are you there god? it's me, margaret.
by Judy Blume
I never realized what I was missing by never having read anything by Judy Blume until I heard Jenna Bush Hager interview her on her podcast “Open Book with Jenna.” They discussed why Jenna chose Blume’s Summer Sisters, a novel published 25 years ago, for her “Read With Jenna” book club. I immediately bought and read that book and found it delightful (read review here). Since then, I traveled to Key West, Florida and visited Blume’s absolutely charming independent bookstore, Books & Books. Make sure you check it out if you’re in Key West! While there, I bought autographed copies of are you there god? it’s me, margaret. and In the Unlikely Event.
are you there god? it’s me, margaret. is the iconic story of a young girl on the brink of adolescence who moves from New York City to the suburbs. As she forms new friendships, she and her friends promise they’ll share each personal milestone with each other. But Margaret finds it excruciating to share such private information. Instead, she has an ongoing conversation with God. In what is probably the most emotionally raw, yet believable, dialogue I’ve ever read from an adolescent girl, Blume perfectly captures Margaret’s fears about her changing body. The book will bring up feelings you probably haven’t thought about in ages. If you have never read it, I strongly recommend that you do. (Liz)
