As someone who grew up reading and loving Judy Blume’s books, Judy Blume Forever was a warm and wonderful reminder of those childhood memories; but it’s more than just nostalgia.

 

This film also ties the author’s longstanding popularity, controversies and authenticity with issues that are still just as timely today, such as the banning of books and our society’s unwillingness to acknowledge female sexual pleasure in any meaningful way.

 

I’m happy to report that Judy Blume is as awesome and fearless as ever at 85, and clearly living her best life. She has done so much for young people through her books, appearances and even personal correspondence with several fans throughout their lives.

 

Many celebrity fans are featured here, including Lena Dunham and Molly Ringwald. We also hear from ordinary people who reached out to Judy Blume in their hour of need and were surprised and delighted to hear back from a real, live, caring human being. 

 

This brought up so many thoughts for me – like, do people even still write letters to authors in this day and age, or do they just reach out on Twitter or Facebook instead? And as a parent: how would I feel knowing a strange adult (even if it was a famous book author and all-around nice lady like Judy Blume) was corresponding directly with my child for years?

 

All that aside, this film is a delight and was clearly made by Judy Blume fans, for Judy Blume fans. It’s a must-watch if you fall into that category.

 

This woman’s books do a lot of good for kids and young people – especially during the dreaded puberty years. It’s shocking to me that anyone would want to ban them or prevent kids from reading them.

 

Books were an escape for me as a kid and Judy’s characters made me feel seen and that I wasn’t the only one feeling these things. Watching this documentary, it’s clear that I was far from the only one seeking solace from Judy Blume and her novels.