Jaded?

I enjoyed reading this book and agree with the other ladies, but I am wondering what this book is saying about first love, and how younger (targeted) readers might perceive this message. I think Blume is very realistic in making Kath move on from her first love and find another boyfriend. Still, I wonder if [...]

Dear Judy Blume, please help us.

vs.
The difference between these two images is striking, Kath from Forever is the naturally pretty high school senior from anytown, USA and the cast of characters on the left frankly look like they are trying way too hard. Yes, they may be more glamorous but their sexed up images come off as fake and [...]

Something I can relate to!

I don’t know if my peers felt this/ found it uncomfortable, but I was kind of freaked out that I found myself able to relate more to seniors in highschool than the high-powered executive women of our previous novels.  There was a realism in Blume’s text, with true emotions that seemed to be otherwise lacking [...]

Empathy, Chick Lit Doesn’t Have It

I hate to begin this post by making a stereotypical remark about women – for example, how they are the more empathetic sex. But, I do acknowledge that pathos matters in a work of fiction, and that characters, male or female, need to have a psychological life accessible to the reader – hopes and [...]