Module Fifteen: Forever by Judy Blume
Bibliography
Blume, J. (2007). Forever. New York, NY: Simon Pulse. (Original work published 1975 by Bradbury Press.Summary
Katherine and Michael are high school seniors who meet by chance at a New Year's Eve party and are instantly attracted to one another. Their relationship progresses quickly, both emotionally and physically, and eventually Katherine loses her virginity. In anticipation for the future, they plan on rearranging their college plans so that they can be together...forever. But then Katherine's father arranges for her to be a tennis coach at a summer camp, keeping her and Michael apart all summer. Meanwhile, Michael has already made summer plans to work in North Carolina and is just now telling her. When Katherine meets Theo, a fellow tennis coach, the unexpected happens, and she begins questioning everything -- including her feelings for Michael.
My Impressions
Forever is a realistic love story, and its themes of first love and coming-of-age are timeless. Aside from references to "fondue" and the idea of Robert Redford being a kind of "Brad Pitt" of the time, Blume's novel translates well into 2012. All the characters, including the adults, are well-developed, and the ups and downs of Katherine's and Michael's relationship are quite realistic. Through the years, many parents and teachers have objected to the sexual content of Forever. While there is definitely sexual content throughout the book, it is never gratuitous and helps to give a further sense of realism to their relationship. While appropriate for high school students, the content may be too mature for middle school students.
Review
School Library Journal"Katherine and Michael find each other, and it's first love for both of them. Katherine loses her virginity, finds out about contraceptives, and learns about VD with lectures inserted as needed. Actually, both kids are so kind and considerate, so understanding, so everything, that readers may wonder what's wrong with them. Finally, she realizes that first love isn't always Forever, that she is growing and accepting changes. Sniff, sniff. Obviously it's not a quality book, but that fact won't bother the many girls who will read it, identify, cry happily, and recommend it to their friends. Librarians buying for junior high schools should be aware that the sexual scenes, while not at all explicit compared to the run of adult novels, may be more than parents of young teens bargain for."
No comments:
Post a Comment