Blume, J. (1975). Forever: A novel. Scarsdale, N.Y: Bradbury Press. ISBN 1416934006
Plot Summary Katherine and Michael are in love and it seems so perfect, Katherine can’t imagine their relationship not lasting forever. The closer they get, the more she wants to be with him, and the more the issue of sex becomes unavoidable. Katherine is somewhat torn as to whether sex is an expression of love or a physical act, or somewhere in the middle. She and her friend Erica, who believes that sex is physical only, try to sort this out, and Katherine considers what she wants to happen in her relationship with Michael. The future looms large, with college and summer jobs in different states threatening to separate them. Can they survive the distance, or will they even want to? Katherine and Michael’s story of first love is touching and realistic, and will ring true with readers of any age.
Critical Analysis
This novel was groundbreaking at the time it was published. Never before had a young adult novel addressed sex in such an honest and unflinching light. Not only is sex openly discussed, Katherine is an active participant and she knows what she wants. She is an interesting and well-rounded character. She enjoys sex – this was also unusual for the time. She is empowered to make her own choices and does not regret them. And though she is in love with Michael and cannot imagine being without him, she understands that their future is uncertain after they are separated for the summer and then college. Once at her own summer job, she finds herself attracted to an older boy, and she breaks up with Michael when he comes to visit her. She sees her first love for what it is: not an infinite state of being, but the first step towards a series of more complex relationships. In this way, the novel is not just about sex as the censors claim, but about maturity and love and making healthy, reasonable decisions. Though this novel is a romance, it is not an idealistic one, or a Gothic romance in which the heroine is swept off her feet and loses her head. This is about a real high school relationship, and as such is an important and rational story that teens will relate to. The supporting characters, Katherine’s friend Erica, Michael’s friend Artie, Michael himself, and the infamous Ralph (who is admittedly not a character but certainly an important part of the story) are just as complex as Katherine, rather than stock sidekick characters. As always Judy Blume’s prose is tight, clean, and funny, as well as tender and endearing. This novel is a quick read without a doubt, but not for a lack of complexity.
Reader’s Annotation
Katherine and Michael are head over heels in love and never want to be apart. Together they navigate the territory of how to express this love and how to handle the looming future in which they must separate for college.
About the Author
Judy Blume grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey and spent her childhood creating stories in her head. She got her Bachelor's in Education from New York University and has had a lifelong interest in children's education, as is evidenced by her participation in charities such as The Kid's Fund, of which she is the founder and trustee. She is also notable for her activism to prevent censorship - which is appropriate, as her books are often challenged or banned. In addition to serving on the National Coalition Against Censorship, she edited a book of short stories written by censored writers titled Places I Never Meant to Be. Currently she lives with her husband on various islands along the east coast; they have three grown children and one grandchild.
Blume's collection of work is vast and highly celebrated. Over 80 million copies of her books have sold and she has had her work translated into over 30 languages. She has received countless prestigious honors and awards, such as the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Library of Congress Living Legends Award. She is still writing and publishing today.
Genre
Romance - contemporary
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues in this book include sex, discussion of sexual orientation, birth control, and sexually transmitted diseases. In the event of a challenge, I would consult the challenge defense file prepared for this book. The challenge defense file would include: positive reviews from credible sources for the purpose of proving merit to the challenger; negative reviews in order to inform me on what might be challenged; a written explanation of my own rationale for including the book in the collection as well as a summary of the plot; the American Library Association Bill of Rights; a review of my branch’s selection policy; and, as a last resort, an explanation of the reconsideration policy for my library and an official reconsideration form.
Curriculum Ties
English and Writing: character development and story arc.
Booktalk
Katherine is in love for the first time and everything feels brand new. But with first love comes a lot of pressure and responsibility, and she struggles to understand exactly what she wants and how to go about it. Then there is also the looming threat of college, which will separate them. Even something as wonderful as a first love isn’t always easy. Read this book for a realistic portrayal of teenage love.
Reading Level and Interest Age
Grades 9-12
Why I Included This Book
This book is a classic. Most cite it as the first real portrayal of a sexual relationship between teenagers, so of course it has suffered many bans and challenges. Although it is somewhat tame by today’s standards, its contribution to the genre of romance and young adult fiction in general cannot be denied. A young adult collection wouldn’t be complete without it.
References
Blume, J. (2007). Judy's official bio. Retrieved from http://www.judyblume.com/about.php
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