Contact Judy
Judy says: Thank you, thank you for all your wonderful notes. I only wish I could write back to each of you personally. But in order to start a new book I need serious thinking time, which means less time for e-mail. Hope you understand.
Just want you to know that my assistant and I read this guestbook every day, and try to respond when appropriate. Your continued love and support are a constant inspiration.
848 entries.
Dear Judy: I just watched “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret” last night at the movies with friends, and it transported me back to a time so far away - and still so close to my heart. I’m about to be 53. Your books saved my life, taught me to think differently, and encouraged me to find my own voice and become a writer. I was an Irish Catholic kid living in 70s-era NYC when I discovered Starring Sally J. Friedman as Herself at the library, and my life was forever changed. I still list that book as one of my favorite novels, as well as AYTG?IMM. I know that I am one of bazillions who consider themselves bettered by your writing and your influence. I will be watching your documentary tonight with my husband! Thank you for being such a force for good, truth and equality in the world. Thank you for giving me the courage to become a writer. xoxo Kathleen
Having read you and loved your “teaching” for years! -I’ve gifted you to my 4 grand girls and 3 g-d child! I’ve heard you’re a life member of Hadassah -I’m just wondering ..…
I’m on a Region Hadassah committee trying to bring back Books on the Beach -in past years it’s been in Newport RI -still not out of the running as
we are still in the planning stages and might move the event to Nantasket Beach MA ( at a fabulous resort on the beach) -we r thinking May of 2024
Who do I connect w to find out if it’s possible to have YOU as our guest author speaker -
We hope this event to be a major fundraiser for the extraordinary work of HADASSAH!
FYI I live & our Region is immediately outside of Boston,MA - as is Nantasket Beach
looking forward to hearing back about this possibility.
Thankful for your writing!
Judy
I’m on a Region Hadassah committee trying to bring back Books on the Beach -in past years it’s been in Newport RI -still not out of the running as
we are still in the planning stages and might move the event to Nantasket Beach MA ( at a fabulous resort on the beach) -we r thinking May of 2024
Who do I connect w to find out if it’s possible to have YOU as our guest author speaker -
We hope this event to be a major fundraiser for the extraordinary work of HADASSAH!
FYI I live & our Region is immediately outside of Boston,MA - as is Nantasket Beach
looking forward to hearing back about this possibility.
Thankful for your writing!
Judy
Dearest JB
My husband and I have just watched your documentary. I cried both happy and sentimental tears through it and he cried because he gained an insight to the 11/12 year old 'me'!
Thank you for your lifelong commitment, to us all! I am so pleased that you have received recognition- you're an international treasure.
Warmest regards
Zx
My husband and I have just watched your documentary. I cried both happy and sentimental tears through it and he cried because he gained an insight to the 11/12 year old 'me'!
Thank you for your lifelong commitment, to us all! I am so pleased that you have received recognition- you're an international treasure.
Warmest regards
Zx
I grew up reading your books. I was raised Roman Catholic. It wasn’t for me as a spiritual base as I grew into an adult - for many reasons. I am now a parent of 8 - 12 and under. We are starting to negotiate an idea of spirituality in this house, spearheaded by a friendship our oldest daughter has with a neighbor friend, both at school and near home. Her family is affiliated with a church We’ve allowed her to attend with her friend because she is curious. Religion scares me existentially- but I don’t want to stop her from discovering things herself.
The scary part is that we had a discussion where her fears were exactly the same fears I grew up with. That there was the dichotomy of HEAVEN VS HELL. That there were prescribed behaviors that led to one or the other. That was the fear that I struggled with growing up - always feeling I would fail if I didn’t reach that ideal. That’s exactly what they were sharing with her - and exactly why the conversation was as fraught and emotional with her as it was. She was absolutely sure after being there she was going to hell - she is 10. It took an hour to talk her down.
I explained I didn’t know that church, but I could bring her to the church I grew up in.
So I took her to Catholic Mass - just to share what I understood. After the talk, and her expression of fear I wanted to share what I knew and understood from my perspective and show it to her. That’s what I know - that’s where I can communicate to her from a perspective I understand. I’ve studied religions and I’ve studied history and the mechanics of how how different belief systems function. What I’m struggling with - is how to talk to my children about a sense of being. Churches are everywhere- turn a corner, find a church. Want to find people who think the way you do - find a church. Spirituality begins in a sense of identity- that’s why these people make so much money - they just connect the dots. People follow connecting dots.
