Shop Jurassic World Rebirth!
$9.99 with 23 percent savings
Print List Price: $12.99

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Forever . . . (Richard Jackson Book) Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 3,401 ratings

A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021). Over 4 million copies sold!

Judy Blume’s groundbreaking novel about first relationships, first love, and…the first time—now with a stunning new look!

The bed is brass, covered with a patchwork quilt, and “nice and firm,” Michael says, “in case you’re interested.”

Katherine is interested.

Katherine and Michael are ready—for each other, for love. Katherine is ready for her first time. They are both ready for this to be forever. They are perfect together, inseparable. Until the summer separates them, and Katherine meets Theo. But she and Michael are truly in love. That means forever. Right? Is this really the love of a lifetime, or the very beginning of a lifetime of love?
Popular Highlights in this book

From the Publisher

Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret MTI Edition movie
Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret MTI Edition movie

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Going all the way" is still a taboo subject in young adult literature. Judy Blume was the first author to write candidly about a sexually active teen, and she's been defending teenagers' rights to read about such subjects ever since. Here, Blume tells a convincing tale of first love--a love that seems strong and true enough to last forever. Katherine loves Michael so much, in fact, that she's willing to lose her virginity to him, and, as the months go by, it gets harder and harder for her to imagine living without him. However, something happens when they are separated for the summer: Katherine begins to have feelings for another guy. What does this mean about her love for Michael? What does this mean about love in general? What does "forever" mean, anyway? As always, Blume writes as if she's never forgotten a moment of what it's like to be a teenager.

Review

"A convincing account of first love."

-- "The New York Times Book Review"

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008737VJU
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Atheneum Books for Young Readers
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 10, 2012
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Reissue
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.9 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 220 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1442467804
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ HL590L
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 years and up
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 3,401 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Judy Blume
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Judy Blume spent her childhood in Elizabeth, NJ, making up stories inside her head. She has spent her adult years in many places, doing the same thing, only now she writes her stories down on paper. Adults as well as children will recognize such Blume titles as: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret; Superfudge; Blubber; Just As Long As We're Together; and Forever. She has also written the best-selling novels Wifey; Smart Women; and, Summer Sisters. More than 75 million copies of her books have been sold, and her work has been translated into twenty-six languages.

She receives thousands of letters each month from readers of all ages who share their feelings and

concerns with her.

Judy received a B.S. in education from New York University in 1961, which named her a Distinguished Alumna in 1996, the same year that American Library Association honored her with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement. She has won more than ninety awards, none more important than those coming directly from her youngest readers.

She serves on the boards of the Author's Guild, currently as Vice President; the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, where she sponsors an award for contemporary fiction; and the National Coalition Against Censorship, working to protect intellectual freedom. In Spring 2002, Judy was a spokesperson for the Cheerios "A Book for Every Child" literacy campaign which benefited Reading is Fundamental, America's largest literacy organization. She is also the founder and trustee of The Kids Fund, a charitable and educational foundation.

Judy's first book in the Fudge series, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, was published in 1972. She is thrilled to be celebrating its 30th Anniversary with the publication of Double Fudge. Just as generations of fans have loved the Fudge books, generations of Judy's family have inspired them. Thirty years ago, Fudge was inspired by her son, Larry, and now Double Fudge was written at the request of her grandson, Elliot.

Judy lives on islands up and down the East Coast with her husband George Cooper. They have three grown children and one grandchild.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
3,401 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the book great from beginning to end, with a super sweet love story that succeeds in presenting a representative teenage romance. Moreover, the book is particularly suitable for junior high age girls and provides great life lessons, while being realistic and fast-paced. However, the writing quality receives mixed feedback, with some finding it eloquently written while others note it could be more mature. Additionally, character development is also mixed, with some finding them easy to relate to while others say they were hardly developed.

94 customers mention "Readability"84 positive10 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an all-time favorite that is great from beginning to end.

"...I really enjoyed this book and the memorable moments like how Kath and Michael met at a New Year's party to their many dates and their love scenes...." Read more

"...I won’t spoil the ending for you, but I will say that this is a wonderful book...." Read more

"...It is MUCH more than just a racy book. Judy Blume accurately captured the joy and pain of falling in love and losing it all...." Read more

"...whirlwind love affairs, I appreciate that there is more honest, balanced literature available." Read more

40 customers mention "Romance"36 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the romance in the book, describing it as a beautiful novel of first love that succeeds in presenting a representative teenage relationship, with one customer noting how it takes readers through the couple's entire journey together.

"...I felt like it was a realist look at first love and first sexual relationships. It felt true and took me back in time...." Read more

"...The novel follows their entire relationship, and Blume presents a realistic, though ultimately unhappy, look at young love...." Read more

"...This is a coming of age story which succeeds in presenting a representative teenage romance between two typical teenagers...." Read more

"...This particular story deals with first love and intimacy in a very honest way. Read banned books - you might learn something" Read more

36 customers mention "Enlightened content"36 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content enlightening and thought-provoking, particularly for teens, with one customer noting how it connects to high school experiences.

