their exploits. Nick Podehl's narration is outstanding and those character voices will be forever ingrained in my head. Should there be another in this series, Nick Podehl better do the narration.
Swim the Fly was written from the perspective of Matt, who is one of the three boys whose exploits we hilariously follow. It is in this character's voice that the author/narrator tells the story.
Beat the Band, is from the perspective of Coop and therefore it is in Coop's voice the story is told. I don't ever recall this character perspective switch in any series I've previously read. It was initially a surprise since the first book had me loving the Matt character. His switch to a supporting character in this book took a little getting used to as it was so unexpected. It was this unique perspective switch that helped spark even more interest in this book and I quickly came to like Coop just as much.
There is one major character left, Sean. I sincerely hope the author has at least one more story in him regarding this series. I would love to read/listen to another from Sean's perspective so that I may love each of the characters equally.
Again, like Swim the Fly this was laugh-out-loud, young male adolescent humor which is just my speed but this time with a touch of seriousness and sincerity. I loved it.
Swim the Fly was written from the perspective of Matt, who is one of the three boys whose exploits we hilariously follow. It is in this character's voice that the author/narrator tells the story.
Beat the Band, is from the perspective of Coop and therefore it is in Coop's voice the story is told. I don't ever recall this character perspective switch in any series I've previously read. It was initially a surprise since the first book had me loving the Matt character. His switch to a supporting character in this book took a little getting used to as it was so unexpected. It was this unique perspective switch that helped spark even more interest in this book and I quickly came to like Coop just as much.
There is one major character left, Sean. I sincerely hope the author has at least one more story in him regarding this series. I would love to read/listen to another from Sean's perspective so that I may love each of the characters equally.
Again, like Swim the Fly this was laugh-out-loud, young male adolescent humor which is just my speed but this time with a touch of seriousness and sincerity. I loved it.
January 30, 2012
This book is hilarious, riveting and fun involving characters I will never forget. I am definitely going to be looking out for the prequel, Swim the Fly, which I have heard is ten times funnier!
Beat the Band revolves around the three trouble-causing teenagers: Coop, Sean and Matt. When Coop gets paired up with the most repulsive social outcast, 'Hot Dog' Helen, he has to do something to keep his reputation (or what he has of it). Rumours are getting worse and worse, so he must act fast.
From the first sentence I didn't think I would like Coop. I thought he was a bit obnoxious, selfish and the kind of boy in my school that I can't stand. "Oh," I thought "if I don't like the main character, the chances of me liking this book aren't very high." However, as I kept on reading I couldn't help but be amused by his way of interpreting problems and how he comically deals with things. I loved seeing his character change throughout the book. And the ending is just perfect!
There are some moments in this book where I LOL. Are there any film producers out there reading this? Because this book would make a brilliant movie!
My favourite character in the book has to be Helen. I feel so sorry for her at times, and felt I could really see the story from all the characters point of views, but especially hers. She is dedicated and unselfish and I thought she is admirable putting up with bullying and Coop's behaviour. Helen is the kind of girl who just deals with the truth and doesn't dwell the past.
A lot of things happen in this book that makes it worthwhile, but I won't give anything away because that would spoil it for you. I strongly recommend this to everyone above 13 years old, as it involves a lot of sexual references. Please read this book now so I can talk to someone about how amazing it is! I have edited this review so many times because I have accidentally put spoilers in. Basically, read it! ;D
Beat the Band revolves around the three trouble-causing teenagers: Coop, Sean and Matt. When Coop gets paired up with the most repulsive social outcast, 'Hot Dog' Helen, he has to do something to keep his reputation (or what he has of it). Rumours are getting worse and worse, so he must act fast.
From the first sentence I didn't think I would like Coop. I thought he was a bit obnoxious, selfish and the kind of boy in my school that I can't stand. "Oh," I thought "if I don't like the main character, the chances of me liking this book aren't very high." However, as I kept on reading I couldn't help but be amused by his way of interpreting problems and how he comically deals with things. I loved seeing his character change throughout the book. And the ending is just perfect!
There are some moments in this book where I LOL. Are there any film producers out there reading this? Because this book would make a brilliant movie!
My favourite character in the book has to be Helen. I feel so sorry for her at times, and felt I could really see the story from all the characters point of views, but especially hers. She is dedicated and unselfish and I thought she is admirable putting up with bullying and Coop's behaviour. Helen is the kind of girl who just deals with the truth and doesn't dwell the past.
