Author:  Judy Blume           
Publisher: Pan Children’s
Genre:  Young Adult
Source:  Purchased

Goodreads:  Katherine and Michael meet at a New Year’s Eve party. They’re attracted to each other, they grow to love each other. And once they’ve decided their love is forever, they make love.

It’s the beginning of an intense and exclusive relationship, with a future all planned. Until Katherine’s parents insist that she and Michael put their love to the test with a summer apart…

“Forever” is written for an older age group than Judy Blume’s other novels for children. It caused a storm of controversy when it was first published because of its explicit sexual content.

It was a book ahead of its time – and remains, after thirty years in print, a teenage best-seller. America’s No. 1 children’s author has written some of the best books of our time about real-life issues – family stress and pressures, what happens when your parents divorce, the problems of growing up and sexual awakening, bereavement – with insight, sensitivity and honesty.

Ope’s Opinion:  I have very mixed feelings about this book.  First, I am a Judy Blume fan, so I was excited to read this book.  On the other hand, I thought it was going to be a love story and it was mostly about sex.  It was very realistic – maybe more so then I wanted!

I have two grown daughters, I am not sure if I would want them to have read this book in their teen years or not.  It would show them two responsible teens.  It would also show how young love doesn’t usually last.  I would hope it would make a young person really think and make informed decisions.

I have a book shelf for my granddaughter – I don’t think this will be one I will keep for her.

Rating:  Three Chairs – I like this book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.