MuskaE_B08L12D_Blog10

Summary

Mrs. Dazinger calls her daughter at camp. Katherine’s Grandpa died from his second stroke. Katherine takes it tough. She wants to go home. She wants to comfort her Mom and Grandma, but must stay and tell Jamie. She is reminiscing of all the times she had with her Grandpa. Theo comforts Katherine. He kisses her forehead. Katherine begins to passionately kiss him, but Theo stops her. Katherine tells Jamie the news. Katherine talks to her Grandma on the phone. She writes Michael a letter, telling him about her grandfather's death. Theo tells Katherine he wants to see her after camp. She says she needs to think. Michael writes Katherine two letters that she doesn't answer. Katherine writes him a letter about her mixed up feelings with love after meeting someone. She cries and rips it up. Theo and Katherine are holding hands now. Michael comes to visit Katherine at camp because he grew worried after she didn't answer his letters. They talk over dinner. At the motel they kiss. Before going further, Katherine stops Michael. She wants to be honest. Michael thinks she's upset because of her grandfather. Then he guesses that there is another guy. He asks Katherine what happened to “forever”. Michael wants her to choose, but Katherine says she can't make any promises. It's over. Katherine gives him back the necklace. He won't accept it. Dropping her off at camp, he tells her that he fooled around in North Carolina. Artie is home. They run into each other before leaving for college. Katherine wants to tell Michael so many things; that she loves him and that she doesn't regret anything. She hopes that her eyes say it all. Jamie is hanging out with a boy. Theo calls.

Things That Make Me Go "Hmm"

At first, I found it odd that the death of Katherine’s grandfather would be included in this story. One of the major themes is teenage sexuality so I find including death into the subject matter a little perplexing. On the other hand, the second major theme is the lasting power of love. After some thought, the inclusion makes sense. I think that Judy Blume included the death of Katherine's grandfather into the story, because she wanted to show an example of all good things coming to an end. Someone was loved very much, yet they died. Katherine and Michael loved each other very much, yet their relationship died. Just because “forever” dies, does not mean that love must also die. Even though Katherine’s grandfather is gone, she still loves him. Likewise, even though Katherine’s relationship with Michael dies, she still loves Michael. Mr. Danzinger’s death shows that love can remain after someone is gone (forever). Katherine can (and does) still love Michael even though he is “gone”. Therefore, love is stronger than death.

At the end of the book, when Theo calls, it seems like “forever” is about to start all over for Katherine. The same could be said for Jamie (who has a new boyfriend); she is going to start a relationship “forever” as well.

Assigned Focus-Sociogram

Katherine-tennis racquet

Katherine is an assistant tennis counselor at her sister’s camp for the summer.

Theo-moustache, number 21, tennis ball

Theo has a brown moustache that turns downward. He is twenty one years old, and he plays tennis.

Erica Small-shorts

Erica is less than five feet tall, and her last name is Small.

Juliette Small-newspaper

Erica’s mom is a famous movie reviewer. I used a broken line to circle her, because she is only talked about twice, briefly, in the book.

Sybil Davison-baby

Sybil Davison hides her pregnancy, and then gives her baby up for adoption.

Artie Lewin-hospital bed

Artie was in a psychiatric hospital after he attempted suicide. He was absent from the book when he was in the psychiatric hospital.

Katherine’s Dad (Roger Danziger)-tennis ball

 He plays tennis, sometimes with Katherine.

Katherine’s mother (Donna Danziger)-palm tree plant

She received a palm tree for her fortieth birthday.

Jamie-large heart, small paintbrush

Jamie is becoming more interested in boys, and seemingly less interested in the arts.

Katherine’s grandfather (diseased)-cane

He has walked with a cane ever since his stroke. I used a broken line to circle him, because he is deceased at the end of the book.

Katherine’s grandmother-hat

Katherine really liked it when her Grandmother wore a hat (yellow). Katherine followed her grandmother in the fashion.  

Tommy Aronson-bed

Tommy Aronson dated Katherine, but was solely interested in having sex with her. He is mentioned briefly in the book.

Elizabeth-bikini

Elizabeth wears a tiny bikini in the school play that Katherine and Michael watch together. I used a broken line to circle her, because she is an absent character in the second half of the book.

Michael Wagner-skis

Michael is a ski instructor. A broken line is between him and Katherine, because they have split by the end of the book.

