'Forever': Judy Blume's controversial novel gets a modern adaptation

The Netflix series gives the 1975 novel all the trappings of modern teen life

Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin Edwards and Lovie Simone as Keisha Clark behind the scenes of Forever.
The teen leads give an endearing portrayal of modern teen love and sexuality
(Image credit: Elizabeth Morris/Netflix)

Judy Blume, one of the most well-known authors of children's literature and young adult novels, has had her work transformed into a few screen adaptations before. But a modern take on her divisive book, "Forever," recently debuted as a Netflix series, and the interpretation of such a hotly debated novel has garnered critical acclaim.

The author's books were particularly popular among her original Gen X fan base. Known for her frank conversations about menstruation and teen sexuality, many of her works have been deemed inappropriate by generations of concerned parents. The "Forever" adaptation is striking up such conversations.

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Theara Coleman, The Week US

Theara Coleman has worked as a staff writer at The Week since September 2022. She frequently writes about technology, education, literature and general news. She was previously a contributing writer and assistant editor at Honeysuckle Magazine, where she covered racial politics and cannabis industry news.