Title: I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President
Author: Josh Lieb
First published October 13, 2009
303 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781595142405 (ISBN10: 1595142401)
Rating: 3.63
Overview
Oliver Watson is not your typical middle school student. Sure, he’s smart, funny, and charming.
But he’s also a genius of unspeakable evil. And he wants to be your class president.
In this hilarious and wildly entertaining book, Josh Lieb takes us on a journey into the mind of a diabolical mastermind who will stop at nothing to win the election. From blackmail to sabotage, Oliver will use every trick in the book to get what he wants.
But as the race heats up, he’ll soon learn that there are some things you just can’t control. Will Oliver emerge victorious?
Or will his evil plans backfire in the most spectacular way? Find out in I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President.
About the Author
Meet Josh Lieb, an Emmy award-winning Executive Producer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, who has also worked on fan-favorite shows like The Simpsons and NewsRadio. Despite his impressive career in television, Lieb has recently added “author” to his list of accomplishments with his debut novel, I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President.
When he’s not busy with work, Lieb resides in New York with his loved ones.
Editoral Review
Josh Liebs debut novel, I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President, is a humorous and thought-provoking read that will leave readers both entertained and reflecting on deeper themes. Published on October 13, 2009, the book is a young adult fiction and falls under the genre of humor, social issues and satire.
The plot follows seventh-grader, Oliver Watson, who disguises himself as a lazy, arrogant underachiever to avoid bullying and ridicule from his peers. However, what everyone fails to realize is that Oliver is actually a genius with an IQ of 350, using his genius intellect to manipulate and control others, including his wealthy father.
When Oliver decides to run for class president of his school, it becomes an opportunity for his hidden genius to shine through. But as he gets closer to his goal, he finds his powers may not be enough to overcome the political power plays of adult politicians meddling in the school’s election.
Liebs central character, Oliver, is both repulsive and relatable. While it’s hard to cheer for a protagonist who is arrogant, manipulative, and downright unpleasant at times, Oliver’s desire to be accepted and loved by his crush, his family, and his peers is universal.
As the story unfolds, it’s clear that Oliver’s devilish exterior belies a deep emotional vulnerability, making it easier to sympathize with his struggles. Lieb makes sure to balance the humor and satire with poignant moments, which hits especially close to home for readers who may be or have been outcasts.
The book’s satire and humor abound, making it a fun and engaging read, packed with pop-culture references and stinging social commentary. Liebs writing style is witty, clever, and fast-paced, ensuring readers will have a hard time putting the book down.
One of the limitations of the book is that some readers may not appreciate the constant cutting sarcasm and how its permeates throughout the story. While Liebs humor is well executed, it can come across as overwhelming, often overshadowing some of the more dramatic moments of the plot.
The book struggles to focus on its secondary characters, who lack depth and dimension. Overall, I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President is a well-executed and well-thought-out satire that balances humor and a deeper commentary on social issues.
Lieb uses his skill in storytelling to create a thinly veiled commentary on contemporary society and politics, making the book relevant to modern politics. It is a relatively quick read that will have readers laughing out loud and pondering deep thoughts simultaneously.
I would recommend this book for fans of John Greens Paper Towns, and those who enjoy humor, satire and social issues. It’s a fun read for anyone looking to indulge in a little politically charged comedy with a heart.
Overall, I give I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President 3.5 out of 5 stars.
