Are You There, Judy? It's Me, Your Reader

De: Sari Edelstein, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Sari Edelstein

She’s the inventor of middle-grade literature. She’s the author of landmark books like Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. In 2023, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine. In short, Judy Blume has had a profound impact on literary culture.

But Blume’s popularity is even more significant given that many of her books are seen as scandalous for their candid explorations of puberty and sexuality. What makes Judy Blume’s books so offensive to some audiences, yet so beloved to others?

This question forms the heart of Sari Edelstein’s Are You There, Judy? It’s Me, Your Reader, an insightful Audible Original for new and long-standing Blume readers alike. Professor Edelstein examines the enduring appeal of Judy Blume’s books. Over seven lessons, you’ll learn how Blume pioneered middle-grade and young adult (YA) literature and helped to make these genres the global sensations they are today. You’ll identify the themes and motifs that run throughout her books, and you’ll review Blume’s books as literary work worthy of analysis. You’ll also see why the very act of questioning (about the existence of God, the persistence of racism, the unwritten rules of suburbia) is so central to Blume’s vision of coming-of-age literature.

Discover how writers can capture the way young people see the world—and, in doing so, reframe the perspectives of adult readers, as well.

©2024 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2024 Audible Originals, LLC.

Educational on what our country deems fit to ban

it is hard to believe any Judy Blume books could be banned. Everything and everyone are so busy today that her books are a good source for children to get an idea of how they should be recognized and treated in a decent format. I applaud Blume's books. Our kids see FAR worse on TV and at home. I liked the entire book, except where the author interviewed her own daughter. The message, itself, was good. It just sounded like her daughter was speaking as an adult.

Absolutely

In my experience,this analysis of Judy Blume’s themes and style is accurate and thought-provoking. I grew up with many of her books, and she gets it. “Are you there, G-d? It’s me, Margaret” covered things that were so important at the time: periods (and practicing using a pad), comparison of breast sizes (are you still flat or do you have nubbins?), and peer pressure (not liking one girl because she developed young).

Well thought out and one point

This makes me want to listen to all of her books again.,
great reminder of themes and lessons missed when read in childhood.

Don’t bother..

Pointless book. Don’t bother listening to it. Instead just read some Judy Bloom and enjoy