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zonumk's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
i read this book as a teen (probably around when it was punished in 2008)and remember feeling so seen by it and the focus on boy observation but not much else about it. It’s crazy bc i went to a high school like Ma-Ha and see so much of my actual experience reflected in this story. I didn’t remember the story dealing with homophobia at all but i am glad that it did. As an adult queer person i’m constantly rediscovering that so much of the media i consumed while firmly in the closet was so explicitly queer. I might not have been able to recognize it in myself when i first identified with Gretchen’s story but i’m so glad i got to absorb texts like Fly on the Wall even if i wasn’t able to fully embrace the message at the time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
e_z's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
els_ka's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
zandile_ngwenya's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
joeyshapps's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ellenrebeca's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
fictionalkate's review against another edition
4.0
Gretchen Yee attends a prestigious art school where the best way to fit in is to try and stand out. With unmissable bright red hair, Gretchen tries to fit in but doesn’t feel like she does. When her best friend starts acting standoffish and her parents deciding to get a divorce, Gretchen’s life is getting messy. There’s also Gretchen’s crush on fellow artist, Titus, making things complicated. If only Gretchen could be a fly on the wall and find out what he was thinking…
Fly on the Wall is a fun read about curiosity, boys and surviving teenage years. At only 182 pages, it’s a quick read but manages to deliver a full story with quirky characters, interesting ideas and a true sense of what it is like to be Gretchen as she comes out of her shell.
This book shows us Gretchen’s life as a somewhat typical arty teenage girl. When her wish comes true and she becomes a fly on the wall, we get to watch as Gretchen sees things from a different perspective. I liked Gretchen’s curiosity during her fly stage. She sees things she’s not experienced before and it’s dealt with in an inquisitiveness that felt right. Having her eyes opened to conversations she would never have been privy to as a teenage girl, Gretchen gains a greater understanding for others in her life.
There is a bit of a fantasy twist in this book with Gretchen literally becoming a fly on the wall but the magical element isn’t what this book is about – it’s merely a facilitator for Gretchen to examine her life. She gets to see what behind the locker room door and find out how boys behave when they’re alone. The way teenagers are described felt honest and this feels like a book teens would be able to relate to. It’s not always politically correct or socially acceptable (the way certain characters talk to each other and some of the language being flung around would possibly offend some readers) but that did contribute to the plot and added to the realistic vibe of the characters.
Despite it being such a short book, there’s quite a lot of character growth. Gretchen learns a lot about life and relationships during her fly time and I enjoyed this quirky concept. Fly on the Wall isn’t like other books I’ve read before but I had great fun reading about Gretchen and her life.
Fly on the Wall is a fun read about curiosity, boys and surviving teenage years. At only 182 pages, it’s a quick read but manages to deliver a full story with quirky characters, interesting ideas and a true sense of what it is like to be Gretchen as she comes out of her shell.
This book shows us Gretchen’s life as a somewhat typical arty teenage girl. When her wish comes true and she becomes a fly on the wall, we get to watch as Gretchen sees things from a different perspective. I liked Gretchen’s curiosity during her fly stage. She sees things she’s not experienced before and it’s dealt with in an inquisitiveness that felt right. Having her eyes opened to conversations she would never have been privy to as a teenage girl, Gretchen gains a greater understanding for others in her life.
There is a bit of a fantasy twist in this book with Gretchen literally becoming a fly on the wall but the magical element isn’t what this book is about – it’s merely a facilitator for Gretchen to examine her life. She gets to see what behind the locker room door and find out how boys behave when they’re alone. The way teenagers are described felt honest and this feels like a book teens would be able to relate to. It’s not always politically correct or socially acceptable (the way certain characters talk to each other and some of the language being flung around would possibly offend some readers) but that did contribute to the plot and added to the realistic vibe of the characters.
Despite it being such a short book, there’s quite a lot of character growth. Gretchen learns a lot about life and relationships during her fly time and I enjoyed this quirky concept. Fly on the Wall isn’t like other books I’ve read before but I had great fun reading about Gretchen and her life.
rabhya07's review against another edition
4.0
This book made me smile! Loved the way E. lockhart showed the typical behaviour of teens, trying to be different and special. The story is weird and funny. I enjoyed the book!