You’ve always seen outside of that, since before I was born. I touch Catholicism because it is what I understand being raised by it - so I can share that experience with my children because I can talk about it. It’s uncomfortable because I don’t believe in it, or the idea of religion generally. So for a woman who helped raise me with her words - in a world where belief in any sort of craziness flies, I’m trying to build a solid foundation for my children. What would you be gracious enough to share with me?
The scary part is that we had a discussion where her fears were exactly the same fears I grew up with. That there was the dichotomy of HEAVEN VS HELL. That there were prescribed behaviors that led to one or the other. That was the fear that I struggled with growing up - always feeling I would fail if I didn’t reach that ideal. That’s exactly what they were sharing with her - and exactly why the conversation was as fraught and emotional with her as it was. She was absolutely sure after being there she was going to hell - she is 10. It took an hour to talk her down.
I explained I didn’t know that church, but I could bring her to the church I grew up in.
So I took her to Catholic Mass - just to share what I understood. After the talk, and her expression of fear I wanted to share what I knew and understood from my perspective and show it to her. That’s what I know - that’s where I can communicate to her from a perspective I understand. I’ve studied religions and I’ve studied history and the mechanics of how how different belief systems function. What I’m struggling with - is how to talk to my children about a sense of being. Churches are everywhere- turn a corner, find a church. Want to find people who think the way you do - find a church. Spirituality begins in a sense of identity- that’s why these people make so much money - they just connect the dots. People follow connecting dots.
You’ve always seen outside of that, since before I was born. I touch Catholicism because it is what I understand being raised by it - so I can share that experience with my children because I can talk about it. It’s uncomfortable because I don’t believe in it, or the idea of religion generally. So for a woman who helped raise me with her words - in a world where belief in any sort of craziness flies, I’m trying to build a solid foundation for my children. What would you be gracious enough to share with me?
Hi, Ms. Blume,
My daughter and I just saw the movie, AYTG?IMM. What a wonderful homage to you, your book, and the power of the period! Plus, cameo of Judy Blume? Yes, please! Cat Stevens? Yes, I say, yes! Are You There God was my bible growing up, but I'll never forget cracking open Forever exactly at the "good part." It was a used copy, so I'm guessing those pages were well-thumbed before I got hold of them:) Thank you so much for inspiring young girls and women. Thank you for writing and keeping it real. Thank you for your honesty and humor. You rock!
My daughter and I just saw the movie, AYTG?IMM. What a wonderful homage to you, your book, and the power of the period! Plus, cameo of Judy Blume? Yes, please! Cat Stevens? Yes, I say, yes! Are You There God was my bible growing up, but I'll never forget cracking open Forever exactly at the "good part." It was a used copy, so I'm guessing those pages were well-thumbed before I got hold of them:) Thank you so much for inspiring young girls and women. Thank you for writing and keeping it real. Thank you for your honesty and humor. You rock!
Ms. Blume,
I just saw Are you there god, it’s me Margaret in theaters tonight. I was surprised to see your cameo, and was glad that even though you were so humble in the origin of your books and stories, you were able to see just how big and important they are.
I wan to tell you that in part you really inspired me to be a writer. Although I feel that as I grew Shirley Jackson was more partial to my way of writing, you were the first. The first person to demonstrate that writing can, and really should be honest. Sometimes I ask myself if I can even call myself a writer when I don’t write consistently. A painter can always paint, and a cobbler can always cobble, but sometimes I can’t bring myself to write, and I wonder if at that time, I am not a writer.
Do you have problems with continuously writing too?
It was nice watching the movie based on the book I read seemingly so long ago, although not as long as you wrote it. It brought back a lot of memories of myself in middle school and what that was like. It made me realize that every epoch of your life is like that; you may want things because you don’t fully understand them, or don’t know why they wouldn’t fit into your life. You might take things for granted, that everyone feels like you should hold dear when it seems like a burden to you. You never stop changing and evolving, and it might sound silly to say, but in a way I guess in every point of my life I’ll always be a confused girl.