Sharon (Michael’s sister)-skull

Sharon is an anthropologist, and significantly absent the second half of the book.

Ike (Sharon’s husband)-physician’s symbol

Ike is a doctor, and significantly absent the second half of the book.

MuskaE_B08L11D_Blog9

Summary

Katherine is emotional at Michael's graduation. She attends the after party at Michael's house. She talks to his family members, and finally meets his parents. Afterwards, they have sex at Katherine's house. She explains to Michael about “their” rug. Katherine graduates. They spend the weekend at Erica's beach house. Artie was supposed to be there too. Some of the kids there smoke and drink, but Katherine and Michael make love on the beach. Jamie and Katherine leave for camp. Chapter 22 consists entirely of letters. Katherine tells Michael about her roommate. She mentions the head tennis counselor Theo. They miss each other terribly. Katherine writes about water skiing and jokingly tells Michael not to talk to females. Erica writes to Katherine about her summer, enclosing Artie's address at the clinic. Katherine writes to her parents, including how Jamie has a boyfriend. She mentions that a boy named Theo calls her Kat. Michael leaves. Katherine writes a friendly letter to Artie. Katherine writes to Erica, saying that she should have sex before college. She mentions Theo is twenty one and a senior at Northwestern. She's trying to fix up Nan and Theo. Erica writes she is going to wait to have sex with someone special. Katherine’s Mom writes to her daughter that she will see her at visiting day. Theo watches Katherine. They hang out together. He asks what “forever” on her necklace means, concluding that it's a long time. Katherine's letters to Michael get shorter. Theo, Nan, and Katherine go to a movie. Katherine used to dream of being with Michael, but now she dreams that she is with Theo. Theo slow dances with Katherine. She cries afterward. She admits there is something growing between them. Visiting day comes. She plays tennis with her Dad. She shows her Mom the box full of letters from Michael.

Things That Make Me Go "Hmm"

I admire Katherine, because she stands up for herself. At Michael’s graduation party, Michael’s uncle asks her what she wants to do with her life. She says she wants to be happy, and make others happy. (I like that answer.) He says that’s not enough. She says that’s all she knows, and walks away. Katherine can be outspoken when she gets angry. I would have just agreed with the guy to make things easy. I like how she defends her thoughts.

I hope I don’t get a roommate in college like Katherine does at summer camp. Angela doesn’t believe in shaving body hair, and thinks that her natural body odor smells amazing. Hence, she doesn’t use deodorant.

(Image above from http://blogs.monografias.com/sistema-limbico-neurociencias/files/2010/05/bad-body-odor.jpg .)
Erica has changed. Before she wanted to have sex with anyone, but now she is willing to wait for a special guy to come her way.

Theo seems to be more emotionally mature than Michael. Possibly, Katherine is attracted to his sophistication.

Judy Blume has a sense of humor. For example, in Katherine’s letter to Michael, Katherine writes “’I have all your pictures taped on the wall above my bed. Angela says you’re very natural looking. I think that’s supposed to be a compliment. I didn’t tell her that you usually wear eye shadow and color your hair. Ha ha.’”

(Image from http://juiced.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/black-and-white-photo-wall.jpg .)

Assigned Focus-Letter

Dear Katherine Danziger from Forever…,

You and I live at very different times. We come from disparate places. Did you know that we share a common bond? Our circumstances, don't be mistaken, are polar opposites. For instance, I desperately tried to get pregnant. I desperately hoped for a son. I cannot fathom taking a pill, in order to not get pregnant, like you did! In addition, my relationship with my husband was forced. Although, I must say, our bond grew stronger throughout our marriage. I cannot believe that you got to choose Michael! That is so strange, yet it must have been special for you! Let these two examples illustrate the differences in where we come from, and in the different times we come from. But do not let our differences disguise the common bond we share, Katherine. For our similarity has the power to unite us as…well…almost like laotongs. I realize that this portion of my letter is embarrassing for you to receive (and equally for me to write). I was scared, as you were, the first time that I had sex. By telling you this, I hope to comfort your soul and sympathize with your heart. Have you ever heard that things get better with time? Well Katherine, this saying is true in your circumstance as it was in mine. Things do get better with time. I know that you found some comfort in the newspaper article your mother gave to you. It pertained to sex and relationships, but you related it to your “first time”. I wish I had a mother like yours growing up. Your mother understands you. She gives you advice, but in a silent way. Your relationship with Michael will only grow stronger from time. Keep up your womanly duties, and he shall find no reason to be unhappy with you.

