Question: Did you like the novel Forever by Judy Blume?
Answer: I very much enjoyed the novel Forever by Judy Blume. I read it quickly and didn't want to put it down.
Question: Can you see why the book is banned?
Answer: I understand that some people want to make decisions for everyone about what they find objectionable. I don't accept that.
Question: Do you think Forever should be banned?
Answer: No, I don't. I found the book to be very educational and the topic matter was treated with sensitivity. I think the book might be helpful to some in learning about sex and intimate relationships. Not all parents discuss sex and intimacy with their children. The book is not for everyone and I would never require anyone to read it, but many readers can learn a great deal from the characters' decisions. I especially found it interesting that the title is Forever and that many of the decisions in the book (for good and bad) were for forever. For example, you can't undo an intimate relationship--you can't just be friends after being so close. Once you lose your virginity, you can't regain that innocence, and you can't remove the hurt that is caused by early relationships.
Question: Do you understand why Forever is banned?
Answer: I understand that the topic of sexuality is a sensitive topic to many and why it draws attention. But, no, I cannot accept banning or censoring of any book from the public.
Question: Do you think it should be labeled for young adults or adult literature?
Answer: It is clearly young adult material. The characters are young and the plot demonstrates the consequences of making specific decisions.
Question: Do you think it should be available for young adults?
Answer: Definitely. I wish I had the book when I was young.
Question: Would you let your own children read Forever at the age of 12?
Answer: My daughters did read the book as teens--not sure they were 12, but that would be fine. I know we had many conversations that were sparked as a result of the topics in the book.
Question: Do you agree with the reason why Blume wrote Forever (which was that there weren't any books about teen sex without consequences such as pregnancy or STDs)?
Answer: Yes, that's probably true. I don't recall any that I read as a teen. But, her book does demonstrate consequences--at least pregnancy. The main character isn't pregnant but a classmate is. It's a fair representation of what really happens to teens.