Share your formative Judy Blume experiences!

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Kay Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 03:33 PM EST

I am almost 40 and still have my box set at my parents house. Izzie's house was in there too, I also remember passing around Forever in the 5th grade. God.. my neighbor's dogs' name was Ralph! Funny stuff. I hope someone shows this to Judy Blume to show her how so many women were moved by her work.

Peggy Sun, Dec 28, 2008 at 09:52 PM EST

It was Judy Blume books that made my children the readers they are today. Especially "forever." Thank you, Judy!

Asuka Sat, Dec 13, 2008 at 01:25 AM EST

My cousin Sandy (RIP) was the one who got me hooked on Judy Blume. And at age 14 , I remember how blown away I was with ''Forever'' My favorite scene in the book was the ''colonge on the balls'' LMAO

Marisa Thu, Dec 4, 2008 at 03:50 PM EST

I also loved JB,best line in Are You There God is when Margaret tells good ol' Norman Fishbein to kiss her "On the cheek and fast". Did anyone ever read a YA author, Norma Klein? She wrote books including Beginner's Love, Older Men, and It's Okay If You Don't Love Me. These books were all in the same line as Forever by JB and just as good - really REAL. I can never understand when there is a discussion about great YA fiction, this author's name doesn't come up more. I still read her stuff and love it, and have saved every one of her books for my daughter! Also, the Anastasia Krupnik books by Lois Lowry are great as well.

DJ Thu, Dec 4, 2008 at 02:27 AM EST

I was introduced to Judy Blume because I happened to flip through a book called "Letters to Judy" at a used book store when I was 15,a book of letters from young kids to Judy,asking for advice on different issues that bothers kids at the time,some serious and riveting,some shallow and stupid.Judy Blume didnt exactly gave a lot of advice on the book though (which is weird).But I bought the book anyway.I went through a difficult time when I was a teenager,specially ages 15 (perfect timing!) to 18.That book helped me in a way.Also,the letter senders,mentioned portions of Judy's books that they can relate too,so I bought some of those books.I honestly didnt really appreciate those books at the time because it lacked wit but 10 years later,now I understood how and why "Are You There God?It's me Margaret,Deenie and Blubber" mattered specially to young girls.

bassboy Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 12:32 AM EST

Eat it or wear it! Eat it or wear it!

Mickie Tue, Nov 25, 2008 at 05:10 AM EST

I read mostly science fiction growing up, but it seems that Judy Bloom was always there. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing was my favroite, but Deenie really hit home after my best friend had to start wearing a brace.

Vanessa Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 03:23 PM EST

Growing up in small town Kentucky, I found her books so exotic: Jews, party lines, Central Park. Sally J. Freedman terrified that the man down the hall was Hitler (thanks for the memory, Diablo.) I felt my world was irretrievably larger because of Judy.

I actually wrote her about a book idea when I was 10 or so. Shockingly, she didn't take me up on it and I got a form letter back about where her ideas came from but I treasured the notion that I got a response.

Vanessa Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 03:19 PM EST

I could seriously bawl when the subject of my beloved Judy comes up. I was introduced to her in 4th grade when the Nuns read to us-appropriately enough-"Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing." You haven't experienced that book till you've heard a classroom of 10 year olds laughing hysterically at the "Eat it or wear it" saga.

I wonder if the Nuns would have read that to us if they'd have known what other gems lurked in that canon. I can say I grew up with Judy: I learned about periods from "Are you There God, It's Me Margaret" (belted maxis were long gone so I was confused for a year afterward), wet dreams from "Then Again, Maybe I Won't" (another topic I didn't really piece together for some time) and all about boy parts from "Forever."

My all time favorite might be the more innocent "Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great", a top-notch spinoff from Fourth Grade Nothing. Altho, I also loved "Blubber" (and haven't all of us identified with both Linda and Jill at some time or another?)

Jackie Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 12:49 PM EST

OMG, Judy Blume was my best friend when I had no best friends. She told me everything about how to be a girl since I only had a big brother and an old fashioned mother.