Best wishes in your relationship,

Lily from Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

MuskaE_B08L10D_Blog8

Summary

Mr. Danziger gets Katherine a summer job as a tennis counselor at Jamie’s camp. Katherine is furious. She will be away from Michael for seven weeks. She refuses to go. Her parents don’t budge. They say she needs a change. In order to be honest, she decides to tell Michael about her job immediately. Erica cancels her weekend plans due to Katherine being upset. Michael and Artie come over Erica’s. Artie is in a good mood until they sing Happy Birthday to Michael. The song triggers Artie’s somber feelings on life. Michael and Katherine have sex. Katherine uneasily tells Michael about her job. Michael confesses he has a job too. He’s known for weeks, and was going to tell her that night. They are both upset. Michael and Artie leave. Erica starts to cry, because Artie threatened to kill himself that night. Later, he attempts suicide, ending up in a psychiatric hospital. Michael and Erica blame themselves. Artie wanted to talk to Michael on the way home, but Michael was consumed by his own problems. Artie was waiting for Erica when she came home from school, but she ended them for good. Katherine gets Michael a sweater for his birthday. He loves it. The three go to a bar the next night. Michael and Erica get drunk. Katherine’s parents help Michael and Erica get cleaned up. They let them spend the night after calling their parents. Katherine cries. June arrives. Katherine cuts her afternoon classes one day, spending the time with Michael in bed. Katherine’s family celebrate Mrs. Danziger’s fortieth birthday. Erica and Katherine visit Sybil and her baby girl. Sybil has a lot to say. 

Things That Make Me Go “Hmm”

In the beginning of this section, Katherine's Dad tells her that the boy Sam Fox originally hired to be assistant tennis counselor contracted hepatitis. Katherine’s family was not shocked, or even a little bit surprised. This made me conclude that hepatitis was more common in the 1970's, due to the sexual revolution.

I can feel by cheeks burning along with Katherine’s. Her parents took the job at the camp for her. I cannot stand it when my parents answer for me, like when they answer the phone and tell my boss that I can come into work that day. 

I realized that Jamie looks up a lot to Katherine. She gets really worried when Katherine talks of leaving home.

( Image of luggage from http://aroundthesphere.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/luggage.jpg .)
Erica is such a good friend. She canceled her weekend plans at a beach house in order to comfort Katherine.

Michael loves spinach. He eats a whole bag. Sounds like my brother.

( Image of spinach from http://www.sustainableisgood.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/06/24/popeye_spinach.jpg .)
I cannot believe that Katherine had never seen Erica cry until the night Artie was suicidal. They have been friends since their freshman year.

When Artie attempts suicide I wonder if he did so because of his uncertainty with his sexuality. It's sad that suicides relating to sexuality are still occurring today.

At first I was confused as to how Erica, Artie, and Michael got drinks at a bar showing their driver licenses. Upon researching, I found that the legal drinking age was lowered to eighteen in the 1970’s (before it was quickly raised back to twenty one).

Katherine's parents are so relaxed with her drunken friends (Michael and Erica). They help them get cleaned up, and they let them spend the night. My parents would have been upset if I brought my friends home drunk.

Assigned Focus-Thinking Aloud

MuskaE_B08L09D_Blog7

Summary

Katherine and Michael both get extremely ill with the flu. Michael takes Katherine out for her birthday. He gives her a silver necklace. “Katherine” is engraved on one side of a silver disk and “Forever… Michael” is engraved on the other. She becomes emotional, so Michael leads her out of the restaurant. Katherine tells Michael that she is taking the Pill. She initiates sex, but she is reluctant to go to Michael’s house. Michael shows her around his neat house. His own room is very messy. Katherine picks out her favorite aftershave of his. They have sex on the bathroom floor, but Michael comes early. They try again in bed, and Katherine comes this time too. She is excited after. Katherine is best friends with Michael. They share a different friendship then the one she shares with Erica. Katherine wants to spend every day with Michael; forever. They shower together, and then go out to dinner together. Katherine wants to meet Michael’s parents. She also wants to have sex again. Jamie is in love, but not serious love. Michael and Katherine want to find summer jobs. Erica gets an exciting job. Sybil is pregnant. She doesn’t know who the father is, and is putting the baby up for adoption. Erica’s Mom is going to make her daughter take the Pill, because of Sybil’s situation. Career day comes. Sharon and Katherine’s grandmother attend. Katherine and Michael have a plan arranged with their college trimesters so that they will see each other. Sybil gets accepted to every college she applies to. She has her pregnancy hidden because of her large size. Katherine accepts Denver’s offer immediately. She tells her parents about how Michael and she plan to see each other. They are not happy.