"...I really enjoyed this book and the memorable moments like how Kath and Michael met at a New Year's party to their many dates and their love scenes...." Read more

"...Lots of memories came flooding back, as I was only a couple of years older than the characters in the book, at the time it was published...." Read more

"...Though written in the 70's, its subject matter is as relevant today, if not more, as it was back then...." Read more

"...Though young, they are enter into a mature relationship. Those points alone are enough for me, were I parent, to allow my child to read this book...." Read more

33 customers mention "Book for young readers"26 positive7 negative

Customers find this book suitable for young teens, particularly junior high age girls, with one customer noting it works well as a mother-daughter read.

"...I think this book has likely helped a lot of young people of my generation, at the time written, and is still helping young people today...." Read more

"While this book is aimed at teen girls, a male friend of mine had a copy and let me borrow it; he'd read the Blume books as a teen, hoping to get "..." Read more

"...say this book is "preverted", but I actually think it is a good book for young adults that want to know a bit more about sex and birth control...." Read more

"...The writing, however, was extremely juvenile...." Read more

19 customers mention "Realistic"14 positive5 negative

Customers find the book realistic, with one review noting its matter-of-fact tone and another mentioning its authentic portrayal of first love.

"...even the relationship between Katherine and her parents is realistic and open...." Read more

"...The book is explicit but not graphic...." Read more

"...She also has no dignity, intelligence, or common sense. She is not worldly, nor inquisitive, nor contemplative...." Read more

"...I was inspired to give it a whirl. I felt like it was a realist look at first love and first sexual relationships...." Read more

23 customers mention "Writing quality"15 positive8 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book, with some finding it eloquently written and easy to read, while others note that the prose is choppy and could be more mature.

"...It is well written and fast paced and brings me right back to high school. All the feelings of young lover come rushing back when I read this book...." Read more

"...Forever, by Judy Blume, is definitely dated. The dialogue is stilted. None of the characters are fully developed...." Read more

"...Judy Blume's writing and style are simplistic, which makes the message in her novel attainable for those younger readers...." Read more

"...Blume's well-crafted writing blends these stories together delicately, including perspectives of some friends, siblings, and parents, to produce a..." Read more

14 customers mention "Character development"7 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book, with some finding them easy to relate to while others note that they were hardly developed.

"...I loved that the book had a very realistic teen voice, even when discussing adult matters of sexuality...." Read more

"...The book had to be good, to get me riled up and angry at the protagonist...." Read more

"...Michael and Katherine were realistic characters that I couldn’t help but root for, even though I knew that the odds would be against them...." Read more

"...The dialogue is stilted. None of the characters are fully developed...." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it fast-paced while others describe it as slow.

"...Honestly, it was a CHORE to read this book. Any intelligent teen might actually get angry at the simplified text and ignorant use of grammar...." Read more

"...It is well written and fast paced and brings me right back to high school. All the feelings of young lover come rushing back when I read this book...." Read more

"...been a “breakthrough” at the time, but it’s just horribly dated and boring now." Read more

"...While some may find this not exciting or worth reading, I feel that for those who can handle the sensitive material, it is a great book to read..." Read more

33 years and counting...A must read!!
5 out of 5 stars
33 years and counting...A must read!!
I have held onto this book for 33 years so I could give it to my daughter when she turned 13 years old; she has another year to go. This book was an amazing journey into sexuality and holding onto your gift until that special man who deserves it (hopefully your husband) receives you in totality. I purchased this book when it only cost $3.50 and yes it meant something to me then and I hope it will mean something now in this day and age for my daughter. A great buy for any parent to give to their son or daughter in this heightened sexuality age.
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Just read this classic for the first time. Judy Blume really gets it. Life, that is. Every teen should read this.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2010
    Format: Mass Market PaperbackVerified Purchase
    MAY CONTAIN SPOILER - IN FACT...DOES

