Swim the Fly summary

The Challenge of Adolescence

In Swim the Fly by Don Calame, we are introduced to three teenage boys: Matt, Coop, and Sean. These boys are best friends and are determined to make their summer memorable. They set a goal to see a real-live naked girl for the first time, a challenge that seems impossible for them. Matt, the narrator, is the most level-headed of the three, but he is also the most desperate to see a girl naked. Coop is the joker of the group and often comes up with outrageous ideas, and Sean is the most timid and is easily influenced by the other two.

The boys' initial attempts to achieve their goal are disastrous, to say the least. They try to spy on a girl from their school, but end up getting caught and humiliated. However, they don't give up and instead come up with a new plan. They decide to sign up for the local swim team, thinking that they'll get to see the girls in their swimsuits. Matt, who is an excellent swimmer, plans to impress the girls by swimming the 100-yard butterfly, the most challenging stroke.

The Hilarious Misadventures

What follows are a series of hilarious misadventures as the boys try to navigate the world of teenage hormones and relationships. Coop, in his quest to lose his virginity, ends up in a series of embarrassing situations. Sean, who has a crush on a girl from their school, struggles to talk to her. And Matt, who initially joined the swim team to see naked girls, finds himself genuinely enjoying the sport and even develops a crush on Kelly, the best swimmer on the girls' team.

The boys' attempts to swim the 100-yard butterfly are particularly entertaining. They come up with a ridiculous training regimen that involves swimming in a freezing lake, getting stung by bees, and even swimming in a pool filled with sewage. Despite all their efforts, Matt fails to swim the butterfly in the first two competitions. However, he doesn't give up and continues to train, driven by his desire to impress Kelly.

Friendship and Growth

As the summer progresses, the boys' friendship is put to the test. Coop feels betrayed when he finds out that Matt has a crush on Kelly, the girl he liked. Sean struggles with his feelings for a girl who is dating his nemesis. However, they eventually reconcile and realize that their friendship is more important than any girl. Matt, in particular, undergoes significant growth. He learns to appreciate the value of hard work and determination, and his initial goal of seeing a naked girl becomes less important to him.

In the final competition, Matt finally manages to swim the 100-yard butterfly, but not to impress Kelly or to see a naked girl, but for himself. He realizes that the journey was more important than the destination. The novel ends with the boys looking forward to the next summer, ready to face new challenges and adventures together.

In Conclusion

In Swim the Fly, Don Calame presents a humorous and heartwarming coming-of-age story. Through the experiences of Matt, Coop, and Sean, the author explores the challenges of adolescence, the importance of friendship, and the value of personal growth. The boys' quest to see a naked girl might seem trivial, but it serves as a backdrop for their larger journey of self-discovery and maturation. In the end, Swim the Fly is not just about the boys' summer escapades, but about the universal experience of growing up.