Blume, Judy. Forever... 1975. Simon Pulse, 192 pages. $8.99 ISBN 9781416934004 Plot Summary:
Katherine and Michael meet the fall of their senior year in high school. The two quickly start spending all their free time together. Soon the couple confesses their love for each other. Kath and Michael begin experimenting sexually, slowing working up to the decision to have intercourse. Both Michael and Kath believe what they have is forever, though their parents thing they are too young to think about forever. Destined to be separated when they attend different colleges in the next fall, the two both wonder if their relationship will survive.
Critical Review:
Judy Blume’s classic novel Forever… is an honest and realist portrayal of first love. Kath and Michael’s blooming relationship reminded me of what it felt like to fall in love the first time, complete with butterflies. Blume’s teens approach their relationship with a high level of maturity. Michael and Kath clearly care for and respect one another and discuss their relationship honestly. One can only hope that teens reading Forever… find guidance from Kath and Michael in conducting their own relationships.
Genre:
Realistic Fiction
Romance
Interest Level:
Grades 8-12
Similar Books:
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
Subjects/Themes:
Relationships
High School
Sexuality
Author’s Website:
Annotation:
Forever… is a poignant story of first love between teens Michael and Katherine.
Book Talking Ideas:
I would recommend this book to teens to enjoy character driven, romantic fiction and stories about realistic relationships. I would also recommend this title for parents who are looking for materials on discussing sex with their teen. This would be a good book for a parent to read as well to help open a discussion about responsible sex choices.
Why I chose to include this book:
I loved Judy Blume as a kid, but I had not read one of her books since middle school. When reading Forever… I was pleased to discover Blume’s writing is just as wonderful as I remembered it and the story is still relatable to today’s teens.
Potential Challenges:
Forever… has been challenged before, so I would not be surprised if some parents disapproved of the title for its frank representation of teenage sexuality.
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