Mom always said to speak your mind. Hold nothing back. The truth would set you free.

She added: There’s a time and place for everything.

Poor Denis Cooverman must have missed the last part. During his graduation address, the valedictorian/debate-team captain blurts out I love you, Beth Cooper. This declaration — also the title of Larry Doyle’s debut novel — would be charming, if the object of his affection were not the head cheerleader. And if said cheerleader did not have a bully for a boyfriend.

See a bloody nose in the future? Well, yes, there’s that. But when Beth and her crew show up at Denis’s doorstep, the awkward, endearing adolescent and his movie-quoting, ambiguously gay best friend are in for some adventures. Think naked coed showers, underage beer runs, and a stolen Hummer.

It’s all outlandish fun, but what do you expect from a former Simpsons writer? The teens experience one d’oh!-worthy episode after another.

As for the author, he’s hit a homer.

Available online at amazon.com or your local book store.