Thank you for creating a comfortable place where girls can be girls, even with all the hate and legislation.
-J
I just saw Are you there god, it’s me Margaret in theaters tonight. I was surprised to see your cameo, and was glad that even though you were so humble in the origin of your books and stories, you were able to see just how big and important they are.
I wan to tell you that in part you really inspired me to be a writer. Although I feel that as I grew Shirley Jackson was more partial to my way of writing, you were the first. The first person to demonstrate that writing can, and really should be honest. Sometimes I ask myself if I can even call myself a writer when I don’t write consistently. A painter can always paint, and a cobbler can always cobble, but sometimes I can’t bring myself to write, and I wonder if at that time, I am not a writer.
Do you have problems with continuously writing too?
It was nice watching the movie based on the book I read seemingly so long ago, although not as long as you wrote it. It brought back a lot of memories of myself in middle school and what that was like. It made me realize that every epoch of your life is like that; you may want things because you don’t fully understand them, or don’t know why they wouldn’t fit into your life. You might take things for granted, that everyone feels like you should hold dear when it seems like a burden to you. You never stop changing and evolving, and it might sound silly to say, but in a way I guess in every point of my life I’ll always be a confused girl.
Thank you for creating a comfortable place where girls can be girls, even with all the hate and legislation.
-J
Hello Ms. Blume....I wrote to you a few months ago...and was tickled to get a email response! I have loved your books since I was growing up in the 70s. So today my husband and I went to go see Are you there God it's me Margaret in theater! We both loved it. He told me he got teary eyed a few times. I read that book in the late 70s ....and reread it last year! I loved how the movie was kept really close to the book! Kathy Bates was an excellent choice for Sylvia! Big fan of Rachel McAdams too! I've also,at 53 years old, graduated to your adult books. I've read Wifey and Summer Sisters....loved summer sisters!! I've now started Smart Women! I'm sure I would enjoy coming to key west someday and visiting your bookstore....many thanks for your contribution to literature!
Stephen
Stephen
Hi. My wife of 18 is a second grade teacher and an avid reader. She always talks about the books she is reading personally or the books she is reading with her class. However, no other book or writer giver her the joy that Judy does. I also know that nothing would make her happier then getting the chance to meet Judy. I was wondering if there are any book signings or appearances coming up.
Hi Judy Blume,
I honestly don't even know where to begin. I've been wanting to write to you for years, but I never did it.
"Are You There God? It's Me Margaret." is my all-time favorite book. When I found out that it was going to be a movie, I was super excited. I immediately wrote the movie release date on my calendar at school.
I should pause here for a moment and let you know that I teach 6th grade ELA and Social Studies. This is my 20th year teaching, and I've taught 5th-8th grade ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies over the past 20 years. During those 20 years, I've always taught ELA. At the beginning of every school year, I display a plethora of your books in my classroom to showcase my favorite author.
I couldn't help but smile when my students began reading "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." Some of my copies of that book have "walked off" of my bookshelves over the years. I feel that whoever took one of my books needed it more than I did. I can't tell you how many times I've replaced certain books of yours, even though I have a book sign out system in my classroom.
Anyway...Friday, April 28th finally came, and I got to see my favorite book as a movie. Even though I had to wait months (no, 45 years) for the movie to come out, it couldn't have made its debut at a better time. Our school just finished a week of intensive state testing, (ELA last week and Math this upcoming week) and going to the movies was the perfect way to end an extremely stressful and tiring week.
Then my husband and I watched "Judy Blume Forever" last night, and I knew this was the perfect time to finally get in touch with you.
You are the reason that I love to read!! Realistic Fiction is my favorite genre. I grew up in the 70's and began reading your books when I was in. 4th-5th grade (1976-1977). My sister and I spent many summer days sitting on our front steps reading to one another "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." We also read "Little House on the Prairie" books, because they were her favorite. I had every one of your books as soon as it came out in paperback, except for Forever and Wifey. We grew up in a very strict Catholic household, and we were not allowed to look at either one of those books, even when we were in high school. Of course, when I went to college, they were the first two books I bought!
Okay, I think you've heard enough from me for one day.
Take Care and please write back if you have the time.
