When Katherine, a high school senior, starts to get more serious with Michael, everyone assumes they're having sex. Her grandmother warns her about pregnancy and venereal diseases. Even her younger sister, Jamie, makes the logical jump. Katherine, however, unlike her best friend Erica, believes that one should be in love before taking that step, much to Michael's chagrin.
Unfortunately for Erica, who would be more than willing to have sex with Michael's friend Artie, Artie thinks he might be gay, so Erica promises to help him figure it out. Meanwhile, Katherine accompanies Michael and his sister on a three day skiing trip. Though the two make out and bring each other to climax, they don't yet have sex as Katherine still isn't ready.
When the event finally does occur, halfway through Judy Blume's controversial Forever..., Katherine finds herself wondering what the big deal about sex is.
Hmmm... I wonder why this Young Adult book often makes it to the top ten of any banned books list? Written in 1975, Forever... has earned quite the reputation, even though Katherine handles the issue of teenage sexuality in the best way a parent could ever hope for. She is always rational and thoughtful about it. She follows it up with a full physical exam at Planned Parenthood.
I like to think that this responsible planning and action on her part is a nod toward the open-minded and communicative family portrayed in the book. Katherine's parents, though never explicitly giving her permission to have sex, do insinuate that the choice is wholly hers, and even go so far as to tell her that it's unsafe to do it in a car. Even with her feminist-tinged strength, Katherine's insecurities and angst still ring true.
The second half of the book, which takes place after the couple have consummated their relationship, deals with the often fleeting version of young love's "Forever." They go to work in different states, and meet new people, growing apart as they grow up. Again, Katherine shows a lot of maturity and responsibility in her ability to see the relationship as a great learning experience, paving the way for future, healthier relationships.
While Forever... is no porn novel, it is frank and presents the truth of teenage sexuality. Again, however, I have to applaud Blume's creation of a heroine like Katherine. When Michael tries to talk her into having sex without a condom, she refuses to be swayed.
"If you're thinking about VD I promise I'm fine." "I'm thinking about getting pregnant. Every woman has a different cycle." "Okay... okay..." He stood up. "I've got a rubber in my wallet... if I can just find it."... When he did he held it up. "Satisfied?" he asked, turning the light off again. "I will be when you put it on."
In no way does Judy Blume glorify sex. The first attempt is a dismal failure, over before it begins, and the actual event is only marginally better.
Forever... has been banned by religious groups and groups who teach an abstinence only standpoint since the year it was published. And while this isn't one I'd share with nine-year-old DramaGirl yet, I wouldn't hesitate to let her read it once she's older. Fourteen, fifteen, old enough to have a vague understanding of sex. Of course, like all controversial books, I suggest reading the book before or at the same time. It will open a hundred doors of conversation.
This is my second entry into Pestyside's wonderful Banned Books Write-Off. Promote critical thinking and refusal to become a sheep. Read a banned book!
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