The Magic of Ink: Fly on the Wall

Monday, April 7, 2008

Fly on the Wall

How One Girl Saw Everything
by E. Lockhart

Sixteen-year-old Gretchen Yee wishes she had superhero powers so she could talk to the boy she likes, wishes she could keep her parents from separating, and to—be a fly on the wall in the boys’ locker room?! Of course, she doesn’t actually think it will happen when she wishes it aloud, but the next day she wakes up with six legs and the ability to see 180 degrees around her. She is also on a tile wall somewhere inside the Manhattan High School for the Arts.
When first grasping the fact that her impulsive wish came true Gretchen is not too happy, but then she begins to see the advantages; this is her chance to see how boys are when they’re not showing off in front of their girlfriends...and well, watching them change for gym isn’t bad, either.
But she doesn’t want to be trapped in the form of a vermin for life.
Fly on the Wall is a short and definitely unique novel, and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny (even a couple days after I read it I was giggling). And although it was mostly humorous, it also contained some of Gretchen’s startling realizations that were actually pretty deep. Though I have never read any of the author’s other books because they don’t look my style, I’ll definitely check out a couple others after reading this one.

Ages sixteen and up for language and because Gretchen really does see (and describe—sometimes in a bit too much detail), ahem, everything there is to see in the boys’ locker room. Depending on the maturity of the reader, you could probably go younger. I just don’t want anyone to be unnecessarily offended.

4 comments:

Melissa WalkerApril 9, 2008 at 11:05 PM
I love E. Lockhart, though I haven't read this book! I interviewed her today on my blog, in fact.
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TashaApril 10, 2008 at 6:08 PM
This book sounds so good. I've only read two of E. Lockhart's books and loved them both, so I will definitely have to check this one out.
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LivApril 18, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Hmmm. The whole plot of this book sounds so cool. I will definitely put it on my list.
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EmApril 20, 2008 at 11:42 PM
I just read HOW TO BE BAD, my first book by E. Lockhart (although she co-authored it). And now I really want to read her other books. Good review! :-)
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Monday, April 7, 2008

Fly on the Wall

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