I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to be Your Class President

By: Josh Lieb

Narrated by: Marc Thompson

Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Twelve-year-old Oliver Watson's got the IQ of a grilled cheese sandwich. Or so everyone in Omaha thinks. In reality, Oliver's a mad evil genius on his way to world domination, and he's used his great brain to make himself the third-richest person on earth!

Then Oliver's father - and archnemesis - makes a crack about the upcoming middle school election, and Oliver takes it as a personal challenge. He'll run, and he'll win! Turns out, though, that overthrowing foreign dictators is actually way easier than getting kids to like you.

Can this evil genius win the class presidency and keep his true identity a secret, all in time to impress his dad?

©2009 Josh Lieb (P)2009 Penguin

Critic reviews

"If War and Peace had a baby with The Breakfast Club and then left the baby to be raised by wolves, this book would be the result. I loved it." (Jon Stewart)

“Josh Lieb is on one of the great brave journeys in American literature. Or maybe he just signed my name to a blurb he wrote. Either way, you have to admit he’s brave. And the book is hilarious.” (Judd Apatow)

“Pitch perfect...Every kid who’s ever felt put upon, misunderstood, and, let’s admit it, infinitely superior to his or her peers will laugh out loud as they enter Oliver’s hilarious secret world...” (BCCB, starred review)

Parents will like this one too

The narrator for this book was spot on. I've been recommending the book in either form since finishing it, and have gone back and listened to it again. I downloaded this book for my daughter, but wound up loving it myself.

This is great

I am 13 and I enjoyed this book not only because it was funny it had life to it and the two chapters before the last one genius totally recommend.

Wonderful

This book starts strongly, ends strongly, and is consistent all the way through. The characters are memorable, and the narrator, Oliver, is so fleshed out, you could probably imagine him sitting in your living room. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this book, and that's not an exaggeration--even the voice acting is superior. As a credit-hoarder, this is the utter definition of a credit-worthy novel, and I found myself laughing and smiling throughout my listen.

Best light reading in a long, long time.

If you ever imagined what you would get when you blend Family Guy's Stewie with Pinky & The Brain and throw in South Park for good measure, you get I am A Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to be Your Class President.

The books characters, plot and excellent narration will keep you on the edge of your seat, but hang on or you will fall over laughing. This book is great for parents and kids above the age of 10.

Good Fun

Great story of what it would be like if a kid had money and imagination and no moral compass.

narration was well performed and likable not to fast and easy to follow

All in all a fantastic book.

Funny

This is a young Walter Mitty in the making. Very different than what I'm usually interested in, but very enjoyable, and quite frankly at some point I've had some of the same thoughts.

I'm obsessed... and I want a sequel

Where does I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to be Your Class President rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is without a doubt my favorite audio book ever. I own the printed copy, a digital copy and now the audiobook. I orginally found this book through the library. I have a son that is non-verbal and his personality is just as snarky and funny to me as the lead character. The first time I heard him really laugh, I said, "My baby has an evil genius laugh". So, for some reason, this book has a special place in my heart.

What other book might you compare I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to be Your Class President to and why?

There is no comparison.

Which character – as performed by Marc Thompson – was your favorite?

My favorite character has to be Oliver Watson, followed so closely by Tatiana that I can't deal with it. I want a sequel because I feel that this kid has so much more in him to offer.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

My favorite moment in this book has to be when he flies into such a rage that he allows his real personality to come out. I was driving and listening. I had to exit the freeway, pull into a parking lot and laugh and laugh until I stopped CRYING.

Any additional comments?

Seriously, Josh? Where's my sequel?????

Some Witty Moments But A Little Sick for My Taste

If reading about the daily life of a delusional 12 year old psychopath is your thing you'll love this book.

I can see the attempt at humor but frankly didn't find it that amusing. The kid has some pretty serious mental issues and if that's funny, well, we've got a taste difference. Yes, I know it's parody, it's spoof, not to be taken seriously. So that just makes it a waste of time.

I would not stamp it with "Do Not Buy" for you, but it wasn't for me...

Horrible!!!!!

I have two boys ages 12 and 15. We spend a lot of time in the car and listen to audio books. We've had books we loved and some that were so so. After 30 minutes of hateful spewing from the main
character(much inappropriate for children!) we were all ready to give up on this one. We thought he would be a fun evil genius, a character with some kind of redeeming qaulities. It was pure negative, hateful rant. What a horrible character for a kids book! I wish I could give it no stars.