Things That Make Me Go “Hmm”

I can relate to Katherine when she is opening her birthday present. She says that she doesn’t know how to act when she gets a present. I never know how to act either for some reason! I think it is an awkwardness that Katherine and I both feel.

( Image of birthday gift and birthday balloons from http://www.shrcsc.net/images/birthday-gift-balloon.jpg .)

The title of the book might come from the engraving on the necklace that Michael gives to Katherine.

I was surprised that Michael and Katherine have been dating for awhile (near a half of year), but she still has not met his parents.

Sybil did not want to tell her parents about her baby, because she knew that they would force her to have an abortion. On the flip side, Erica and Katherine would readily have an abortion; without giving it any thought. I wonder why they have such different views, especially because Erica and Sybil come from the same family.

( Image of baby, below, from http://supermon.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/baby.jpg .)

I did not realize how overweight Sybil is. She is able to hide a pregnancy. In addition, her family was going to send her off to a camp so that she could lose weight.

Assigned Focus-Genre Choices

Judy Blume’s novel, Forever…, is categorized in the genre of young adult fiction. Judy Blume chose Young Adult Fiction to express teenage sexuality, because she wanted to show teenagers what sex was all about if they did not have anyone to talk to. In this way, Judy Blume takes on a motherly role. She describes a teenager relationship for those who have never had one. She offers compassion for those who have. Hence, by choosing such a genre Judy Blume is able to comfort and inform her audience. In addition, Judy Blume chose the genre of young adult fiction to express her theme, because doing so allowed her to write for an attentive audience. Young adults, including myself, become engrossed in this book. Due to the popularity of Forever… among young adults, I think that Judy Blume made the correct decision by expressing her theme in young adult fiction. Young adult fiction is a suitable genre considering that the book deals with the theme of teenage sexuality. This theme would have been too mature for preteens, but not mature enough for adults. (Young adult fiction is written for those that are age fourteen to those that are age twenty one.) The theme of teenage sexuality contains some language that is vulgar, and subject matter that is descriptive. For these reasons, most adults would not enjoy the book. For these reasons as well, the book would have been inappropriate for children.  In conclusion, the theme of teenage sexuality would not have been as successful if Judy Blume wrote about such a theme in a different genre (Middle Grade Fiction, Children Fiction, Adult Fiction, Suspense, Romance, or Romantic comedy). Young adult fiction expresses the theme of teenage sexuality well. Fiction means fake, but that does not equate to a story that is not believable. Writing in fiction allowed Judy Blume to be more open. In young adult fiction, most likely an adolescent is portrayed as the protagonist. This makes the story more relatable for the audience. Themes relate often to the challenges that youth brings, while the subject matter and is consistent with age of the main character. In my opinion, the genre and the theme complimented each other beautifully.

MuskaE_B08L08D_Blog6

Summary

Tommy Aronson calls Katherine, because he wants to see her again. She says no, so Tom asks for Erica’s number. Katherine’s furious. Michael calls Katherine. They agree that their night together was special. Her mother gives her an article on sex in a relationship. Katherine feels better about her first time after reading it. Katherine doesn’t think her relationship with Michael will end. Erica sees Tommy. They don’t kiss because Erica likes Artie better. Erica is the one friend that Katherine cares about; she used to hang out with more girls including a girl named Janis. Michael comes over to study with Katherine because Katherine has a paper due. Jamie bothers them. Katherine gets into Michael’s car. They kiss. Katherine thinks to herself that she doesn’t want to go back to holding hands. Katherine’s grandma sends her a package filled with sexual education pamphlets. Katherine goes from being angry to being thankful. She calls her grandmother to tell her she received the package. She also calls Planned Parenthood from a phone booth. She makes an appointment. Katherine takes the train to New York. She goes to a private screening of a movie with Erica and her Mom (Juliette Small). Juliette Small is a famous reviewer. Katherine gets lunch at Basil with her grandparents. Her grandmother tells her that she is glowing. They all toast to love. Katherine doesn’t tell anyone about her appointment. She’s only going to share it with Michael. Katherine is asked a lot of personal questions by the social worker in her private session. She is resistant to have a gonorrhea culture. She gets a physical from a doctor, including a pelvic examination and Pap smear. She receives a prescription for the pill. 

