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While everyone else is so obsessed with the Twilight Series, I have spent most of my weekend reading a Judy Blume book from my childhood. Who cares about young vampire love when I can relive anxiety from my adolescence in "Are You There God? It's Me Margaret."
Am I weird for reading a book about an eleven year old? Maybe. But I wanted something short to read and I prefer to hear Margaret Simon's point of view on what a new bra can do for your self esteem rather than how Bella can't grasp Edward's love for her. (Confession: I stole that description from Wikipedia regarding the Twilight story since I haven't read the books or seen the movies. And I honestly have no desire to see/read them.)
I mean no disrespect to die hard fans of this Twilight series. To each his or her own. If you're into it, great. I know that storyline isn't for me though. I generally don't like reading the romantic or fantasy genres. I like to get lost with characters I feel relate to me and my infinite questions about life. So this darling book by brilliant Judy Blume was perfect for me to pick up and reread.
As a kid, I must've read every Judy Blume book I could get my hands on. She had a way with words that captured the mind of a preteen or teenager. Her descriptions and dialogues were right on with the outcast girl and boy, that longing to fit in, along with insecurities and emotions on the minds of youth.
Nearing my 31st birthday, I no longer have a desire to fit in with any particular circle but I could relate heavily to Margaret's internal quest to seek religious answers. In fact, I wonder if I am a grown up version of Margaret or if I'll be raising my own little Margaret. (Well I'm not half-Jewish like she is though).
However, I can understand this young girl's constant questioning about her spirituality and wanting to find a place where she feels comfortable. So far, I haven't found my sanctuary. Maybe I never will. But as I turned the last page and closed the book, I felt a little relieved.
Margaret Simon didn't have all the answers. Neither do I. Perhaps we're not supposed to find a resolution. We just have to keep talking to ourselves (or our God or maker, whatever you believe or don't believe in).
Maybe just maybe, I'll spend my whole life questioning and wondering why I am here and how I got here and what life is all about (it sure feels that way sometimes). That's okay. I'm starting to see that uncertainty isn't always a bad thing. It fuels me to soul-search, make self-improvements and study the things that are important to me. I may never be completely content but I will be true to myself and honest with others about my fears, beliefs or non-beliefs.
So thank you Judy Blume. Thank you for this book and for being a wonderful author and insightful woman. Your words and characters are as relevant today as they were when you first published this story in 1970. Cheers to you and to all of us Margaret Simon's out there!
5 comments:
I LOVE Judy Blume! Every year since 2001, the Library of Congress has sponsored the National Book Festival (it was started by Laura Bush) and it is in late September. They bring in authors of all genres and Judy Blume is going to be there this year! I can't wait! I want to find my old copies of her books and have her sign them!
Have you read Chelsea Handler's, "Are You There, Vodka? It's Me Chelsea"? It's freaking hilarious. I'm embarrassed to admit I've never read a single Judy Blume book, although I've heard they're AMAZING. Maybe if I had a daughter instead of two boys... I did love Nancy Drew's "Secret of the Old Clock" when I was a kid. Does that count? (And, I'm a mystery writer. Hmm...)
Judy Blume books were a must for me in my early teen years. She is such a talent. I always tell my friend that I learned all "about my monthly visitor" from Judy Blume books. My mom tended to skirt around the subject :)
Lexiloo - that is sooo cool that you'll get to see/meet Judy Blume. You should definitely post about that experience. Very neat!
Debra Schubert - I haven't read that Chelsea Handler book but the next time I stop by the book store, I will pick it up, especially now that I've read the original. I'm sure I'd love your writing of mysteries, so long as you don't descibe things like bulging biceps and hot sweat and that Harlequin type of stuff, ;-) p.s. - you're not too old to start reading Judy Blume now. Although I can see why you never did with two boys.
Septembermom - You're so right! I learned a lot from those books as well. That's why I love them. They're so understanding of what it's like to be that age.
Hi M. I read ALL of her books when I was a kid. Then Again Maybe I Won't? Deenie? Blubber? I loved them. This of course, when books with bra talk were about as racy as you get. And seriously, I will never follow the Twilight parade. Doesn't law have enough vampires? Must I read about it too? LOL.
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