We must, we must, we must increase our bust! This is the response I got from several of my girlfriends when I told them I was writing about this book for my first post of the A to Z Challenge!
When I first read this book, in my pre-teen years, I connected strongly with Nancy Wheeler. I was also an only child and had moved a few times in my childhood. First published in 1970, AYTGIMM was already a bit behind the times when I was reading it. I knew women didn't wear belts with their pads anymore, but that was pretty much all I knew about the subject. This book was my first real introduction to the world of puberty and the changes I could expect.
And like Nancy, I was also a late bloomer in my circle of friends. (One of my friends was having sex before I'd even gotten my first period!) I thought I was the slowest, least attractive female on the planet. But even though those times were tough, I always knew they'd change. I knew I'd catch up to everyone else eventually.
This is one of the first books that truly had an impact on my life. I can't recall how I ever got a copy, but I had it for many years and read it so many times. I'm honestly surprised I don't still have my original copy. I picked one up at a used book store recently. As I thumbed through it, reading passages here and there that are still familiar after all this years, I was struck with a sense of awe that a book could have such an impact on generations of women's lives. For that, I am eternally grateful to Judy Blume!
This book had the same affect on me! We talked earlier this week about how it is one that each woman could probably take something from, even now. It is timeless...my first copy was filched from an older cousin and read in secret with another cousin. (We also a few years later found and read Wifey the same way!)
ReplyDeleteThis is Lea btw. :)
DeleteThank you friend! I think it was a rite of passage for girls in our generation. I've never heard of Wifey, I'll have to read it!
DeleteI remember reading this book and being confused by wearing belts with pads. That might be the only thing I remember about it though. Good choice.
ReplyDeleteHello, I'm a new follower. I remember reading the book when I was young, and that line is classic. I'm blogging about books I read back in the day this month as well.
ReplyDeleteI heard about it, but it's not part of the Hungarian children's canon. I am curious now. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy A to Z!
@TarkabarkaHolgy from
The Multicolored Diary
MopDog
I haven't read this one, but I've read some of her other books. I think I need to check it out :)
ReplyDeleteRos
Fangirl Stitches
Travel like a Geek
So sad that I've never read this book. I probably would have/could have learned a few things.
ReplyDeleteI may also have to check out the "Wifey" one... My ears perked up on that one. Haha!