| Deenie | |
 |
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| Author | Judy Blume |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Young adult novel |
| Publisher | Bradbury Press |
| Publication date | 1973 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 160 pp |
| ISBN | 0-87888-061-5 |
Deenie (1973) is a book written by Judy Blume.
Contents |
Plot summary
Deenie chronicles the life of thirteen-year-old Wilmadeene "Deenie" Fenner, whose mother is determined to have her become a model. At the same time, Deenie's 16-year-old sister, Helen, who is academically proficient, is being pushed by their mother to keep her grades up so that she can eventually become a doctor or lawyer. One day, Deenie is diagnosed with scoliosis. Though upset at the idea of having to wear a body brace for the next four years, Deenie finds herself at peace with the idea of not becoming a model, which devastates her mother. At the same time, Helen has fallen in love with a boy who works for the family business, which further upsets Mrs. Fenner.
The title character is named after the role Natalie Wood played in Splendor in the Grass.
Reception
This book, like many others written by Blume, has been banned in schools for themes deemed inappropriate for adolescents; in this case, talk about masturbation and sexuality. Deenie is on the American Library Association list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-2000 at forty-sixth. [1]
The passages that are most frequently cited as reasons for removing the book from libraries are: "[That week] I touched my special place practically every night. It was the only way I could fall asleep and besides, it felt good." [p. 90] and "Usually I take a shower and get out as fast as I can, but I liked the feeling of relaxation and I rubbed my special spot with my wash cloth until I got that special feeling." [p. 97]
These, along with a discussion about menstruation and masturbation on the following few pages led by a gym teacher, are the core of the objections to the novel. The book is otherwise usually described as insightful and accurate in portraying a young girl dealing with her diagnosis of scoliosis, as well as coming of age.
Characters
- Deenie - The main protagonist.
- Aunt Rae - Deenie's mother's best friend
- Janet - One of Deenie's best friends
- Midge - Another of Deenie's best friends
- Helen - Deenie's sister
- Buddy Brader - A boy Deenie has a crush on.
- Steve - A boy Janet has a crush on.
- Harvey - The President of the School and also Janet's love interest
- Mom - Deenie's mother.
- Dad - Deenie's father.
- Joe - Works at the garage with Deenie's father. Has a brief love interlude with Helen until he is fired.
- Barbara - a friend of Deenie's who suffers from eczema.
- Eileen Rappoport - Deenie's gym teacher
Other Judy Blume works
References
- ^ ALA | 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990–2000 at www.ala.org
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