Forever . . . [Paperback]

Judy Blume (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 24, 2007

There's a first for everything.

When you build up something in your mind -- really imagine it, wish for it -- sometimes, when it actually happens, it doesn't live up to your expectations.

True love is nothing like that.

Especially not for Katherine and Michael, who can't get enough of each other. Their relationship is unique: sincere, intense, and fun all at the same time. Although they haven't been together all that long, they know it's serious. A whole world opens up as young passion and sexuality bloom.

But it's senior year of high school, and there are big changes ahead. Michael and Katherine are destined for another big "first": a decision. Is this the love of a lifetime, or the very beginning of a lifetime of love?

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Going all the way" is still a taboo subject in young adult literature. Judy Blume was the first author to write candidly about a sexually active teen, and she's been defending teenagers' rights to read about such subjects ever since. Here, Blume tells a convincing tale of first love--a love that seems strong and true enough to last forever. Katherine loves Michael so much, in fact, that she's willing to lose her virginity to him, and, as the months go by, it gets harder and harder for her to imagine living without him. However, something happens when they are separated for the summer: Katherine begins to have feelings for another guy. What does this mean about her love for Michael? What does this mean about love in general? What does "forever" mean, anyway? As always, Blume writes as if she's never forgotten a moment of what it's like to be a teenager. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A convincing account of first love."

-- The New York Times Book Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse; Reissue edition (April 24, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416934006
• ISBN-13: 978-1416934004
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (394 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,006 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Judy Blume spent her childhood in Elizabeth, NJ, making up stories inside her head. She has spent her adult years in many places, doing the same thing, only now she writes her stories down on paper. Adults as well as children will recognize such Blume titles as: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret; Superfudge; Blubber; Just As Long As We're Together; and Forever. She has also written the best-selling novels Wifey; Smart Women; and, Summer Sisters. More than 75 million copies of her books have been sold, and her work has been translated into twenty-six languages.
She receives thousands of letters each month from readers of all ages who share their feelings and
concerns with her.
Judy received a B.S. in education from New York University in 1961, which named her a Distinguished Alumna in 1996, the same year that American Library Association honored her with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement. She has won more than ninety awards, none more important than those coming directly from her youngest readers.
She serves on the boards of the Author's Guild, currently as Vice President; the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, where she sponsors an award for contemporary fiction; and the National Coalition Against Censorship, working to protect intellectual freedom. In Spring 2002, Judy was a spokesperson for the Cheerios "A Book for Every Child" literacy campaign which benefited Reading is Fundamental, America's largest literacy organization. She is also the founder and trustee of The Kids Fund, a charitable and educational foundation.
Judy's first book in the Fudge series, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, was published in 1972. She is thrilled to be celebrating its 30th Anniversary with the publication of Double Fudge. Just as generations of fans have loved the Fudge books, generations of Judy's family have inspired them. Thirty years ago, Fudge was inspired by her son, Larry, and now Double Fudge was written at the request of her grandson, Elliot.
Judy lives on islands up and down the East Coast with her husband George Cooper. They have three grown children and one grandchild.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

174 of 185 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous book! January 29, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I just read through all 104 customer reviews, and while I agreed with most of them, I couldn't believe the ones from people saying that this book was 'perverted', 'disgusting', and whatnot. I'm 14 years old and read this book in 2 hours the day I got it. It's a very good example of first love - you think it will last forever, but it ends up that it isn't going to happen. I don't know if the sex scenes are realistic or not, but I know this much: they are NOT your typical perfect, amazing, swooning scenes of other books and movies. It's a very honest book. Yes, it is somewhat graphic at times, but for us girls who haven't had any sexual encounters yet, it shows us how it will very likely be for us at first. Katherine is nervous, and scared when she loses her virginity - Judy Blume shows the emotions and fear that comes with it. Overall, this book is fantastic, and I recommend it to anyone who likes Judy Blume and is 13 or older!

115 of 126 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This has endured for a reason... October 21, 2004

By Book Mom

Format:Mass Market Paperback

...that being that it is still as topical now as it was when I read it more than 20 years ago. It is not a "how to" manual for sex, but rather illustrates the disappointment that can come from giving yourself sexually to someone who doesn't deserve you. That's what I took from it all those years ago, and *this book* was one of many factors that encouraged me NOT to have sex as a teenager.

To the reviewer who said "I can tell you that many young women I knew became sexually active at a very young age, due in large part to this book. It made sex seem 'hip' and 'cool'. The saddest part of all is what this book says about our culture..." If you think a book is what makes teenagers have sex, you need a lesson on hormones. This book makes sex seem special, and not something that you want to do with just anybody. And what is says about our culture is that teens are naturally curious about sex, and if their parents instill in them some self-esteem and self-respect, they won't want to just give their bodies away to someone who doesn't appreciate them. Don't blame a book because people are poor parents.

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Teen Issues About Love & Sex September 25, 2001

By A Customer

Format:Mass Market Paperback

"Forever" is the 'adult' novel about Katherine Danziger and Michael Wagner, two teenagers experiencing first love together. They meet at a mutual friend's New Year's Eve party. Initially, Kath isn't too impressed with him, but as the night wears on, she finds herself growing more and more attracted to him. Then he shows up the next day and admits he's interested in her.

From there, everything's pretty obvious, so I'm not going to prattle on about details and events. They spend countless hours together, going skiing, making out, etc. The sex scenes are explicit (but not trashy) and sometimes funny. You'll understand what I mean when you meet Ralph.

Then comes the dreaded summertime when Katherine and Michael are separated by jobs. This is when their relationship is on the line: Does Katherine cheat on Michael or not? Answer: You'll just have to read "Forever" and find out for yourself.

When I picked this book up recently, I was surprised to see it was written back in the 70s. Even though it's a 'dinosaur' of a book, the material is pretty much up-to-date about teenage pregnancy and sex. The one thing that's changed over the years is AIDS, which Judy Blume briefly talks about at the beginning of this book. Otherwise, this book will probably be passed on for generations, and the issues will probably still be the same.

One complaint: Nobody in this book seemed to have any major hang-ups about sex or birth control. Kath's family and friends were eager and open to talk about sex; Kath's grandmother even gave her birth control advice. Now, I don't know of anyone who could be so lucky, so in that respect "Forever" failed to be realistic.

Even though "Forever" is not my favorite Judy Blume book, it's definitely worth reading. If you're pretty comfortable about sex, you'll probably enjoy this book. If not, you'll probably cringe and either burn it or secretly continue reading it.

Three years after it was published, "Forever" was made into a TV movie. I wasn't born yet to see it, but from what I heard, I didn't miss much.