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A review by jennnafziger
Blubber by Judy Blume
2.0
I came across this book when searching for another book by Judy Blume. I like reading stories that feature fat characters in positive ways. The cover drew me in. I guess I have now learned my lesson… indeed, you cannot judge a book by its cover. I HATED THIS BOOK!
In fact, it physically PAINED me to read it. I wanted to scream out loud in defense of poor Linda. The main bully in this book, Wendy, makes Regina George seem like a saint. The way the kids treat Linda, aka Blubber, is not teasing, or even what I would consider bullying… it is hate and torture. They should be in jail. The main protagonist, Jill, is a brat who only feels sorry when the tables are turned and she gets bullied. NONE of the kids seem to feel shame, remorse, or empathy. The adults turn a blind eye and don’t even believe Linda when she tells the truth.
I really considered abandoning the book, but I wanted to hope that there was a lesson in it… Something redemptive. Even Blume’s personal note about bullying is vapid. There isn’t! I don’t care that this book was published in 1974 and times were different. There is nothing redeeming about the story. I hope no young people I know ever read it.
In fact, it physically PAINED me to read it. I wanted to scream out loud in defense of poor Linda. The main bully in this book, Wendy, makes Regina George seem like a saint. The way the kids treat Linda, aka Blubber, is not teasing, or even what I would consider bullying… it is hate and torture. They should be in jail. The main protagonist, Jill, is a brat who only feels sorry when the tables are turned and she gets bullied. NONE of the kids seem to feel shame, remorse, or empathy. The adults turn a blind eye and don’t even believe Linda when she tells the truth.
I really considered abandoning the book, but I wanted to hope that there was a lesson in it… Something redemptive. Even Blume’s personal note about bullying is vapid. There isn’t! I don’t care that this book was published in 1974 and times were different. There is nothing redeeming about the story. I hope no young people I know ever read it.