Let's see Are You There God . . . It's Me Margaret (I was on the school library waiting list for my first Judy Blume), It's Not The End of The World, Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself, Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, Then Again, Maybe I Won't, Deenie, Forever

rebecca mitchell Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 08:52 PM EST

I was born and raised in N.Y.and was a childhood actress.I auditioned for a role in an afterschool version of Deenie-(that never got made)and the excitemnt of being in anything affiliated with Judy Blume put me over the edge!!!!!!!

Megan Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 08:49 PM EST

so weird that i stumbled upon this article. i was just thinking the other day about how much i used to love judy blume, and i guess there were a lot of other girls who did too. Tiger eyes and the fudge series were definitely my favorites. i must have read tiger eyes about ten times when i was a kid.

Jeremy Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 12:07 PM EST

I remember learning about people dying and grieving from Tiger Eyes. Loved her books so much

Sara Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 10:52 AM EST

I was/am such a bookworm, and Judy was one of my favorites. I think I had a box set, and I loaned Sally J. to a friend because I loved it so much and I wanted her too, too---I never got it back, and I am still bitter about it!

gia Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 02:32 PM EST

I will never forget reading "Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself" almost 100 times in one summer between 5th and 6th grade. I had no idea why Sally's mom came home "laughing & happy" (now that I'm older, realizing her mom was "tipsy"), but I loved telling people to "Go soak your head!" like Sally's grandmother said. Too bad we can't live in Judy Blume books. I miss my true friends who exist only in print, but who still influence me today, thanks to Judy!

Bethann Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 09:54 PM EST

And my favorite line from "Are You There God..." is when Margaret is talking about the PTS's and their super-sensational secret names. "Nancy, of course was Alexandra. I was Mavis." Too perfect!

Bethann Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 09:46 PM EST

I got my copy of "Are You There God..." when I was in 2nd grade. I loved the book, although I truly had NO clue what a period was and what went on when that Laura chick went behind the A&P with the boys. But that didn't stop me from doing an oral book report on it. I think I got an A (fortunately, no one else in my class knew what a period was either!) I also read "Forever" for the 1st time at a young age--I think I was 10--and it was the first "dirty" book I'd ever read. I bought my own copy on the sly when I was in 5th grade and it mysteriously disappeared from my bookshelf. My 2nd copy that I bought a few years later also mysteriously disappeared. In total, I had 3 suspiciously "lost" copies (which I still maintain are in my mom's cedar chest). I bought another copy when I was 22 and was able to appreciate what a nice, real story it is. It just has some sex in it. But that's what's great about Judy's books--they are REAL and really hilarious!

Sina Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 12:54 AM EST

I grew up on Judy Blume. Superfudge and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing were the first "big kids" boods I read. Then came Blubber, I started to relate to these books. I really related to Blubber and Freckle Juice. With Freckle Juice I learned to like myself for how I am and also not to believe quick rich schemes!

Lana Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

Diablo Cody has been so right in all of her columns, but this one convinced me that we were soulmates. Judy Blume is the reason I love to read so much today. She is also the reason I felt just a little better about being a divorced kid (Its not the end of the world), the reason I read an entire book in one day (Starring Sally J. Freedman as herself), the reason I wanted my period SO badly in forth grade (Are you there God....{too bad I didn't start until 8th}), the reason I still randomly think of "Goodbye Ratface" and giggle (Superfudge), the reason I watched "Splendor in the Grass" at a too young age (Deenie). I could go on, but I'll stop by saying JUDY BLUME IS THE BEST!!!!

nette Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 07:36 PM EST

1976. Grade 7. Mrs. Douglas'class. Selected pages folded, all the juicy passages highlighted in a book that is passed from one girl to the next. I can still remember reading passages from Forever and being awestruck.

I have a friend who was managing editor of a Key West magazine who got to interview Judy Blume. I was so jealous.

Kris Van Bebber Thu, Oct 2, 2008 at 03:56 PM EST

My fourth grade teacher read "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" to us and I read every single book I could - right through "Wifey" etc.

I fancied myself a writer and wrote to Judy Blume about it. She wrote back; I believe it was a form letter, but it was personal and detailed and I still have it along with a signed 8x10 black and white of the author!

I absolutely loved Diablo Cody's piece; her context and characterization are spot on!

