Janet Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Forever by Judy Blume The Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kell Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 I remember reading this when I was about 14 or 15 years old after being given a photocopy of one f the sections. There was a brief moment of confusion for me as in the section I'd read, there'd been mention of a "Ralph", but when reading the book, the guy was called Michael. Of course, it all became clear as I read on... Judy Blume is an excellent writer - she manages to capture many problems faced by teenagers and write about them in a very accessible way that doesn't make you feel as if she's "talking down" at you. There are some hard-hitting themes tackled in her books and this one is a particularly cleverly-written one - her approach is delicate, yet she doesn't pussy-foot around the issues. I really should go back to qa few of her books and see if they still hold up as well as I remember them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruth Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 I remember reading this when I was about 14. I didn't appreciate how good the writing was at that age, but looking back, it was a good book for teenagers. It wasn't patronising, which is something that a lot of books for that age group can be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nellie Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 I remember this being passed around at school. I don't remember much about it to be honest, although I do remember Blume's other books, especially "Are you there god, it's me margaret". I did enjoy them and you are right, the writing is very good for that age group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexi Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I've just bought this book for my cousin, she is 11 years old. I haven't read this book, so I'm asking if you think it's maybe to serious for a 11-year-old? She is more mature than her friends, but still.. wouldn't like to give her something she won't like Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nici Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I think it's too grown up for an 11 year old personally. There are some quite rude bits in it! I think I was about 14 when I read it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kell Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 (edited) I've just bought this book for my cousin, she is 11 years old. I haven't read this book, so I'm asking if you think it's maybe to serious for a 11-year-old? She is more mature than her friends, but still.. wouldn't like to give her something she won't like It's definitely more a book for older teens due to its sexual content - I would NOT recommend it for an 11-y-o, no matter how nature they were. Some of Blume's other books would be more appropriate, such as Deenie, As Long As We're Together or Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret. Their content is far more appropriate and relevant to someone approaching or in their early teens, especially girls. Edited November 19, 2008 by Kell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexi Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 tnx for the advices I'll postpone it then for a few years and hopefully read it myself, too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K1nS Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 I really enjoyed this book, I love Judy Blume. I read this book when I was around 14-15 ish, I agree with others when they say its not really suitable for anyone younger than this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkle1106 Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 I remember reading this when I was about 15. It was passed around all the girls at school. It must have had quite an impact as I still remember certain details and I've never read it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 Synopsis: Katherine and Michael meet at a New Year's Eve party. They're attracted to each other, they grow to love each other. And once they've decided their love is forever, they make love. It's the beginning of an intense and exclusive relationship, with a future all planned. Until Katherine's parents insist that she and Michael put their love to the test with a summer apart..."Forever" is written for an older age group than Judy Blume's other novels for children. It caused a storm of controversy when it was first published because of its explicit sexual content. It was a book ahead of its time - and remains, after thirty years in print, a teenage best-seller. America's No. 1 children's author has written some of the best books of our time about real-life issues - family stress and pressures, what happens when your parents divorce, the problems of growing up and sexual awakening, bereavement - with insight, sensitivity and honesty. The response of readers all around the world continues to make her one of the best-loved writers ever published. Well I can see why this book would have shocked Judy Blume's younger readers! I loved her books when I was 10 and 11, but never came across this one. The one's I remember are full of innocence and fun...this one is full of sex! I think I'm glad I didn't discover it when I was reading her books, I was too young to know about sex and love! This is definitely a novel for older teens, but I think it is a good book for those who are starting to explore life and relationships. The story is mainly about Katherine. She is young and eager to experience life. She meets Michael at a party and they start dating. Soon they believe themselves to be in love and think they will be together forever. When Katherine thinks she is ready they start to have sex. Yet they are both sent away for the summer and during that time Katherine meets someone else who she feels attracted to. It is also whilst she is away that her Grandfather dies. Katherine had a close relationship with him and is devastated. Through the time away, the grief and the infatuation she feels, Katherine matures and has to find out if "forever" with Michael really is "forever". I liked how this was written. Katherine didn't rush into sex and she asked lots of questions to help her make a decision. She also was sensible and used contraception, even going to see a specialist to find out about all the ways to stay safe. Personally I believe in no sex before marriage, but that is not a common view and I think Blume explored all options well. Her writing was wise and informative, as well as a fun read. Sex is not the only thing explored in this book but it is the main idea. Katherine has to learn how to deal with death and grief - something else Blume did delicately and realistically; and Katherine learns about romantic relationships. She is young and hopes her and Michael will stay together forever, but her parents don't want her to tie herself down to the first guy she dates. Blume explores the idea of first love, marriage and forever in a great way, that gives advice and options to teenagers. I liked Katherine. She had a good head on her shoulders. She asked questions, sought advice and didn't rush any big steps in her relationship. She was a realistic teenager who had mood swings and had to learn to grow up. Michael on the other hand I didn't like. I felt he was pushy, and although his feelings for Kathy seemed genuine, his main focus seemed to be sex. While they are both away for the summer he often makes reference to the fact what he is missing most is sex. It just made him a bit sleazy and I felt his intentions were wrong. I liked the authority figures Blume wrote. Kathy's parents and grandparents are wise and honest - but also firm and just want the best for her. They are not scared to over rule her and help her do what is best. I thought they were vital to the story and very good characters. This is a good book for older teenage girls who are thinking about sex and growing up. Blume is open in this book and looks at the act from many different angles and gives some sound advice. It didn't take long for me to read and I can see why this is a teenage classic. There were elements, such as Katherine going forward with the sex and the character of Michael I didn't like, but I don't think that will put others off the book. I give this 3/5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diemperdidi Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I enjoyed this as an honest portrayal of young love, but it wasn't amazing. I think I got it because of a review that really sang its praises and it didn't really live up to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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