Hello friends. Happy Monday! Last night while most of the people I know were watching the Patriots play the Eagles (sports!), I was at Symphony Space in Manhattan celebrating 80 years of the writing goddess Judy Blume being on our planet. I LOVED her books growing up. There was nothing funnier than Fudge thinking he was a bird in Tales of a Forth Grade Nothing. No friendship more intense than Vix and Caitlin’s in Summer Sisters. And shortly after my first sex ed class, a copy of Forever magically appeared on my bed one day after school (thanks, Mom!). As a reader, Judy Blume feels like a dear friend. And as a writer, she’s like the ultimate inspiration.
Last night was an author studded affair. Meg Wolitzer hosted the event where actors and authors read favorite passages and shared memories and messages of thanks. Molly Ringwald. Phoebe Robinson. Tayari Jones. Samantha Bee. These were just a few of the people I was fangirling over. The audience was also filled with author citings. I spotted Libba Bray, Gayle Forman, and Jenny Han all in the audience to celebrate the brilliance that is Judy Blume.
Here is an article I wrote a bit ago about how much I love her and below are some (poorly taken) photos from last night. I’d love to know what your favorite Judy Blume book is, if you feel like commenting! Happy Judy Blumesday!
Alison Doherty 
I do love Judy Blume. She’s a legend!
Such a legend. It was an honor to be in the same room as her!