A lot of things happen in this book that makes it worthwhile, but I won't give anything away because that would spoil it for you. I strongly recommend this to everyone above 13 years old, as it involves a lot of sexual references. Please read this book now so I can talk to someone about how amazing it is! I have edited this review so many times because I have accidentally put spoilers in. Basically, read it! ;D
October 13, 2010
I really need to stop reading these kinds of books at night--I laugh through them and that doesn't make me sleepy!
The sequel to "Swim the Fly," this book switches to the point of view of Cooper Redmond. Coop, and his "Swim the Fly" buds Matt and Sean, are in their sophomore year. Their project in health class is to take a topic assigned by the teacher and present a full class period on it. Matt and Sean are drawn as partners but Coop is paired with Helen Harriwick--or Hot Dog Helen as she has been called (and, yes, what you're thinking is the exact reason for the name). Coop is sure his reputation will plummet and decides to enter the school's Battle of the Bands competition. Never mind that his bandmates don't show up to record the submission tape, let alone the fact that they actually aren't that good, he and his father decide to troll MySpace for some unsigned band to "portray" Coop's band--Arnold Murphy's Bologna Dare. The ploy unbelievably works and they have just a few weeks to sound like an actual band. But they decide to try and look like an actual band first and that extremely hilarious (really, I couldn't stop laughing) experiment involves hair dye, teeth whitener and spray tanners that causes one of them to resemble and Oompa Loompa. The hilarity continues through the book and Coop finds that he's not only the guy with all the ideas and crazy schemes but he can also be a stand-up friend and supporter to those he cares about.
The sequel to "Swim the Fly," this book switches to the point of view of Cooper Redmond. Coop, and his "Swim the Fly" buds Matt and Sean, are in their sophomore year. Their project in health class is to take a topic assigned by the teacher and present a full class period on it. Matt and Sean are drawn as partners but Coop is paired with Helen Harriwick--or Hot Dog Helen as she has been called (and, yes, what you're thinking is the exact reason for the name). Coop is sure his reputation will plummet and decides to enter the school's Battle of the Bands competition. Never mind that his bandmates don't show up to record the submission tape, let alone the fact that they actually aren't that good, he and his father decide to troll MySpace for some unsigned band to "portray" Coop's band--Arnold Murphy's Bologna Dare. The ploy unbelievably works and they have just a few weeks to sound like an actual band. But they decide to try and look like an actual band first and that extremely hilarious (really, I couldn't stop laughing) experiment involves hair dye, teeth whitener and spray tanners that causes one of them to resemble and Oompa Loompa. The hilarity continues through the book and Coop finds that he's not only the guy with all the ideas and crazy schemes but he can also be a stand-up friend and supporter to those he cares about.
September 8, 2010
I really enjoyed this follow up to Swim the Fly. This time the story is told from the perspective of Coop, who was kind of the insensitive jerk of the trio of friends (Matt, Sean & Coop) from the first book. The story picks up during their sophomore year. Coop has a goal to hit all the bases with a girl, specifically with one of the 'hot', popular ones. But his tactics are not well-received (let's just say his lines are pretty lewd, but also goofy). His plans take a turn for the worse when he gets paired up with Helen Harriwick for a health class project on contraceptives (she's the school pariah, otherwise known as 'Hot Dog Helen'). When Coop finds out about the school's battle of the bands he has the brilliant idea to sign up him and his friends in order to salvage his reputation. Although much of what goes on is humorous, teenage antics, there is actually a message in there and topics such as bullying, doing the right thing, and relationships with family and friends are buried underneath the (sometimes gross) humor. There are laugh out loud moments just like in Swim the Fly, but there are also moments when you see Coop growing up, and I think it's a story that both guys and girls will enjoy. The author does a great job of capturing a teenage boy's mind and of conveying his heart as well.
June 22, 2015
Cooper Redmond has one goal for his sophomore year. Hit third base with the girls. But his high (and amusing) opinion of himself is not shared by such girls. When he is paired up with the least popular girl (Helen) in school for a Health project – he is sure his chances with the girls have been dashed forever. When he sees a flyer for Battle of the Bands he decides that winning it will be the only way to claim back his kudos. There are a few problems with his idea. His mates don’t want to do it, they suck when they play, and there is no escaping the Health project. But… his (ex-band member) Dad vows to help, and Cooper slowly discovers Helen isn’t the girl he thought she was.
