I was shocked to realize that I’d missed one of Judy Blume’s novels for young adults. I was then surprised to find that my local library didn’t even own a copy. A ha. Scandal. It’s a book about sex. Originally published in 1975.
Katherine and Michael, seniors in high school, meet at a New Year’s Eve party. They begin dating and soon encounter the issue of sex. Katherine is a virgin; Michael isn’t. Sex is presented as more of a emotional issue than a moral issue. They ultimately progress through stages of physical intimacy and believe that their love will last forever.
I have a split view of Forever.
View #1 – This book has been banned from libraries, and I can see why it makes people uncomfortable. It is a blunt look at teenage sex. While I wouldn’t feel comfortable having my teenager read this book, I do think its frankness is refreshing and provides an interesting and oft unheard point of view.
View #2 – I thought the writing and story were overly simplistic. Michael seemed to just want Katherine for sex; their relationship is not explored outside of the sexual context. Each of their dates seems like an excuse for being alone and having sex. I also felt like Michael put undue pressure on Katherine to have sex.
In sum, adults might find this an interesting perspective on teen sex. But teenagers probably shouldn’t read this without parental or adult supervision and discussion.
Forever, by Judy Blume 
Buy Forever . . .
You May Also Like:
{ 12 comments }
Hmm..I have heard a lot about this book at first it sounded kinda good now I’m not so sure. I think I’ll give it a shot anyway. :)
Having read this at age 13, I can say without question that, indeed, teenagers should NOT read this! This book was circulated around our school for months and months, passed with pages folded down, significant passages underlined, and wow–did we all get an education. Unfortunately Blume’s WIFEY came next, and that took things to a whole new level.
I can remember reading this book at an early age, although I can’t remember if I got it from the library or not. Regardless, as titillating as it was, it certainly didn’t turn me into a “loose” girl or change my morality in anyway. I suspect that teens who are less than chaste are going to be that way whether they read “Forever” or not. ;)
Lis – It’s an interesting book. I think it’s probably worth the read.
SmallWorldReads – I haven’t made it to Wifey, but Summer Sisters was pretty explicit too.
Michele – I don’t think this book would cause immorality simply by reading it. I just think having an adult to discuss it with would ensure that teenagers don’t get the wrong idea about sex.
Thanks for your review. I hadn’t heard of this one until “Anatomy of a Boyfriend” started circulating, and I kept hearing that book compared to “Forever”. Its hard to believe a book that takes a frank look at teenage sex actually came out in 1975… it still seems slightly shocking.
Despite the content, do you see value in teenagers reading this book, with parental supervision as you mentioned?
I read this book when I was 14 and I was hooked, Now as a Mother of 2 I think this book can teach a young girl how things can happen in a relationship when you first start dealing with boys and adult responsibility. Such as dealing with teen pregnancy, birth control and over all learning to deal with new feelings that ever teen girl has to deal with at some point..I think even now this is a good read :-)
it was a really good book exepc “RALPH” is the weirdest character ;)
this book is the best ever..it teached me a lot about teen love…i just really loved this book i even did my english 2 book report on it..
Having also read this book at age 13, i remember almost every detail. Reading certian material is not like watching it or doing it, and yes it could influence teens badly, but for those who don’t experience such situations, the book can become an awesome experience.
i read the book at age 13, and it didn’t change a single view about sex for me. i thought the book was a great read at the time, although as stated before, i do remember every detail. and i do remember my other friends laughing about some parts in the book. didn’t do us any harm though.
i read this book when i was 12 i fell in love with this book i am 18 now married in dec. nd now expecting. i lost my virginty after i got married. this book has given me a perspective on sex. and i think teens should read it weather or not they read it they are still going to be subdued to sex by music and movies and other peers. i think that this book kinda gives more relistic details on sex than anything else. think back to your first time or fisrt kiss or fooling around time and how okward it was and are you still with that same person evn though the two of you said forever was it. teens are going to have their own thoughts about sex and i highly doubt that this book is going to influence them to go and jump in the bed.. i have read this book over 17 times and i still cnt get enough of it today. i would recommend this book to any girl who is considering to have sex for the first time just as a reasurance that this is what they want. cause anyhting can happen and in todays time everything revolves around sex the guy and or girl promises the world the their other and then leaves them in the end that is how it is. i am just fresh out of high school and i see more teens pregnant than i do adults who are married. the book is just simply a relate book to those who have that same coorky first time and them something hapens and they split. it is not by far a threatening book. i do agree that a parent does need to explaine certine thing out of the book just incase the teen gets the wrong idea but the problem isnt the teens its the parents trying to scare teens and teens want to be relbouless against them. if parents were more open about it and expaine to them that there are dangers to it and be safe a percentage of kids wouldnt even be worried about sex. i understand tht the teen is going to do whatever and there is nothing a parent can do to stop it it is just not possible. let them read the book
this book made me start to read i was told by all my friends its a good book read it&&i LOVED it!the only thing is if youre immature…you dont need to read it.
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 1 trackback }