Book Review by Aarene Storms: Swim the Fly

Swim the Fly by Don Calame

15-year-old Matt and his buddies Sean and Cooper have a long-standing tradition: at the beginning of each summer, they set a challenge for themselves. This year the challenge is to see a real live girl naked. Magazines don't count, the internet doesn't count, family members don't count. The boys are absolutely focused on their goal ... except when they get distracted by poop, masturbation, and the attractions of the girl's locker room.

Over-the-top comedy and crazy situations (like the time the boys dress up as girls, or the time they hide in a closet during a party, or the time they try to peek over the top of dressing room) had me literally laughing out loud. Give this to boys who enjoy Three-Stooges-esque humor and poop jokes. A sweet romance between Matt and a girl is a surprise to the main character, but savvy readers will see it coming. 

Rating:

Recommended for readers (especially boys) ages 12 to adult. Underage drinking, mild cussing and *yes* there is a naked woman...but no sex. 

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern 

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian

Richmond Beach Library, KCLS