This was a hilarious, light, entertaining read. Although one-track minded, the main character does redeem himself in a brilliant way by the end of the book. This story makes me want to read more by this author. Guys and girls will laugh all the way through.
This was a hilarious, light, entertaining read. Although one-track minded, the main character does redeem himself in a brilliant way by the end of the book. This story makes me want to read more by this author. Guys and girls will laugh all the way through.
May 20, 2011
3.5-4 stars.I received this ARC from a Goodreads giveaway. I had already read "Swim the Fly", the 1st book of this series, and loved it. While the 1st book was in Matt's POV, this one is in Cooper's. Cooper is the instigator/trouble- maker of the 3 friend, and his thoughts are sometimes crude, but mostly hilarious. This book would definitely appeal to boys, as well as girls who'd like a peek into a boy's head. This was a quick, fun read. While I enjoyed "Swim the Fly" a bit more, I still liked this one and will definitely read the next, assuming the last of the trio, Sean, gets to tell his story.
December 13, 2010
Great boy book. Funny, 10th grade boys, romance, peer pressure, mean girls, and Battle of the Bands. (Chapter 18 is hilarious!)
Sequel to Swim The Fly. STF is my favorite but this is still a great read that boys will love. Coop is in 10th grade and was assigned to do a Health project on birth control with the one girl they call, "Hot Dog" Helen. He tries every stunt to get out of this project. Ends up, Helen is not that bad at the books and the looks!! Helen also can sing!! Is Coop falling in love? Will Coop redeem himself for all the bad things he has done to Helen in the process? Can the band pull it off? Cute high school boy read.
Sequel to Swim The Fly. STF is my favorite but this is still a great read that boys will love. Coop is in 10th grade and was assigned to do a Health project on birth control with the one girl they call, "Hot Dog" Helen. He tries every stunt to get out of this project. Ends up, Helen is not that bad at the books and the looks!! Helen also can sing!! Is Coop falling in love? Will Coop redeem himself for all the bad things he has done to Helen in the process? Can the band pull it off? Cute high school boy read.
November 14, 2011
Okay, I loved this book. I laughed outlound several times - late at night, reading until 2am to finish it! Cooper and his Dad are crase and inappropriate but hilariously funny. My favorite parts are: the gassy library (no kidding), shopping for contraceptives, and "sprucing up their image". As an 80's music fan, I enjoyed Dad revisiting his high school band days and the images it conjured up. I also appreciated the use of song titles as chapter titles - clever Mr. Calame, very clever. I can't wait for Cooper's junior and (hopefully) senior years. Read Swim the Fly and then Beat the Band, you'll be glad you did.
December 12, 2010
HHAHAHAHAHA! A three chapter long hilarious fart joke? HAHAHAHAHA! Ridiculously silly crude sex jokes? HAHAHAHAHA! Plus, characters who learn lessons? I love it!
Here is an example of the humor, in case you want to share it with your "guys"
Andy grits his teeth and pushes me away. "Watch your back, Corn Dog. Cause you'll never know when I'll be coming."
"On my back? Dude, no thanks!"
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!
Here is an example of the humor, in case you want to share it with your "guys"
Andy grits his teeth and pushes me away. "Watch your back, Corn Dog. Cause you'll never know when I'll be coming."
"On my back? Dude, no thanks!"
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!
September 3, 2011
Not quite as funny as the first book, Swim the Fly, this book still sucked me in. I found a lot of the character's behavior to be reprehensible, but there was a good ending that made me happy, without being completely unbelievable.
October 20, 2010
Sooooo funny! Maybe even better than the first (SWIM THE FLY). Coop makes a hysterical narrator. Nearly as hilarious as the first book but with even better character development. Loved it. Hope there is going to be a third one!
September 17, 2012
Thoroughly entertaining. More "bathroom" humor than Swim the Fly. Not quite as good as Swim the Fly, but I still really enjoyed it and ended up really liking Coop's character. Lots of character growth.
July 18, 2010
Read for professional review.
June 8, 2010
A really funny and satisfying sequel to Swim the Fly, featuring Cooper. Many laugh-out-loud moments.
February 16, 2012
This book is one of my favorits and i loved it it would be great for any kid in middle school
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