I remember moments from her books like Deenie cutting her own hair and the girl at school copying her completely unaware, in her admiration, of Deenie's own turmoils. I also remember Sally J. Freedman and her moments of reflection; her admiration for her teacher - down to the flawed tooth.

It's like Diablo says the books didn't "tell [us] how to feel" and, though ordinary, the characters were "sweeping and intense" - like JUNO really.

Thanks Diablo! I am going to buy my daughter a box set!

Kris

Noel Thu, Oct 2, 2008 at 02:56 PM EST

Thank you, Diablo Cody for bring back great childhood memories. I hadn't thought of Judy Blume for years and suddenly I can't stop thinking about the wonderful, rich, real characters she created. I will always be grateful to Judy for It's Not The End of The World, which I read not too long after my parents divorced. She dealt with real issues that people were facing and had an amazing ability to make the reader truly feel as if she was a friend. And now, thanks to Diablo Cody, I know exactly what to get my teenage nieces for Christmas!

Lynne Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 04:00 PM EST

If not for Judy Blume, I don't know where I would be today. Tiger Eyes will always hold a very special place in my heart!

DebS Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 03:50 PM EST

I read Wifey before I really should have. There’s a couple things in it I still don’t get… sorry to say

DebS Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 03:48 PM EST

I read Wifey before I really should have. There’s a couple things in it I still don’t get… sorry to say

Michelle Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 09:12 AM EST

I was an early reader, and got a Judy Blume box set as a birthday present in 1st or 2nd grade. Somehow, between opening the present and taking it into my bookcase, one of the books must have fallen out and was no where to be found. A few months later I found the "missing" book on a shelf in my mother's closet..."Are You There God, It's Me Margaret". Clearly she felt I was too young. I remember reading it years later, and I felt like I was doing something wrong by reading it, since it had been "hidden". Then I read "Forever" years later, when I received that as a preserbt from a well-meaning relative. A book of young love...little did she know! And I'm so glad I'm not the only one who remembers lines from the books!!!

Lisa Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 09:39 AM EST

Judy Blume's books were part of my life starting when I was in the 4th grade. That is when Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing came out. My teacher could hardly read it to us because she would giggle in between sentences. I am 39 now and have read it to my children. Iggy's House had a great impact on me as did Are you there God? Deenie - all of these stories felt real to me and have impacted my life. When they all came out at the time, my life seemed to be in the same situations. Thank you Judy!!

Melinda Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 01:07 AM EST

I remember reading Are You There, God when I was eight and becoming confused because I didn't know what "getting your period" meant. All I knew was that Margaret really wanted to get her period, and she really wanted to go behind the A&P, which had to do with kissing boys, so...I came to the conclusion that getting your period somehow involved going behind the A&P and kissing boys. I didn't find out what periods really were until the next year, when my mom told me. I was horrified!

Michelle Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 12:43 AM EST

Stop it!!!! I just explained to my fiance how much Judy Blume meant to me. I am 33 years old, and about a year ago, I came across a book sale. It had a bunch of Judy Blume books for sale, and I bought them thinking that they were the most insightful pre-teen/teen books that have ever been written. I stuck them in my cedar chest, hoping to share them with someone someday. Anyway, I fell totally in love with you, Diablo Cody (platonically, of course) the first moment I heard your dialogue. More power to you. I LOVE you more now than I did before I realized that you love Judy Blume. I didn't realize there were more out there.

library lady Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 07:23 PM EST

My 5th grade teacher read Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret aloud to us, and I was hooked from there. Blubber, Deenie, and Tiger Eyes are still my favorites. We passed around the highlighted passages of Forever in 7th grade. When I reread that as an adult, the sex scenes that seemed so racy in middle school were so...sweet. And true.

Growing up Catholic in a predominately Catholic area, everything I learned about Judaism came from Judy Blume. My abhorrence of book banning came from Judy Blume. My understanding of myself came from Judy Blume.

Now, as a middle school librarian, I am still peddling Judy to all the young women and girls. And they always come back to thank me. IMHO, any girl who grows up without Judy is truly deprived.

John Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 05:09 PM EST

I mean obviously you're not a good writer or you wouldn't be on this crap website--but you tennybopper idiots need to stop overusing the word "random." Get mommy to buy you a dictionary.

Cam Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 02:28 PM EST

God...so many memories of Judy Blume. I remember reading "Forever" when I was only nine years old. I still remember the line, once you start having sex you can't go back to holding hands, or something like that. It was good advice (even if I didn't understand it that much back in the fourth grade!).

Loved "Starring Sally J. Freedman..."; I was a lot like that girl with her overactive imagination!And "Blubber"...one of my favorite books!!!

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Laura Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

One other thing, as much as I like Judy Blume, I loved Paula Danziger. I was so sad to hear she passed away in '04.

Laura Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 12:54 PM EST

I loved all of Judy Blume's books. Probably Then Again, Maybe I Won't the most.

I could never forget "I must, I must, I must increase my bust," and the "mean girls" in Blubber. As much as I liked Are You There God? I didn't turn 13 until the late 80's, I so didn't understand the whole belt/pad thing that those girl's had to wear. Plus, I gotta agree with another poster - what girl wanted to get her period?

nessab Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 12:52 PM EST

When "Summer Sisters" came out I re-read most of Judy Blume's books. - Are you there God...?, Deenie, Blubber, Then again maybe I won't and of course - Sally J Friedman. It was like being a teenager again. I was also suddenly able to finish one of those books in a day as opposed to the weeks it would take me in my teens.

I can't pick a favorite of Judy's books but I do wish she would write more.

CJ Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 12:11 PM EST

Earlier this summer, I was at the library with a friend who needed to get books for his younger brother. The first one he picks up is "Are You There, God...It's Me, Margaret" and I had to explain all the girly secrets of the book before he would put it down and realize that it wasn't the right book for his brother. Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing was a better choice.

Stopthemadness Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 11:47 AM EST

Whenever I mention Judy Blume to any gal of a certain age, if they were a fan/reader, it's like an instant bond!! Are You There God..was my fav, but I had and loved them all (and used to rearrange them lovingly on my bookshelf as a kid, my family teasted me about "my Judy"). I bought my tween niece a copy of Are You There... last year and I was so scared that a girl of this generation would not enjoy it, so I was SO HAPPY when she told me she REALLY liked it, I felt like I was personaly responsible for the book, that somehow it was "my" book so her hating it would have crushed me!

Allyson Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 11:36 AM EST

I grew up in a very small, conservative Texas town. (My entire class had 70 people-the largest to graduate at that time.) In 7th grade someone got a copy of "Forever", ripped off the front cover, dog earred the sex scenes and passed it around. We thought we were being so bad. My Mother found out this was going on, read the book and to my shock and surprise...loved it. She said there was a big difference between genuine literature and smut. It is a lesson I hope to pass on to my little girl. We had a great open conversation about teen sex that day and I am all the better for it!!! Thanks Judy!!!

Friday Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST

"Are you there God, it's me Margaret" was the first book I ever read- I think it was in 4th grade. It was given to me by a 6th grader who I idolized. It kicked off my love of reading, which continues to this day, 30 plus years later.

http://whatireadbackthen.blogspot.com Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 10:25 AM EST

First comment - Chaddogg-made me crack up....and I'm at work!

I can't even begin to count the ways in which I was influenced by Judy Blume. I started out reading Freckle Juice when I was about six years old. I have devoured most (but not all) Judy Blume books right up to Summer Sisters, and her editing work of Places I Never Meant To Be: Original Stories by Censored authors. I highly respect Ms. Blume for her work in fighting censorship.

I recently re-read Are You There God, as I'm on a YA kick right now. I couldn't believe just how good that book is. My copies of Just as Long as We're Together had soft pages from so many re-readings. And Forever....oh who can forget the first time reading Forever???

I wish I could meet Judy Blume and give her a great big hug.

Deanna Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:50 AM EST

After reading "Just as Long as We're Together" I forced my parents to let me buy Benjamin Moore paint for my room. Seriously. We had to drive to a different town to even find a store!

