Forever

Blume, Judy. Forever. Seattle: Bradbury Press, 1975. 224 p. eBook.

 

Katherine knew enough to know that she would only lose her virginity to someone she loved.   What Katherine did not know was that when she met Michael at a New Year’s Eve party, they would start down a trail of firsts, and lasts, and forevers as they moved closer and closer into adulthood. High school seniors, Michael and Kath become fully involved in one another’s lives, until distance and the realities of the real world begin to tear at the core of their beliefs.  Readers follow Katherine and Michael as they make decisions about sex, birth control, love, and what forever really means.

Certainly the strength of Forever is the honest writing approach to some very difficult topics.  While this book is frequently found on the challenged and/or banned books list, it takes a straightforward approach to topics that can be rather uncomfortable for a teen.  Readers experience what Katherine experiences as her relationship becomes intimate.  For teen readers, Forever can provide answers to questions that otherwise would be uncomfortable to ask.  And for a parent, Judy Blume has provided a perfect springboard for frank discussions about the family’s values regarding teen sex and teen relationships.

A weakness within the book is also its strength.  As young readers grow, they will recognize the name Judy Blume and easily connect her with some of their favorite childhood books.  That familiar author and innocent title may lead a younger reader to pick up the book. A reader that may not be ready for a book with the level of sexual frankness contained in Forever may be disturbed by the content of the book.  In this case, it would be important to reiterate the belief that parents/guardians need to be aware of the book choices of youngsters. 

Despite the potentially uncomfortable subject matter, Judy Blume’s Forever is a respectful, earnest depiction of sex and the emotions that are part of such a big decision.  This is a powerful novel for both readers and their parents/guardians, as it may open barriers that are often restricted as teenagers wade the turbulent waters that will ultimately lead them to adulthood.