Jennifer O'Connell (1)

What can I say? If you've ever been a fan of Judy Blume, if her books have ever held a special place in your heart and soul, you should read this book. If you missed out on the beauty of Judy Blume, but you have pre-teen daughters, you should still read this book.

There wasn't a bad essay in this entire book; I admit I found one completely shocked me, but that's more because I apparently didn't take away from Deenie what everyone else did. (Deenie left me terrified of scoliosis, and when I was 18 and diagnosed with a mild variation, I don't mind telling you, I freaked.)

What I've most taken away from this book though is the (for me) surprising revelation that I'm not alone in my adoration of her books and the importance they had on my childhood and adolescence. I got on some level that she was immensely popular, of course, but I never really got that I was so very normal. That my childhood was so normal. That my friends and I weren't the only ones that thought Forever was the apex of contraband reading. Forever it seems, was not just my watershed moment of adolescence, but my entire generation's watershed moment.

See? Just reading about other people writing about Judy Blume continues to change lives. If you find this, read it. I can't promise you'll love it as I do, but if you're a woman you'll find plenty to identify with.… (mere)

Many readers have fond memories of Judy Blume's books. In this essay collection numerous writers reflect on how Blume's books helped them get through adolescence. I always appreciated Blume's willingness to write about topics other writers wouldn't touch. Generally these reminisces focus on the topics of divorce and sex, with a bit of teenage awkwardness thrown in. While I certainly appreciated the topic, there were enough similar essays that they started to seem repetitive and a bit like overkill. Also, all of the essay writers were drawn from the chick lit and young adult genres. As a result, many of the essays had the same tone and focus. I would have liked some more variety.… (mere)