Let's talk about Ess Ee Ex.
One of Judy Blume's infamous YA classics, Forever... is an odd, interesting, and explicit novel about teenage sexuality. Katherine, the articulate main character, is a high school senior who starts a relationship with Michael, a cute boy she meets at a party. Together they navigate the complicated worlds of sex, virginity, and what it means to be together "forever."
This book was published in 1975 and was both groundbreaking and scandalous for its graphic depictions of sex and intimacy. It was eye opening for me to read it in 2019 because it showed me that the questions people in my generation have about sex are not new by any means. People have been trying to figure out sex for decades.
I almost wish that I had read this book when I was younger, but I'm also very glad I did not. It does contain important lessons for teens, especially that there is physical and emotional responsibility that comes with sex. However, I think without a platform to discuss the content with a trusted adult, the book can do more harm than good, especially to young and/or sheltered readers.
Speaking of, this book is frequently "banned" or "challenged" for it's "age-inappropriate content." I wouldn't say Forever... is necessarily age-inappropriate because it discusses issues relevant to teenagers. The material is also not so different from other YA books, like Gossip Girl along with many others, that contain sexual themes. I think what's most important is not the content of the book, but the context a young person is reading it in. I personally would not be okay with my future child reading this without the opportunity to discuss it together.
Overall, the book is uncomfortably realistic and I found myself cringing a lot. But, I'm glad I read it because of its cultural significance. I would recommend it if you care about young adult fiction and the ways it has changed and shifted over the years.
Here are some other fun takes on the book to enjoy:
An article published in The Guardian, "Judy Blume's Forever: the first and last word on teen sex?"
Have you read this book? If so, what do you think? Is it wildly inappropriate or necessarily honest?
Comments