A review by carlyalynnsia
Forever by Judy Blume

informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I really appreciate how this book normalises sex and has parental figures that are supportive or at least realistic and relatively non-shamey about sex in relationships. They are more concerned about safety and about their daughter convincing herself she's in love when she's so young and inexperienced than they are about her having sex. 

I also like that Kath's pleasure is important in this story and in the sex scenes. 

I really don't like the way that Michael consistently is pressuring Kath for more. It's good that she always has the final word and that he listens to her for the most part, but I don't like that he gives her shit about it. I'm of two minds about it: on one hand, I think it's cool that young readers can see an example of someone setting boundaries and still having a really positive relationship. And to maybe see that sometimes your partner will want more from you than you want to give, and just because they're nice and you like them doesn't mean you have to do what they want. But still, it's kind of icky and I wish it was more explicitly acknowledged as such. 

Finally, I don't think I liked the very ending. 

Could have done without the callback to her dating Theo now at the end.
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