Forever...

by Judy Blume
Forever... cover
Good Books rating 3.75
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  • ID: 6989
  • Added: 2025-12-08
  • Updated: 2025-12-08
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-12-19
great 4.50

The reviewer praises Judy Blume's 'Forever...' for its realistic portrayal of teenage experiences, noting that while some aspects feel dated, the book's exploration of love, sex, and growing up remains relevant and engaging. The characters are well-rounded and the romance is bittersweet, making it a memorable read.

The reviewer highly recommends Judy Blume's 'Forever...' for its authentic depiction of teenage life. They appreciate the book's realistic approach to topics like love, sex, and personal growth, even though some elements may feel outdated. The characters, Katherine and Michael, are portrayed as complex and relatable, with their relationship evolving in a way that feels true to life. The reviewer also highlights the supporting characters, such as Katherine's best friend Erica and her grandmother, who add depth to the story. Despite its age, 'Forever...' continues to resonate with readers, offering valuable insights into the complexities of young love and the journey of becoming an adult. The reviewer concludes that the book is a timeless classic that remains relevant and entertaining.

Quick quotes

    It’s a realistic, awkward yet cringeworthy touch — in the way many a teenager has been in the past. And that’s what makes this book so great.

    While some aspects of the novel feel a little dated, for the most part it’s a realistic point of view on growing up and rings as true as it ever did.

    Judy Blume manages to capture something of life in every single one of her books. Forever… is no exception to that rule; there’s a teenage pregnancy, a dead relative, a suicide attempt, and plenty of sexual congress, but there are mundane moments filled with gossip and family love and the stress of school.

rosepetals1984.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2024-10-09
great 4.00

The reviewer revisits Judy Blume's classic teen novel 'Forever...', appreciating its timeless exploration of first love and intimacy. They find the characters well-developed and the narrative authentic, though they note some rushed pacing and areas that could have been more intimate.

The reviewer returns to Judy Blume's 'Forever...' after many years, finding it a timeless exploration of first love and intimacy. They appreciate Blume's distinct prose and the authentic portrayal of teen experiences, including the ups and downs of relationships and the complexities of first-time intimacy. The reviewer notes that the novel provides a safe space for teens to navigate these experiences, though they feel the ending is somewhat rushed and certain emotional connections could have been deeper. They also appreciate the novel's lack of judgment, allowing the characters to grow and move forward without dramatic consequences. Overall, the reviewer gives the book 4 out of 5 stars, acknowledging its strengths while noting areas for improvement.

Quick quotes

    I found myself easing back into Judy Blume’s prose like I hadn’t left for so long, a warm return. Blume has a way of letting you know exactly who her characters are, what they want and how they go for it. Voice distinct on the page.

    I think the reason why this novel works as well as it does is for how it gives a space to land for teens who are trying to navigate their first time in a safe space where it’s accessible, while honest in its imperfections.

    I think I appreciate this book more now than I did when I first read it because I also realize now it’s “one” experience and it does so without casting judgment on either the experience itself or the people involved.

allaboutromance.com · Unknown · 2023-12-31
important 3.00

The book 'Forever' by Judy Blume is a groundbreaking work that candidly discusses sex and relationships from a teenage perspective. It's not plot-heavy but serves as an important and realistic exploration of young love and sexual experiences.

Forever by Judy Blume is a book that stands out for its candid and realistic portrayal of teenage sexuality and relationships. The plot is thin, focusing on the hormonal-driven attraction between Katherine and Michael, which is typical of teenage infatuation. The characters lack discernable personalities, which the reviewer finds realistic, as they mirror the lack of understanding teens often have about their crushes. The book's strength lies in its honest depiction of sexual experiences, including the initial fumbling and the eventual rhythm the couple finds. The reviewer appreciates the book's importance, especially for young readers, and would recommend it to high school girls. The book also addresses the seriousness of sexually transmitted diseases, which was a notable omission in the 1970s but was remedied in the 2007 edition. Overall, the reviewer finds the book valuable despite its lack of a strong plot.

Quick quotes

    This is a book I wish I had first read at the appropriate age. It tells you all about sex in a way I can’t imagine you could have found elsewhere in 1975, when this book was published.

    I think it’s more realistic this way. I certainly had no idea of who my high school crush really was; nevertheless, I wanted to have his children.

    I think this is a really important book. I would want my high school girl to read it.

thebibliophage.com · Unknown · 2018-04-19
nostalgic 3.50

The reviewer enjoyed rereading Judy Blume's 'Forever...', finding it a quick and nostalgic trip down memory lane. They appreciated the timeless themes of first love and responsibility, though they found the male protagonist less appealing through a modern lens.

The reviewer found 'Forever...' by Judy Blume to be a nostalgic and thought-provoking reread. They appreciated the simple yet timeless themes of first love and responsibility, particularly the character of Katherine, who they found impressive for her responsible behavior. However, they felt the male protagonist, Michael, was less appealing when viewed through a modern lens, finding him self-centered. The reviewer noted that the book's straightforward writing style made it a quick read, though they acknowledged that contemporary YA authors have since developed more nuanced narratives. Overall, they enjoyed the experience and credited a friend for suggesting the buddy read.

Quick quotes

    Blume wrote simply, which meant it read quickly.

    The dialogue and narrative arc aren’t complex or nuanced.

    I was mostly impressed with Katherine. Despite her emotional palpitations about Michael, she was responsible and didn’t take unnecessary risks.

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