Blume, Judy. Forever.
Simon Pulse; 2007 (originally published in 1975),
ISBN: 1416934006.
Reader’s Annotation
Katherine explores her feelings of love and sexuality with her new boyfriend Michael, but the question is, what does “forever” really mean?
Plot Summary
When Katherine meets Michael at a New Year’s Eve party, she’s attracted to him and he is to her. But Katherine proceeds with caution when it comes to sex. Despite that fact that her best friend Erica fully believes that love is not really a requirement for sex, Katherine believes differently. Michael seems to respect and accept Katherine’s feelings, and yet he makes it clear that he would like to pursue a sexual relationship with her. The two fall in love, and despite other people’s opinions, Katherine sticks to her guns about wanting feelings attached to her first sexual encounter. When they finally go away for a ski weekend together, Katherine feels ready. As their relationship progresses, Katherine’s parents encourage her to make summer plans that will put the relationship to a test separation. That experience teaches Katherine a lot about what “forever” really means.
Critical Evaluation
Blume has been attacked for much of her work, but none as much as Forever. The explicit nature of the sexual content has drawn both fierce criticism, and loyal fans. The story unfolds from Katherine’s point of view, and the feelings she wrestles with convey what many girls think about. Blume portrays Michael as a typical guy, and yet one who genuinely cares for Katherine and respects her feelings. Young teenagers will likely be attracted to the sex, however, the different expectations and approaches to relationships and how relationships evolve is a powerful lesson for any age.
About the Author
Judy Blume spent her early year “making up stories in her head” in Elizabeth, NJ. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in education from New York University, Blume went on to a highly successful career writing children’s, young adult and even some adult fiction books.
Because Blume was targeted in a book banning campaign in the 1980s, she dedicated herself to speaking out for intellectual freedom. She also reached out to other writers, teachers and librarians, who were also under fire. Blume is still a staunch advocate and continues to work with the National Coalition Against Censorship to protect the freedom to read. For more information, go to: http://www.judyblume.com/
Genre
Realistic Fiction—Romance
Curriculum Tie-ins
Health—human sexuality
Booktalk Ideas
- What age group do you think should be Forever’s audience?
- What do you think about Erica’s offer to help Artie explore his sexual identity?
Reading level/Interest age
Young Adult
Challenge Issues/Challenge Response Ideas
- Explicit sexual content
- Present the library’s selection policy
- Be familiar with similar works in the collection
- Refer to YALSA’s site http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/margaretaedwards/maeprevious/1996awardwinner.cfm
Why I included this work
I first read Forever when it was passed around among the girls in my middle school, and this was my first experience reading a banned book. I am fascinated that the book is just as liked, and as controversial after more than thirty years.
Winner of YALSA’s Margaret A. Edwards Award (1996)
Great Quote from the Book:
"Suddenly question number four popped into my mind. Have you thought about how this relationship will end?"
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