Key West has been a haven for writers ever since Hemingway set down roots
here in the 1930s. Over the years, our tiny island has blossomed into a thriving
arts community dedicated to nurturing creative minds, hearts, and souls.
One of Key West’s most celebrated best-selling authors is none other than literary trailblazer, Judy Blume. Co-founder of Books & Books, Key West’s locally owned neighborhood bookstore, Blume is renowned for her award-winning young adult novels. Her books, which cover everything from masturbation and teen sex, to birth control and death, have sold over 82 million copies.
Now after fifty years, one of Blume’s most popular works, “Are You There, God?
It’s Me Margaret” has just been released on the big screen.
Written in 1970, the story is about protagonist, Margaret Simon, a sixth-grader confronting early adolescent anxieties, including menstruation, bras, and boys. Along the way, she endearingly consults God about these universal issues.
Although many authors find fault with film adaptations of their works, Bloom raves that the new “Margaret” movie is even better than her book.
BTW: No matter how old you are, you’ll find a little bit of yourself in Bloom’s coming-of-age stories. Pick up your copy of “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret,” at Books & Books, 533 Eaton Street, Key West. Info: 305-320-0208; booksandbookskw.com.
Wish I’d had the benefit of this book as an adolescent — but alas, I was already an adult at the time of its writing. But I recently read it — and loved it! I also read Wifey — one of Judy Blume’s adult novels — and loved it, too. Found a little of myself in both books. I always stop at Books & Books when I’m in Key West — and hope to someday have the good fortune to meet Judy Blume in person.