Reviews

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

bibliobrandie's review against another edition

5.0

Read again for my student bookclub. Loved it just as much this time as when I read it 30 years ago!

emilysholmes's review against another edition

lighthearted

5.0

I wish I would have read this book in middle school. 12 year old Margaret navigates friendship, boy crushes, getting her first period, and choosing a religion. 

nonahhh's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

can’t remember being this excited to get my period lol

romanaromana's review against another edition

funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

 3.5 stars.

(Here are some content warnings. Nothing in this review).

I'm not the audience for this book any more, but I enjoyed it and definitely understand why it has been such a beloved and influential book over the years. It's honest and funny and has a lovable protagonist at its heart. Judy Blume writes effortlessly, and Margaret's voice is authentic.

I was expecting a different conversation about religion, but I was really impressed by the one I got - about mixed-faith families, and Margaret's associated feelings of disbelonging and uncertainty in terms of religion. Whilst the approach to puberty and girlhood might have shifted slightly since Margaret was published, I think the religious element is one that is still pretty spot on and applicable today.

All in all, glad I've finally read this. I'm now very much interested in watching the film, especially as I understand it does a lot to develop the other women in Margaret's life. 

jennyrambin's review against another edition

5.0

One of my absolute favorites as a "tween!"

navayiota's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I didn't enjoy it. Mainstream religion and pre-teen relationships are like, some of my least favourite topics, and they took me back in time in a bad way. I didn't really see the point of the story either, it felt like it didn't say much. Then again, it was probably more original in the 70's. 

terrym10's review against another edition

5.0

Oh my goodness, this book took me back! I didn’t really remember it until I was reading it as I first read it back in the early 80’s. It is still such a relevant book and I can’t wait to see the movie!

lindseydoesreviews's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

thepetitepunk's review against another edition

wait no one told middle school me that i supposed to be excited about getting my period? i swear to god i didn’t tell my mom or doctor for like a year or so and just dealt with it myself fhdjdjd i think that’s kind of metal af honestly. my mom only found out (much later) because i pretty much passed out on the bathroom floor in the middle of the night once and she had to come save me ??? man i just lived in agony during puberty if you ever want some awful embarrassing stories i gotchu

anyway i didnt read this book as a kid even tho my mom always wanted me to check it out from the library but maybe i should have lol

kaylapfunk's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

A classic! Had to re-read after watching the movie.