Judy Blume has her moment...and so should we all!

LUCY BURDETTE: John and I attended a fundraiser for the Tropic Cinema in Key West several weeks ago, the premiere of the movie based on Judy Bloom’s “Are you there God? It’s me, Margaret.” The stars came out, including Rachel McAdams who plays the mom, Barbara Simon, and Abby Ryder Fortson, who plays her daughter, Margaret. It was written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig who was also in attendance, along with several producers and Judy Blume herself who lives in Key West. We had a blast watching the limousines drive up and drop off the stars, who were then interviewed on Eaton Street by Entertainment Weekly. (I also spotted Jeffrey Brown of the PBS NewsHour and managed to get his attention long enough to tell him that as PBS superfans, we thought he was a real star, too.)




After the notables were settled, ticket-holders trooped into the three theaters to watch the screening. For those of you who haven’t read the book, it’s the story of a 12-year-old girl in suburban New Jersey, wrestling with both the onset of puberty and her feelings about boys, mean girls, and religion. It’s been the target of numerous attempts at book banning since it was published in 1970. I was a little too old to have reaped the benefits of reading that book when I was going through puberty (my parents were mortally embarrassed by the topic,) but it’s hard to imagine wanting to ban a book or movie that helps confused teenagers understand rocky transitions.

(FYI, attempts to ban books have doubled over the past year.) 

One of my favorite parts of the evening was watching how much Judy (who is 85) enjoyed the experience. She maintains that she’s finished writing, and is focusing now on the bookstore that she and her husband were instrumental in founding. But Margaret was her third published book, and I think she had given up on ever seeing it filmed. Watching how happy she was, I imagined this might have been one of the peak moments of her long career.

Can you picture what a peak moment in your life and or career might be? (Maybe some of us have already had it!) (Here was one of mine:)

 

Lucy with Judy B at Books and Books

HALLIE EPHRON: I LOVE Judy Blume!! So jealous, Lucy.

My goal is modest. I’d like to walk to the bathroom on an airplane or Amtrak and pass someone who’s engrossed, reading one of my books. In hard cover. It has happened once, but I knew the person so that didn’t count.

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: My career highlight so far might seem funny - it’s an editing experience. My manuscript was running behind (surprise!) and in danger of losing its slot on the publication schedule, so my then-editor and I hatched an idea. I had to come to NYC for a marketing meeting; I would stay an extra day and we would do the edit together in person. I arrived at the Flatiron building at 9am; in order to be undisturbed, we were allowed to use Thomas Dunne’s office - he was away. This was on the 17th floor, at the very tip of the triangular building, with spectacular views of Broadway, 5th Avenue, and the expanse of midtown.

My editor sat at the huge monitor on one side of the desk, and I sat with the printed manuscript at the other, and we went through the whole book, page by page, with me dictating changes while she added them in to the computer. We ordered out for lunch, and then for dinner, and I got to see the sunlight shift and slide over Manhattan until it disappeared and a million lights came on. We finished a little after ten that night. She had ordered the car service to take me back to my hotel; I remember sitting in the luxurious back seat, watching the streets fall away, feeling like a character in a movie about a writer in New York. It was an extraordinary, one-time-only experience, and I’m so glad I had it.

JENN McKINLAY: I feel like the plow horse here. LOL. I haven’t had a peak moment yet. I’m hopeful that someday I will, so I keep writing. If Judy had to wait that long then I guess I can be patient.

As for Judy Blume’s books, I was too young to be one of her readers – although I do remember a battered paperback copy of Forever - the pertinent parts highlighted in yellow - being passed around on my school bus by the older kids. So many of her books have been challenged and it’s just crazy because it’s not like parents were telling their kids the facts of life back then. Sheesh! I’m delighted the movie has been made. As Lizzo says, “About damn time.”

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Oh, Lucy, that sounds amazing! I was too old for Judy Blume, but I see the adoration, and that’s so lovely. Hm, like Jenn, I’m thinking/hoping that the transcendent moment is still to come. I have had some wonderful amazing times, though. Like once, at a book event, someone tapped me on the shoulder, and said “Will you sign your book for me?” And I turned around, and it was SUE GRAFTON.

RHYS BOWEN: I remember my daughter asking if she could read Are You There God because it was controversial at the time. I let her, of course.

And I’ve had more than my share of career highlights: 3 Edgar nominations have been amazing. Guest of honor at conventions. And being #1 on Kindle was heady. However I don’t feel I’ve ever written that definitive book, the one that will last and people will say “ Oh Rhys Bowen. She wrote xxx.” Maybe that’s wishful thinking.

LUCY: Oh no Rhys, reach for the stars!

DEBORAH CROMBIE: What a fun event that must have been, Lucy, and I love that Judy is so committed to her bookshop. I remember you taking me there the first time I visited Key West.

As for career highlights, I suppose I'd include getting an Edgar nomination for Dreaming of the Bones (although I was much too nervous to enjoy the banquet) and finding out that The Sound of Broken Glass had debuted in the top ten in the New York Times. I was in a hotel room somewhere on book tour and ordered a half bottle of champagne with my very glamorous room service dinner. I still keep the cork in my carry-on bag.

Lucy again: Your turn Red readers...can you describe a peak life moment, or do you have one in mind? If you don't like that question, we'd love to hear any Judy Blume or banned books stories!