(Image above from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNy4IhBAw2BQpvqA64XxRmC7IDaJGOFOGuskk1NFawalP4eUf4P5IR6IPy1e4-PECpyca9gKLqALetQDEgEDKa1Je_LJpF3p36hNmwuUcQL949yS8XzcRs9jhKZ350CjVicYeA-StaAqs/s400/Birth+control+pills.jpg .)

Things That Make Me Go “Hmm”

I realized in this section of the book that Katherine can be witty. She is also becoming increasingly outspoken. When Tom asks for Erica’s number Katherine responds, “Her last name’s Small and she’s listed in the phonebook”. Katherine is timid at times, but when she gets angry she is anything but reserved.

(Image of phonebook from http://ligress.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/phone-book.jpg.)

When Katherine is reading the article that her Mom gave her, she says that she is not interested in question three. The question says, “If you should need help, where will you seek it?” The entire article pertains to sex and relationships. Katherine’s disinterest in this question reveals to the reader that she feels comfortable and safe when she is with Michael.  

I find the way that Judy Blume portrays Katherine’s Mom and Dad to be very believable. If I didn’t know better I would say that this book was nonfiction.

Katherine is a private person. She doesn’t wish to tell Erica much about her relationship with Michael.

Janis used to be good friends with Katherine. Janis has her entire life mapped out for her; when she will marry and when she will have kids. Katherine finds this to be dull. I was surprised, because I never found Katherine to be a spontaneous person. 

I identified Michael and Katherine’s holding of hands to be a symbol of this book. When Katherine says she doesn’t want to go back to holding hands, I think that this foreshadows she is not going to go back to “forever” with Michael.

Katherine tends to jump to conclusions.

I liked it when Basil drew a picture of Chicken Kiev for Katherine on a napkin so that she would know what it looked like before ordering it! She felt obligated to order the dish.

Assigned Focus

                Knowing Judy Blume’s motivation for writing Forever… changes my predictions for the remainder of the book. Judy Blume’s daughter asked for a book where teenagers could have sex without either of them having to die. If I did not know that Forever… was Judy Blume’s fulfillment of her daughter’s wish, I would say that Katherine gets a sexually transmitted disease. I would make this prediction, based on the fact that Michael once had VD (a venereal disease or sexually transmitted disease as they are referred to today). However, I know from reading an overview of the book that Katherine will not have to face any of the consequences of sex. There has to be some conflict coming ahead in the book. I think that Katherine’s Mom and Dad might split apart. There was some foreshadowing to this. Katherine’s mother is told by a friend she better start working out. She adds that Katherine’s dad is attractive and at a dangerous age. Artie will come out that he is gay. He has already told Erica that he is unsure of his sexuality. In addition, Artie has become depressed and agitated. Katherine’s grandpa is going to die. I predict this, because he hugs Katherine extra hard the last time that he sees her. I found it odd that Judy Blume would include this detail in the story if it did not hold any importance. Michael and Katherine will break up. I get a sense of foreshadowing when Michael tells Katherine he will not give her a second chance next time. He says this in reference to throwing water on her, but the words have a strange tone when he speaks them. Katherine may have some side effects to the birth control pill she is given. Judy Blume mentions that the social worker talks to her about the side effects. This could be for added suspense or perhaps simply detail in the story.

