Forever…
Author	Judy Blume
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre(s)	Young adult novel
Publisher	Bradbury Press
Publication date	1977
Media type	Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages	224 pp
ISBN	ISBN 0-87888-079-8

Forever... is a 1975 novel by Judy Blume dealing with teenage sexuality. Because of the novel's content it has been the frequent target of censors and appears on the American Library Association list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-2000 at number eight. ^[1][2][3] The book is often cited as controversial because of Blume's use of explicit images and because her character Katherine goes on "the pill". Criticism of the novel often comes from sexual abstinence pressure groups, as well as religious groups who consider the use of 'the pill' unsuitable for Blume's teenage audience.^[4] Judy Blume (born February 12, 2012) is a popular American author. ... For other uses, see Country (disambiguation). ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... A publisher is a person or entity which engages in the act of publishing. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... Hardcover books A hardcover (or hardback or hardbound) is a book bound with rigid protective covers (typically of cardboard covered with cloth, heavy paper, or sometimes leather). ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require cleanup. ... ISBN redirects here. ... The year 1975 in literature involved some significant events and new books. ... For other uses, see Novel (disambiguation). ... Judy Blume (born February 12, 2012) is a popular American author. ... ALA Logo The American Library Association (ALA) is a group based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. ... Oral contraceptives are contraceptives which are taken orally and inhibit the bodys fertility by chemical means. ...

Katherine and Michael discuss their feelings carefully before deciding to have sex, and obtain contraception from a family planning clinic. ^[4]

Judy Blume considers this book to have had one "odd and lasting side-effect of its popularity"; the decline in the popularity of the name Ralph. Throughout the book, Michael consistently refers to his penis as "Ralph" ^[4], and the subsequent generation who grew up reading Forever seemed unwilling to consider it as a suitable name for their children. Blume responded to several concerned Ralphs with; "I apologize to all of them. It's nothing personal."^[4]

Plot summary

Katherine, heading for her senior year in high school, finds herself strongly attracted to Michael, a friend's friend, after a party. As their relationship unfolds, the issue of sex comes up early on, more as an emotional and health issue than as a moral one. Both of them are aware that physical intimacy is both common and complicating. Michael has been sexually active, Katherine hasn't. Their relationship progresses slowly; they are accompanied on various meetings by her friend, Erica, a grounded, practical wit who has known Katherine all her life and believes that sex is a physical thing not a romantic thing, and Michael's friend, Artie, who, with Erica's help, explores and acknowledges some uncertainty about his own sexual orientation.

When they do, by mutual consent, have sex in Michael's sister's apartment, they are sure it seals a love that will be "forever." However, separated for the summer by work that takes them to two different states, Katherine finds herself aware of the limitations of the relationship and ultimately attracted to a tennis instructor, older, more experienced, and interesting in new ways. She takes responsibility for breaking the news to Michael when he comes on a surprise visit, the summer is over, and Kath recognizes the loss as a stage in movement towards more complex, probably more satisfying relationships in the future.

ha ha wow. you're cool.

References

1. ^ "Judy Blume Forever Censored?" from Fahrenheit 451: Banned Books
2. ^ "NCAC Applauds Decision To Return Judy Blume's "Forever" To Elgin, Illinois Middle School Libraries' Shelves" from National Coalition Against Censorship
3. ^ "The 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990–2000" from the American Library Association
4. ^ ^{a b c d} Interview: Judy Blume | By genre | Guardian Unlimited Books
5. ^ Project Muse entry from Lion and the Unicorn, "Judging a Book by Its Cover: Publishing Trends in Young Adult Literature" article

The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), founded in 1974, is an alliance of 50 national non-profit organizations, including literary, artistic, religious, educational, professional, labor, and civil liberties groups. ... ALA Logo The American Library Association (ALA) is a group based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. ...

External links

• Guardian Interview with Judy Blume