Sincerely a Lifetime Fan,
Sharon
I honestly don't even know where to begin. I've been wanting to write to you for years, but I never did it.
"Are You There God? It's Me Margaret." is my all-time favorite book. When I found out that it was going to be a movie, I was super excited. I immediately wrote the movie release date on my calendar at school.
I should pause here for a moment and let you know that I teach 6th grade ELA and Social Studies. This is my 20th year teaching, and I've taught 5th-8th grade ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies over the past 20 years. During those 20 years, I've always taught ELA. At the beginning of every school year, I display a plethora of your books in my classroom to showcase my favorite author.
I couldn't help but smile when my students began reading "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." Some of my copies of that book have "walked off" of my bookshelves over the years. I feel that whoever took one of my books needed it more than I did. I can't tell you how many times I've replaced certain books of yours, even though I have a book sign out system in my classroom.
Anyway...Friday, April 28th finally came, and I got to see my favorite book as a movie. Even though I had to wait months (no, 45 years) for the movie to come out, it couldn't have made its debut at a better time. Our school just finished a week of intensive state testing, (ELA last week and Math this upcoming week) and going to the movies was the perfect way to end an extremely stressful and tiring week.
Then my husband and I watched "Judy Blume Forever" last night, and I knew this was the perfect time to finally get in touch with you.
You are the reason that I love to read!! Realistic Fiction is my favorite genre. I grew up in the 70's and began reading your books when I was in. 4th-5th grade (1976-1977). My sister and I spent many summer days sitting on our front steps reading to one another "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." We also read "Little House on the Prairie" books, because they were her favorite. I had every one of your books as soon as it came out in paperback, except for Forever and Wifey. We grew up in a very strict Catholic household, and we were not allowed to look at either one of those books, even when we were in high school. Of course, when I went to college, they were the first two books I bought!
Okay, I think you've heard enough from me for one day.
Take Care and please write back if you have the time.
Sincerely a Lifetime Fan,
Sharon
I loved all your books as a kid and your adult books. You always answered all my questions. I loved your documentary. !!!! So happy you found love and you are enjoying your book store. I hope to get to Key West and to visit you and your nook store!! Stay well and happy!! Yvonne 💗
I want to thank you for writing books that took on the tough issues of childhood/ adolescence.
I am a middle school teacher. I taught Tiger Eyes for many years. It got pulled. I was able to use it years ago in my.ELA support class-
Good writing- issues that resonate.
Keep going-
We thank you.
I am a middle school teacher. I taught Tiger Eyes for many years. It got pulled. I was able to use it years ago in my.ELA support class-
Good writing- issues that resonate.
Keep going-
We thank you.
Just got t know of U thru the movie on 'God' receiving rave reviews now.. deeply impressed with your Autobiographical essays as a Dad,a Hubby a Bro, a Son & a Friend. -- your essays touched me profoundly and shall start reading your books. Soon. Cheers. Bhaskar.
Hi...my name is Lynda. I am 75 years old and I have an “incidental,incredible” story to share with you! I was watching a T.V. interview with you last week. I had heard about your great books...but I must confess...that I had not read any of them! After watching the interview...I thought...I really wanted to read them...so I went off to our local library and requested that she show me where your books would be located. I said that I would really like to read the “first” one...but she didn’t have it! So I ventured over and chose(just by chance) “Deenie”...because after reading the back cover...I discovered(I couldn’t believe it)...she’s my story!! I was born with spina bifida,club foot and “congenital” scoliosis! I had my first surgery at 4 months to remove the spina bifida. My Mom and I made repeated trips from Sudbury Ontario Canada to Montreal Quebec to the Shriners Hospital until I was 16! Now comes the incredible part of this story(for me) Deenie’s medical experiences throughout your book was “my story”! As I read your book...it made me reconnect with my past(never really realizing or remembering) that all those experiences happened to me! I had my second surgery at 9 years and was in the Shriners Hospital for 1 year at which time, I was fitted(like Deenie)...for “my” Milwaukee Brace(I actually still have it!!) and wore it 4 years! Your words,details made me think back of those trying times...with friends and every day challenges! It doesn’t make me feel sad or discouraged...I survived quite a “normal” life! Here now, 64 years later...my story ends quite amazing,successful and happy...married 54 years, 2 wonderful daughters and 4 beautiful Grandchildren and an Elementary teacher for 30 years! (with LOTS of adventures in between!) Just a “little” side story...I did wear my brace until I was 14 and I have to confess... I did get away with a little escapade( which Deenie’s Dad wouldn’t let her)...my girlfriend “unscrewed” my brace and we went to visit our boyfriends! When we got home...she couldn’t get it back together. My parents thought that it was quite a joke(I didn’t...I was scared...haha!)I just had to share “my story” with you...thank you for reconnecting me to my childhood memories. I will be reading your books and experiencing all your amazing adventures of storytelling! Lynda
Judy I am 78 years old. Tomorrow I, my daughter, her best friend and her 14 year old daughter are going to see Dear God....3 generations coming together to celebrate you. I am very excited to see the reaction of these ladies that I am lucky to accompany. God bless you Judy. Looking forward to some fun tomorrow.
