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maragrace98's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
I’m not really sure what the purpose of this book even was
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol
claudine2's review against another edition
emotional
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Reading this for the first time, as an adult.
I like that the main relationship in this book wasn't perfect. It had its ups and downs. Much more realistic than other teen fiction I've read over the years.
It covered a lot of important topics for teens and early twenty-somethings to think about as they experience their early romantic/sexual relationships.
I like that the main relationship in this book wasn't perfect. It had its ups and downs. Much more realistic than other teen fiction I've read over the years.
It covered a lot of important topics for teens and early twenty-somethings to think about as they experience their early romantic/sexual relationships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Minor: Pregnancy, Abortion, Death, Alcohol, and Vomit
jennmeadows13's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Once again, I am personally victimized by Judy Blume. This book made me feel so nostalgic for high school and brought back memories from my first few loves as a teenager. Reading this now as a 30-something, I reflected on being a teenager and how I knew everything at 17 but hardly anything as a 32-year-old. When I found out Kathleen's mother was 39 in the book, that caused me to spiral out a bit, but I had to remind myself that this was published in the mid-70s. Coming from the perspective of a librarian-in-training, I found Forever... to be such an honest book about a person's first sexual experiences. Blume doesn't shy away from how awkward and disappointing sex can be at first. As a teenager, I didn't receive comprehensive sex education in my public school, and the media I was engaging with sold sex as this glamorous thing. Blume made sure to include realistic descriptions. Kathleen doesn't always climax. There's one scene where Michael is struggling with arousal. There's talk of sexually transmitted diseases and how to get adequate birth control. Forever... has been on countless banned book lists and attempts, but Blume has dared to go where many are afraid to be honest about. Teens are possibly going to experiment with sex while they are in high school. If parents and the schools are not going to equip them with the best knowledge out there to make educated sexual decisions, I am grateful that there is a book where teens can learn more about realistic sexual experiences.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Alcohol and Mental illness
the_bookroyal's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
To this day 18 years later, I still can't take the name Ralph seriously. All because of this book.
Also I kind of want a story about Erica and Artie...at least Artie
Also I kind of want a story about Erica and Artie...at least Artie
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol and Sexual content
Minor: Fatphobia, Homophobia, Abortion, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy
I haven't read this book since I was like 11. I forgot (or didn't recognize) how creepy/predatory Michael's behaviour was. Multiple times Kathrine says she's uncomfortable with something and he says he doesn't care and continues on, like the first few times they were getting hot and heavy. Once she asks him to leave while she changes and he talks her into letting him stay. That he'd just watch from afar. Then he ends up approaching her and gropes her chest. Would have gone farther if her sister didn't interrupt. If anything I feel like the majority of their "relationship" is coerced consent. So please be aware if that is triggering to you. I marked "homophobia" as a CW because while it wasn't spoken on page necessarily, I believe Artie may have been gay or at least queer in some way which may have led to his attempt. I think. Maybe internalized homophobia, idk. There's quite a bit to unpack with his character.linddykal's review against another edition
emotional
slow-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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Sexual content, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Abortion, Alcohol, and Drug use
booksandcoffeewithlexi's review against another edition
emotional
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Alcohol
lauren717's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness, Alcohol, Death, Fatphobia, Pregnancy, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Abortion, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
imaclogger23's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Sexual content, Drug use, Pregnancy, and Suicide attempt
alisonfaith426's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Pregnancy, and Misogyny
Minor: Grief, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Infidelity, Medical content, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, and Vomit
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