Judy Egan Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:42 AM EST

I read Forever in the 4th grade. I was sitting on a swing during recess, lazily moving my legs, with my feet on the ground, reading this racy book, holding the pages close and praying none of the proctors were coming up behind me to read over my shoulder. It was my first experience of "Wow! No-one knows what's going on in my head or in my book, and yet I'm surrounded!" Fabulous.

jj11 Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:38 AM EST

All of these post reminded me of how much these books really influenced me. I remember feeling so relived that I wasn't the only one who felt like Deenie and I don't mean the back brace. Just as long as were together was worn out at my house. Too funny, I remember not knowing who Richard Gere was when I first read it! I grew up in the 80's and puberty in the 90's. My mom wouldn't let me see Pretty Woman, but she had no idea I was reading Judy Blume! Haha

Steevo Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 08:47 AM EST

I've got super fudge in my pants

Winona Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 08:41 AM EST

I was shocked - SHOCKED - but relieved to find that other girls just possibly could be going through the same things that I was - Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret was a must-read.

Happy Banned Books Week!!!

kungpao Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 08:22 AM EST

I met Judy Blume at a book signing and she was so nice and signed my copy of Are you there God... a treasured possession! I always tried to get my friends to do slam books, ala Shelia the Great, but it never really seemed to work out...

Nix Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 07:34 AM EST

I think it's sad you didn't think of Robert Pattinson and [title of play].

... sorry, couldn't resist.

kathgal Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 06:38 AM EST

"Are you there God" and the "We must, we must, we must increase our bust". I could never forget that part! And I am sure it wasn't just me that thought it would work!

Kelly Sun, Sep 28, 2008 at 05:02 PM EST

I read most of Blume's stuff growing up, but my two favorite are Tiger Eyes and Then Again, Maybe I Won't. Her books always dealt with topics that weren't readily discussed back then, and I daresay a generation of women are better for it.

Anitamargarita Sun, Sep 28, 2008 at 04:18 PM EST

Wasn't Sally J. Freedman not only Jewish, but from the North and the book was set in the 50s? She kept obsessing that she saw Nazis who fled (like they were in Argentina or something)? Is that the right book? I remember a scene where she was drinking out of the "colored" water fountain and some random old lady completely freaked out on her. I have lived in the South my entire life, but not in that Old South culture. At 29, I am still mystified by the old folk state workers who refuse to take MLK holiday. I mean WTF? The realities of life before the civil rights were completely foreign to me in the fourth grade when I read that book and it was my first taste of those realities. Judy Blume was my first taste of A LOT of things parents don't talk to their children about. At least not nine year olds. I love her for that.

Brooke Lauren Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 10:32 PM EST

I lived across the street from Judy Blume's daughter on the island of Guam. Randi, Judy's daughter, was a pilot for an airline and lived there for a few years with her husband. One day, after learning about our new neighbor, a few a my friends and I went over and knocked on her door. She greeted us with a big smile and invited us all in for cookies. She asked us each what our favorite Judy Blume book was, and a few weeks later she presented each of us with a copy of our chosen book signed by her mother. I will never forget that!

CSK Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 10:19 PM EST

My parents NEVER spoke about the birds and the bees with me. So most of my (mis)information came from my friends, who were probably just as clueless as me. So I am eternally grateful that I had Judy Blume. I don't think I would have understood everything that was going on if it hadn't been for her books. It also made me realize that should I ever have a daughter, no matter how uncomfortable, I am sitting her down and talking about it all...and then dropping off Judy Blume's box set as I walk out of the room.

Kori Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 06:23 PM EST

I had an 8th grade teacher who liked to terrorize me because I was a shy kid. He would always pick on me in class by picking up whatever book I happened to be reading and opening it up to a random page and start reading it aloud to the class. I always wanted to take "Forever" into that class hoping that he would open the book to one of the 'juicy' parts and HE would be so embarrassed that he would never pick on me again. But, alas, I never had the guts to do that.....so Mr. F is probably STILL terrorizing the other shy girls in 8th grade history class. I wish I could turn back time!

Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 06:14 PM EST

Nicole: Actually, "The Venture Bros." had an episode called "Are You There, God? It's Me, Dean" several years ago. "Supernatural" obviously ripped it off from them. ;)

As for Judy Blume, I read "Are You There, God..." and to this date, it still makes me uncomfortable to think about. Who actually WANTS their period? Ugh.

sue byrnes Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 05:31 PM EST

Hey, Diablo Cody! You are way too young to remember, but FOREVER did get made into a TV movie of the week. Of course, they changed a major plot point: instead of the teen girl dumping her boyfriend/lover and breaking his heart, she got dumped, and learned a "Very Important Lesson". (Stephanie Zimbolist (sp?) played her.)

anne Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 04:51 PM EST

Loved them all growing up, and about to begin reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing to my girls (we gotta get thru Tom Sawyer first). Anyway, in one of the Fudge books one of the neighbors had a "Ski The Bumps" t-shirt. Thought that was hysterical. And, of course, don't drink too many OJs and vodkas.

Mel Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 04:42 PM EST

From the Fudge books, I learned that my younger sister maybe wasn't so bad after all.

From Freckle Juice, I learned to love my own freckles.

From Blubber, I learned the value of kindness.

From her books in general, I learned that life isn't perfect, that we all struggle and suffer, but that we eventually can perservere. Judy got me through my adolescence with my head held just a little higher.

Viv Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 03:55 PM EST

I'd already been reading, and loving, Judy Blume books when I was diagnosed with scoliosis and got my very own back brace. Reading Deenie, which was a little old for me, made me feel SO much better. It proved I could still have a life and be a teenager despite the metal and plastic encasing me.

I think Blubber is the one that made the biggest impact, though. Bullying, girl style.

I really should get some of Blume's books for re-reads. They all made such a huge impact on me.

Martha Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 02:34 PM EST

Oh, and I also learned to be careful of man o'wars while swimming in Miami. Thanks, Sally!

Martha Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 02:33 PM EST

My introduction to Judy Blume was in (yes) fourth grade - my teacher read "Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing" and did the funniest voice for Fudge. I can still hear it today, 30 years later. I learned so many life lessons from Judy - only take 2 cookies at a time, don't be mean to the chubby kid, lettuce is "roughage," use a condom (thanks, surreptitious "Forever" reads!), and don't drink too much punch when your brother's on the john. I even tried the chest-enhancement exercise Diablo mentions in her column...no luck, though. ;-)

Dixie Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 02:23 PM EST

Are You There God... and Just as Long As We're Together prepared me for my first period. I ended up getting it on a field trip in fifth grade, and my first thought was "How Judy Blume is this?"
My mother cemented her title as Coolest Mom Ever when she gave me "Forever" to read after I started asking "those" questions.
"Tiger Eyes" is one of my top ten all-time favorite books to this day. So is Starring Sally J. Freedman.
And who doesn't love Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and all the rest? I'll never forget the Family Guy where Brian is trying to convince George W. Bush to come down from his treehouse after Hurricane Katrina, and Bush says "Go away! I'm readin' Superfudge!"

Cece Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 12:46 PM EST

My first Judy Blume book (and possibly my favorite) is Blubber. There was a period during the summer of '91 when I would read the book every weekend. EVERY. WEEKEND.
Of course, I took the lesson that following the crowd can turn you into someone you never wanted to be. But also, everytime I hear "Beautiful Dreamer" (because I hear it so often *smile*), I start thinking "blubbery-blubber." I truly heart that book.

katie Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 11:10 AM EST

One Christmas as a kid, i received a box set of Judy Blume books. Starting with the more tame titles, (the Fudge books), I worked my way through the set and soon found myself spending my allowance on every book I could find, including "Forever" which as a 5th grader, seemed like the wildest thing I could read. Of course, I showed it to everyone I knew. The name "Ralph" will never be the same for me!!

annie Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 09:32 AM EST

so many things i learned from judy blume. i read forever way too early but it certainly educated me. as did both are you there god and deenie. blume basically shoved me into adolescence.

rochelle thorne Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 08:35 AM EST

One cannot overlook the importance of Then Again Maybe I Won't in the Judy Blume catalog. How else could us girls learn what boys really thought about girls? If Judy wrote it, it had to be true! I think I read that book 20 times or more! Now my 6 year old daughter and I are reading Otherwise Known As Sheila the Great and I am so excited to be sharing these amazing books with her! Hopefully they'll get her through adolescence (someday in the distant future I hope) in one piece! Thank you Judy Blume, wherever you are!

orville Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 08:32 AM EST

I was never a Judy Blume fan as a kid. I started reading early, so I somehow skipped over the Blume stage along the way. But my mother absolutely *forbade* me from reading "Forever," so of course I had to find a way to read it.

Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 04:21 AM EST

A friend of mine was working at a theme park in Orlando, and this guest started talking to her. They got on the subject of books, and the guest mentioned she was an author. Erin asked the guest what books she'd written, so the guest started listing, "Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing," "Are you there God, it's me Margaret..." Erin nearly dropped the bowl of lettuce she was holding and went, "Oh my God, you're Judy Blume." Judy was "really nice," and Erin was still walking on air when she met up with us that night.

bootsycolumbia Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 08:58 PM EST

For sure, "Are You There, God..." had the most impact on me. I don't remember exactly how old I was when I read it, but Margaret questioning religions was a big eye-opener for a conservative Catholic girl. I've never viewed organized religion the same way since. I also loved Tiger Eyes, and Deenie was moving because I knew someone with scoliosis, so that book really helped me understand what she was going through.

Jessie Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 07:36 PM EST

Judy Blume was my favourite author when I was a kid. I devoured every book she wrote. One of my favourites is Tiger Eyes. It's not as well known, but I love it.

msf Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 07:26 PM EST

"Are You There..." was absolutely riveting for my friends and me. It was the context for how we talked about periods, bras and all related puberty topics! "Deenie" also had a big impact, between the back brace, kissing, and all those "special" feelings she'd get.

hanncoll Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 07:12 PM EST

All the girls in my fifth-grade class passed "Forever" around. It was quite educational. *g*

Snarf Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 07:09 PM EST

Are you there God? It's me, Margaret, (religion and it's impact on familes)Then Again, Maybe I Wont, (realizing your parents aren't perfect) Blubber, (judgmental behavior and bullying) It's Not the End of the World, (divorce) and Forever (first real intimate relationship) were some of my favorite books when I was a kid/tween.

Rebekah Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 07:06 PM EST

I read the Judy Blume books a million times. I especially loved Superfudge. I still picture Fudge having the choice of eating or wearing his food. Hilarity ensued of course!

Nicole Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 05:51 PM EST

I was a devout Blume reader growing up and was thinking of her just last night (Supernatural's episode was called "Are You There God? It's Me, Dean"!). "Are You There" will always be my favourite, as I read it at exactly the right age (11) and was at that stage of being so excited to be just a little bit older... Blubber was also so heartfelt, and the Fudge books cracked me up when I was younger.

I also really loved "Just As Long As We're Together" which I read in sixth grade. I could go on...Judy had as strong an influence on a generation of girls (and boys) as John Hughes had with his films. She's an icon, man.

cw Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 05:37 PM EST

Timely. A friend and I were talking yesterday about when to introduce some of the Blume titles to our 3rd and 4th grade girls. I recalled every detail of "Then Again...Maybe I Won't" -- prompting her to decide against introducing it at this time!

My sister and I read those books so many times, they disintegrated.

I do recall asking my dad what "going behind the A&P" (Are You There God, I think) meant and being embarrassed that he couldn't put together a response, such was the extent of his stuttering and stammering.

As for lessons...Don't change in front of a curtain-less window (Then Again), don't go in the closet with a back brace on (Deenie), don't leave your little brother unattended with a turtle (Fudge), losing a parent is heartbreaking (Tiger Eyes)...

And let's not forget the lessons we all learned off the dog-eared copies of Forever that got passed around the bus.

Chaddogg Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 05:11 PM EST

When I was an 8 year old boy, after reading Superfudge, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Fudge-a-Mania, and Freckle Juice, I decided to pick up another Judy Blume book from the library: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

After reading it, I went to my mom and said: Mom, I don't get it. Why does this girl have such a problem with punctuation?

My mom said: What do you mean?

And I said: She's always talking about periods.

(Needless to say, my family still laughs about that story)