"Forever" by Judy Blume

Photo Credit: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37743.Forever

Judy Blume introduces her readers to a slightly older, worldlier character in Forever. Kath and Michael meet at a New Years Eve party, and quickly fall in love.  As seniors in different high schools, their new love is bound to be tested and challenged.  The focus of their relationship becomes sexual, and the two teenagers are faced with the future of separation in college.  After graduation, Kath’s parents insist that she leave Michael for the summer for a job at her younger sister’s summer camp where Kath meets someone who tests and challenges her feelings for Michael.

Before I get going, I must mention that I am a huge supporter of Banned Books Week, intellectual freedom, and that I feel that this book should be made available to whoever wants to read it.  That being said…  While Forever is a classic of its time, a book that challenged the norm, and is something that reflects the voice of the quintessential teenage love story, I couldn’t wait to be through with it.  The voice of Kath is choppy, somewhat confusing, and at times, crude.  She holds her relationship to Michael above everything else, until someone more interesting comes along.  Michael is just something I am unable to convey while using kid-friendly expletives.  I understand and respect Blume’s influence in YA and children’s literature, but I must say, her writing style leaves me unimpressed.

See Forever in Salina Public Library's catalog:

• Forever in book format

See Forever on Goodreads.com

Blume, Judy.  Forever…  New York: Bradbury Press, 1975.  Print.  ISBN-0027110303; hardback; unknown.