    I absolutely loved this book and it may just be one of my favorite Judy Blume books, though I'm only 18 and so I didn't grow up in my early teens with Judy like my mom. I really enjoyed this book and the memorable moments like how Kath and Michael met at a New Year's party to their many dates and their love scenes. The book seemed to treat the subject of smoking grass quite lightly (Michael's sister smokes it with her boyfriend in their apartment like it's no thing, but it was the seventies and all the rage so...). It touched on birth control and VD, which was heavy stuff back in that time. I'm so glad this book had responsible teens when it came to sex; they took all precautions and their first encounters were entertaining and quite enlightening. I love books like this about teenage love and lust and I was so disappointed towards the end and would you like to know why? Kath and Michael had been together for a few months and were pretty serious about each other and apparently the parents didn't seem to like this because the kids would be going off to college in the fall. Kath and Michael were separated from each other for the summer, but they wrote each other back and forth and it was sweet, but Kath met a guy at her tennis camp and they became friendly and gradually, she found it difficulty writing to Michael anymore and especially saying I LOVE YOU or LOVE in her letters; and that's when I became angry. This was the point in the story where the title and whole point came into play. You think something will last forever and most of the time, you want it too. Unfortunately Michael, and Kath for that matter, learn this the hard way and both end up getting hurt - Michael the most. You can want your relationship to last forever and if both parties are dead bent on that notion, then maybe things can work out, but realistically (especially when things purposely drive the two apart) obstacles can get in the way and who is really that strong to resist temptation. The book had to be good, to get me riled up and angry at the protagonist. The couple I followed in the book and grew to enjoy together, did not stay together. *sigh* IT was great and followed through. I really recommend it to the rare younger teens much like I was because in this day and age, teens really don't believe in that mushy gushy love and romance stuff anymore. It's a definitely a good read.
    28 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2013
    As a teenager I was a big fan of Judy Blume. I devoured Are you there God? It’s Me Margaret and felt like she was writing just for me. Somehow I never read Forever until now. I actually picked up the book for a college course I’m taking on Banned Books and Censorship. Our first unit is on Young Adult literature and Forever was on the reading list. Since I enjoyed Blume’s work as a teen I thought I’d enjoy Forever as well.

    Forever is the story of young love between Katherine and Michael. Seniors in high school, they meet and cannot get enough of each other. As young relationships are wont to do, they get very serious about one another very quickly and their relationship becomes more physical in nature. The book follows their young relationship and blooming sexuality in a very real way.

    I loved that the book had a very realistic teen voice, even when discussing adult matters of sexuality. Reading about sex from the viewpoint of teens is very different than reading about it in an adult novel, and Judy Blume nails the voice. I felt Katherine’s confusion as she grows more attached to Michael and felt her pain when they are separated. I think every girl has had a high school love that she couldn’t image being separated from.

    I won’t spoil the ending for you, but I will say that this is a wonderful book. It is well written and fast paced and brings me right back to high school. All the feelings of young lover come rushing back when I read this book. I love Blume’s straightforward style and the fact that nothing is sugar coated. even the relationship between Katherine and her parents is realistic and open.

    From the standpoint of my banned books class, I can see now why Forever might be considered inappropriate to some schools. There are some very vivid sexual scenes in the book that might frighten a parent. I personally don’t think that books of any sort should be banned, and Forever isn’t presenting any material that high school students aren’t talking about or experiencing on their own, but parents and schools might be wary of putting those ideas into the minds of students who aren’t already exposed to them.

    If you’ve never read Judy Blume, you simply have to read Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, and then move right on to Forever.
    41 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Faisal Ahmad Bhat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nice
    Reviewed in India on May 13, 2019
    Nice
  • babykel01
    5.0 out of 5 stars Every teen should read this book!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 9, 2017
    Excellent read.

    Judy Blume skillfully and honestly portrays the challenges, experienced by all teens and young adults, of transitioning from holding hands to a relationship with both emotional and sexual responsibility. She informs her readers that a relationship can have real consequences without being condescending towards them.

    Even at the age of 28, I was able to relate to this book as I also experienced my first love at 17 going on 18 and am lucky enough to still be with him today.

    I think the message of this book is that it's perfectly normal to get swept up in the excitement of your first love and your first time, but be sensible and keep yourself safe. Be responsible.

    I will definitely be giving this book to my younger sister, who is 15 years old.

    To any parents who are unsure about the appropriateness of this book, my advice would be to read it first yourselves then decide.

    This book is intelligent, informative and relatable.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great one for teenage girls
    Reviewed in Australia on March 17, 2019
    I really enjoyed this book. Blume covers teenage love from a mature angle, and gives Katherine admirable strength and sense.
  • BEDDE65
    5.0 out of 5 stars ❤Judy Blume ~ Novel's Are💯% 5️⃣ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Reviewed in Canada on October 23, 2020
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Have always loved this author from childhood my first book I recall reading was "Otherwise Known As Sheila The Great" ! It just kept going on from there. I use to save my $ & purchased many of her preteen books such as "Are You There God, It's Me Margaret", "Then Again Maybe I Won't" & I continued. I always asked for these books which I did not have for gifts for birthdays & Hanukkah !
    But many don't know Judy Blume wrote many books that are all not considered preteen !
    Like this book "FOREVER" I purchased this when I was probably 17 or 18 it is not meant in my opinion for an under 16 audience ! Well without parental discretion !
    I am far older now, I of all Judy Blume novels I loved this book so much that I had to get another copy of it. I'd had it on my Amazon wishlist for quite while now ! So I received $50.00 for a birthday gift recently to use for a "whatever I wanted" gift !
    Here it is 40+ years later & I now
    re-own a copy of this fantastic book !
  • R H
    5.0 out of 5 stars Superb
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 3, 2024
    A great coming of age story, definitely worth a read as a teenager - wish I'd found it sooner!!😬

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?