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.
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.’”
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
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