Out of My Ordinary

For my final blog post, I have decided to read a novel which I would have otherwise never read. By stepping out of my comfort zone, I will attempt to relay this experience for other readers in hopes to provide advice.

Judy Blume's novel, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, depicts a young girl as she struggles to find her identity amidst her developing mind and body. She faces difficulty regarding buying a bra, having her first period and competition amongst her peers with boys and who can cross the puberty finish line first.

I admit that I could not personally relate to much of this novel but that is because of gender issues really. That is not to detract from the material, I just simply am restricted from experiencing much of the content in the story because I am male. That's ok, though. In fact, 50% of the population therefore wouldn't be able to relate to the novel because of their male disposition. However, this is ultimately not the case.

I am the only boy in a family of three sisters and one mother. To say that estrogen outnumbers testosterone in my house is an understatement. I am familiar with all of the latest fashion trends, female television shows and, above all, the ebb and flow of female behavior and personality. Therefore, while I may not have experienced much of the novel's content personally, I have certainly experienced it indirectly. Reading the story reminded me of growing up in my house as I have seen and witnessed about ten years of grade school/high school female lifestyles. In that sense, the novel was very therapeutic since it created a universal component to growing up through its humor and emotion. I can only imagine how much it spoke to a female who has experienced such events.

Also, even if a male didnt grow up in a house of women like I did, they will inevitably encounter the opposite sex eventually regardless of background. In my opinion, it can only aid in their social growth and development to observe through a window into the life of the female if only to better understand their peers, friends and potential partners.

Recommendation: Of course this novel is speaking directly to young women but I would advise men, if they are willing, to read the novel so they can widen their understanding of the opposite sex. For adults, I think every daughter at least should be given this novel in their young age in order to relate to a wider world of compassion and emotion in girl's their age.