Dearest Judy
I loved meeting you through your documentary Judy Blume Forever. I am turning 72 and sadly, never read one of your books (kind of missed that boat) but the documentary let me get to know you, this amazing inspirational woman, mother, writer and activist in such a personal way that I feel that I know you and am so very glad that I met you.
Thank you for touching so many lives, and now include mine.
Sincerely,
Hali R
I loved meeting you through your documentary Judy Blume Forever. I am turning 72 and sadly, never read one of your books (kind of missed that boat) but the documentary let me get to know you, this amazing inspirational woman, mother, writer and activist in such a personal way that I feel that I know you and am so very glad that I met you.
Thank you for touching so many lives, and now include mine.
Sincerely,
Hali R
DearJudy,just went to see the movie today with my friend. Boy, did it bring back memories of my own experiences as well as the book. I got my copy years ago from my Grandma and I reread it so many times. I even reread the book last week to refresh my memory for the movie. Thank you for letting your book become a movie. The Simon family of actors were SPOT ON from the book. Also Nancy was perfect!
Just finished watching forever and wanted to say thank you😀
Hello Judy Blume, I am currently watching your fabulous documentary on Prime. Have many memories flooding back to on reading your books as a young teen. Am going to reread a few know as a 57 year old. Am looking forward to going down memory lane. Thanks for being you and thanks for all of your amazing work! Thanks, from my inner teenager. Suzanne
Dear, dear Judy, my husband and I are just back from seeing Margaret. I just want to thank you for the books, the movie and all the memories. Since you got so many women through puberty can you write something to get us through menopause now?
Dearest Judy,
I met you at a book signing about 23 years ago in Hyannis, Ma. I believe the book promotion was Summer Sisters. I told you then what Margaret meant to me. We laughed, I was 29 at the time. Today, I’m 52, having just had a total hysterectomy ( 9 days ago); I’ve got my tickets to see the film version of Margaret for tomorrow. I will be gifting my niece my signed copy of Margaret to my treasured 10 year old. I know she will be thrilled. My question for you, dear Judy, is where is the story of life after menopause or hysterectomy? If anyone can do it, I believe it’s you.
Please keep writing.
Your birthday sister,
Hope
I met you at a book signing about 23 years ago in Hyannis, Ma. I believe the book promotion was Summer Sisters. I told you then what Margaret meant to me. We laughed, I was 29 at the time. Today, I’m 52, having just had a total hysterectomy ( 9 days ago); I’ve got my tickets to see the film version of Margaret for tomorrow. I will be gifting my niece my signed copy of Margaret to my treasured 10 year old. I know she will be thrilled. My question for you, dear Judy, is where is the story of life after menopause or hysterectomy? If anyone can do it, I believe it’s you.
Please keep writing.
Your birthday sister,
Hope
In this Section
- Judy’s Official Bio
- Photo Gallery
- How I Became an Author
- Questions for Judy
- What’s Up With Judy
- Contact Judy
U.S. Mail:
Judy Blume
c/o Tashmoo Productions
1075 Duval Street
Suite C21 #236
Key West FL 33040
Judy’s Agent:
Suzanne Gluck
William Morris Entertainment
11 Madison Avenue, 18th floor
New York, NY 10010
Email:
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