MuskaE_B08L07D_Blog5

Summary

It’s March. Katherine feels amazing, because she is with Michael. They see each other at every chance. Artie was accepted to a dramatic arts school, but his Dad is not going to let him go. Artie seems depressed at times. Michael blames it on Artie’s dislike for school. Michael goes skiing for two weeks with Sharon and Ike. (Michael’s working towards his instructors pin.) Katherine’s family keeps her occupied, but she still misses Michael terribly. Katherine’s parents tell stories of themselves “going steady”. Katherine thinks to herself that she is not “going steady”, but in real love. Her mother brings up college. Katherine then wants to apply to the schools Michael has. Her mother points out that they can visit during breaks or transfer. They will grow while apart. Katherine is pleased. Michael comes home early; they are ecstatic to see each other. Katherine makes a joke about VD. Michael doesn’t laugh; he once had VD from a girl in Maine. Katherine learns that the only sex Michael had was twice with this girl. Katherine is surprised; she thought he was more experienced. Michael gets upset, because the night isn’t going well. Katherine cries. They start over. Michael has the key to his sister’s apartment. He says they can just talk. Michael tells Katherine she is beautiful. They kiss. They touch each other. They go to the apartment the next night. Katherine is worried about bleeding, so they go on the floor with a towel. Michael says he’s never had sex with anyone he’s loved. Katherine makes Michael put a condom on. Michael comes early, so they take a break. They have sex. Michael is pleased; Katherine is not. Michael blames the cheap condom. He adds next time will be better. Katherine is disappointed, but glad it’s over. She was scared.

Things That Make Me Go “Hmm”

I was surprised by Artie’s attitude. He was so depressed! In addition, Michael is very defensive in his friend’s behalf. Michael blames Artie’s mood on his displeasure of school, but I wonder if it has something to do with his sexuality. (Artie is unsure of his sexuality.) That uncertainty may be contributing to his genuine unhappiness.

“Going steady”, which Katherine’s parents talk about, is an old fashioned term for a long term relationship.

Katherine’s father tells her she’d be happier if she wasn’t “tied down to one boy”. I think Katherine’s dad is very protective of his daughter, and that he wants to see her happy. Katherine may have trouble seeing this though, because she is so enthralled with Michael.

I wasn’t positive what VD was. VD stands for venereal disease. Venereal diseases were known as such until the 1990’s. After the 1990’s they became more commonly known as sexually transmitted diseases.

Michael shows Katherine around his sister’s (Sharon’s) apartment. When Michael does so Katherine tells him that she doesn’t want Sharon to know she was there. When Katherine says this, she further shows her timid side. Katherine is reserved in many aspects of her relationship and personality. She is the opposite of her best friend Erica, who is open.

Assigned Focus-Sociogram

Explanation of Sociogram
Katherine Danziger-nightgown
Katherine is no longer a virgin on a night she wears her favorite nightgown. It is white.
Michael Wagner-glasses
Michael wears glasses. He takes them off before kissing Katherine.
Sharon-skull
Sharon is an anthropologist. Sharon is Michael's sister.
Sharon and Ike are married, and smoke grass together.
Ike-physician's symbol
Ike is a doctor.
Erica Small-shorts
Erica is really short (less than five feet). Erica is reaching out to Artie, in order to help him understand his sexuality.
Sybil-light bulb
Sybil is a very smart girl, academically. Sybil has not appeared in the story since the first chapter. Sybil is Erica's cousin.
Artie Lewin-male homosexual symbol
Artie tells Erica that he is unsure of his sexuality. I didn't want to use the male homosexuality symbol in a labeling way, but rather to express this fact.
The house represents the people that are in Katherine's family.
Mrs. Danziger (Donna Danziger)-librarian symbol
Katherine's mom is a librarian.
Mr. Danziger (Roger Danziger)-pharmacist symbol
Katherine's dad is a pharmacist, and owns two drug stores.
Jamie Danziger-Chef hat, paintbrush, music notes
Jamie is a gifted child. She cooks gourmet meals, paints, and plays the piano.
Katherine's grandpa-cane
Katherine's grandfather walks with a cane ever since he had a stroke.
Katherine's grandma-birth control packet
Katherine's grandmother is involved in Planned Parenthood. She is concerned with Katherine's sex life. She worries about Katherine becoming pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
Tommy Aronson-bed
Tom was Katherine's boyfriend, so that he could have sex with her. He is significantly absent from the story; Katherine briefly mentions him. Tommy is Katherine's ex-boyfriend.
Elizabeth-bikini
Elizabeth wears a tiny bikini in the play that Michael and Katherine attend. Elizabeth is Michael's ex-girlfriend.

