‘Judy Blume Forever’ looks at the work, the life, and the legacy of the American author

Category: Television and Streaming

Now streaming on Prime Video, Judy Blume Forever is an interesting look at how Blume affected so many lives through her novels. By not resisting the forces that be to write about benign subjects, Blume’s honest approach to growing up under a variety of situations and circumstances has made her one of the most beloved authors for young adults – and adults. She never shied away from her characters experiences and thoughts involving parents, emotions, bullying, weight, and sex. 

Do you remember your first Judy Blume novel? Mine was Forever, so I was particularly drawn to this documentary. I remember being fascinated by the characters, and I plan on rereading that book in the near future. 

What is mind-opening about this documentary is how many young people continually wrote to Judy through the years and even asked her for advice. She became the beacon that was missing in their lives. No other author was tackling subjects the way she did. No other author resonates with young adults in the way she does.

With interviews with Judy herself, her family, her friends, and several of those who were deeply affected by her novels, this documentary is definitely eye-opening. It shows the hunger young readers have for someone telling stories that reached the depths of their emotions and touched their senses in a way that was unique and fun to read. She simply tells it like it is.

Another aspect that stands out in this film is the deep commitment Judy has to/for her readers. She maintained relationships with several of those who continually wrote to her over the years. What a special person she is to do this. Many people would probably toss away her letters, but not Judy. She kept them and in this film reads from many of them.

Coming up against backlash for many of her subjects, Blume was never deterred from continuing to write about life the way it is. She never sugar coated anything. She stuck it out even though she had enormous backlash. And for that bravery and commitment to free speech, all I can say is, “Bravo.”

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.