Are you there, Judy Blume-It is me, Erin

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<img src="judy-blume-5.jpg" alt="Are you there Judy Blume? It's me Erin"> — Judy Blume-jewishcurrents.org

Blubber. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. Deenie. Then Again, Maybe I Won’t. Forever. Every one of these books sat on my bookshelf when I was a little girl. I loved Judy Blume. When I grew up, I discovered her novels for adults, my favorite being Wifey. But for me, the memory of reading Judy Blume’s books as a girl quickly maturing into a teenager is one that still resonates. If I had a daughter, these would be on her bookshelf as well.

Judy Blume began writing the way many writers do; making up stories in her head. A vivid imagination coupled with an innate talent for writing spurred Judy Blume to put those stories onto paper. Judy has a B.S. in Education from New York University which may explain her passion for writing books for children and young adults.

In 1980’s Judy found herself at the center of a book banning campaign, and began reaching out to other writers, teachers and librarians who were also under fire. This experience inspired her to work with the National Coalition Against Censorship, protecting the freedom to read. Judy Blume is also the editor of the book Places I Never Meant To Be, Original Stories by Censored Writers.

As an author, Judy Blume continues to touch and influence new generations of young people, most recently with a series of four chapter books, The Pain and The Great One,
Illustrated by New Yorker cartoonist James Stevenson. She has also co-written and produced a film adaptation of her book, Tiger Eyes. Judy Blume is still an amazing author, activist and inspiration to readers, young and old.

When Forever was released in 1975, it was the target of censors and appears on the American Library Association list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-2000 at number 7. Forever is a wonderful book, dealing with a teenage girl’s first sexual experience, love and the pain of separation. It is a frank and honest book. Judy Blume does not write down to young people; she tells the truth and she trusts and respects her readers.

Forever tells the story of Katherine, a high school senior and virgin who meets Michael at a party. Michael, also a senior, has been sexually active, and when he and Katherine finally have sex on Michael’s sister’s bedroom floor, they both believe this seals their love “forever.” They spend the summer apart, and forever ends when Katherine finds herself attracted to an older tennis instructor. The act of breaking the new to Michael is more maturing than the sex, and Katherine realizes this moment is part of growing up.

Michael and Katherine talk openly and honestly about their feelings, and once they decide to have sex, visit a family planning clinic and get contraception. Judy Blume writes Michael and Katherine as real people, teenagers who are struggling with questions and desires, and who, when they choose to make love, do the responsible thing and use contraception. Most of the women I know who read Forever didn’t really understand the hoopla. I hope when any teenager decides to have sex for the first time, they are as careful and responsible as Michael and Katherine.

There is a fairly new author named Sarah Ockler who reminds me a lot of Judy Blume. She writes with tenderness, honesty, humor and she’s already had her book, Twenty Boy Summer, banned in Missouri. Ms. Ockler, you are in very good company.

Judy Blume’s books helped me deal with adolescence, boys, dating, being different, you name it. Deenie helped me realize that being in a cast was better than being in a scoliosis brace. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret taught me I was special even if I didn’t quite fit in. I owe a debt of gratitude to Judy Blume, for being brave enough to write her books in the face of censorship, being kind enough to write books that helped a skinny brainiac get through puberty and for being one of the authors who inspired me to write. If you’re there, Judy Blume, it’s me, Erin. Thank you.

Thanks to Judy Blume’s website, judyblume.com, and Wikipedia for contributions to this article.

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Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.

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