MuskaE_B08L06D_Blog4

Summary

(Image below from http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumblarge_49/114380875570rZ76.jpg )

Sharon tells Katherine that she is worried about Michael getting hurt. Michael teaches Katherine how to ski. Katherine is tremendously sore and tired. She is resistant to get up, so Michael threatens to throw water on her. Michael and Katherine take a walk underneath the stars. Sharon and Ike are smoking grass when they return. Katherine is shocked at Sharon’s smoking. Ike offers Michael a joint, but Katherine doesn’t want to. Upstairs, Michael says he used to smoke. Katherine tells Michael she smoked once, but doesn’t like to feel out of control of herself. Katherine gets ready for bed, thinking about what will happen that night. They kiss, get naked, and Michael introduces Ralph (his penis). Katherine touches Michael. Michael says he was honest when he told Katherine he loved her, and that it’s more than the sex. Katherine tells Michael she loves him. “Forever?” Michael asks, “Forever” Katherine replies.

Katherine’s father comments that time together tears people apart. Katherine is upset. She feels her Dad doesn’t approve of Michael. In actuality, he is afraid of Katherine getting too involved and making lifetime decisions. Katherine says she will not stop seeing Michael; she doesn’t want to be with anyone else. Katherine and her Mom talk about virginity in the car. Her mother doesn’t know if she would still wait until she was engaged to lose her virginity. Her mother tells her that sex is a big deal in a relationship. She tells Katherine to be responsible, but doesn’t stop her.

Erica can tell that Katherine is still a virgin. Katherine wishes to keep things private, and Erica is a little hurt. Erica and Artie played strip poker. Erica feels like Artie’s therapist, but she wants to stay with him. She admits her relationship nothing like what Michael and Katherine have.

Things That Make Me Go “Hmm”

Sharon worries about Michael the same way that Katherine’s dad worries about her. This made me realize that the dynamics in Michael’s family and the dynamics in Katherine’s family are completely different.

When Michael teaches Katherine how to ski it seems like Judy Blume has embedded an extended analogy. I see a comparison between Michael teaching Katherine how to ski and Michael teaching Katherine how to have sex.

I recognized that Michael has an immature side and a mature side to him. The mature side is illustrated when he says that he is proud of Katherine after she learns how to ski. His immature side is shown when he threatens Katherine to get up with a glass of water over her head.

I get a sense of foreshadowing from Judy Blume when Michael says, “but next time you don’t get a second chance” to Katherine. At the time he is talking about throwing water on her, but the words hold a strange, futuristic mood.

Erica tells Katherine about her relationship with Artie. Erica adds, “even though its nothing like you and Michael…not everybody can be so lucky…” This showed me that what Katherine and Michael have together is truly unique.

Assigned Focus-Recurring Themes, Topics, and Symbols

I was unable to find a study guide for this book. I have used Sparknotes before, and I definitely use the theme section and symbol section the most. I really miss having that resource for this book!

A theme in Forever… is teenage sexuality. This is the major subject of the book. The sexual scenes revolve around two teenagers; Michael and Katherine. Katherine and her best friend (Erica) are wrapped up in their “first time”. In addition, Erica’s boyfriend (Artie) is uncertain of his sexuality. Another theme is love; especially the lasting power of love. This gives the title of the book (Forever…). Michael asks if Katherine will love him forever, and she responds “forever”. I think that more of this theme will develop later on in the book. This theme of love includes how love can hurt you. The harm may be physical or emotional. Sharon worries about Michael getting hurt emotionally. Katherine’s father worries about his daughter getting hurt emotionally or her having to face the consequences of teenage sex. Katherine’s grandmother worries about her granddaughter getting pregnant or getting sexually transmitted diseases.

( Image below of 1970's glasses from http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.134495575.jpg. Image of holding hands from http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Technology/images/couple-holding-hands.jpg.)

A symbol in Forever… is Michael’s glasses. Michael repeatedly takes his glasses off; way before kissing Katherine. His glasses symbolize that he is ready for sex way before Katherine is. He may even be rushing her. Another symbol in the book occurs when Michael and Katherine hold hands. Many couples do so, but Judy Blume conveys every single time Katherine and Michael do so to the reader. She also notes when the pair do not hold hands. This symbol goes along the theme of the lasting power of love. If their hands are together, they are together. If their hands are apart, their relationship is as well. In addition, Katherine’s mother tells her, “sex is a commitment…once you’re there you can’t go back to holding hands”. The holding of hands also symbolizes how sex changes the lasting power of love. New Years Day keeps coming up in the story as well. This is when Katherine and Michael met. The day symbolizes a beginning. Another reoccurring event is when Katherine’s cheeks turn red either in the cold or in embarrassment. This symbolizes that Katherine is changing or it may foreshadow that Katherine is going to change.

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