Forever on Netflix 'inspired the Judy Blume book'

[Dustyblue]

I binge-watched all 8 episodes yesterday whilst unwell (am much better today) and the term 'inspired by' is a strech. The only things in common with the book were a) there was a cheese fondue at the NYE party in the 1st episode and b) the angst-filled teenage lovers go on different paths at the end.

Note these are not spoilers if you've read the book! Everything else however is different. No other plot point comes from the book.

Meanwhile it was good viewing, most of the actors were great in their roles. Michael from the book turned into Justin, the actor in that role was great and he still named his dick Ralph (a nod to book authenticity).

Overall it felt a bit slow, the 8 episodes could've been maybe condensed into less, but I did enjoy it. Would love to hear what other fans of the book thought😍😫🤔

Would have been tricky him using his own name.

@jenfw not really. Loads of actors do that all the time.

I managed about 10 minutes but realised it wasn’t really anything to do with the book. Really disappointed, but maybe it’s not meant for the OG Forever readers 🙃

I don't think his name change is really relevant tbh. It's the change from 'Katherine' to 'Keisha' that was discussed, which is integral to the Black experience, which the series is rooted in, and the larger themes in the adaption.

@jenfw my point was I didn't see the need to change the names as to me Micheal and Katherine are fairly timeless generic names and I wouldn't think of them as "non black" names.
Katherine's surname in the book I can understand changing (Danziger).
I can't even remember Michael's surname.
One of the things I've always disliked about the novel is that Micheal is so bland and boring 😂

I tend to agree! Even though it was far removed from the book, a few important elements remained, like teenagers being responsible and trying to 'do the right thing'. Also that teen love is intense and typically has to end. The awkward 1st sex scene is somewhat reminiscent of the book too!

The retelling as a black experience was interesting to me. The scene where Justin thinks he's being followed by the cops after taking Keisha home for example... his panic is palpable and made freak out on his behalf and then made me sad.

I'm a white 50 y/old in Australia btw!

The film adaptation of 'Are you There God, It's Me Margaret' was fantastic, much more faithful to the book. Kathy Bates as the Jewish grandma was perfect.

Also the film version of 'Tiger Eyes' was pretty close to the book as well. I watched it when I was pregnant though and sobbed my eyes out!

For true fans, there's a made-for-tv version of "Fudge A Mania" on youtube. It's true to the book but misses a few characters. Like Frank Fargo the weird painter, and the little sister Tootsie.

Omg I loved this book in my teens.
Didn't the main character wear a back brace?
And yes, the racy bits!!!
Can’t wait to watch.

"Deenie" is the book with the back brace for scoliosis.

@Dustyblue do you know where you can watch Tiger Eyes?
I remember reading about it being made but could never find a way to watch it.
Thanks.

@Needmorelego
Yes, Denise!
Just looked at the preview for Forever…think I’ll give it a miss.

I wouldn't even use the word 'true fans'. Forever is a very old book and this retelling opens it up.to wider audiences. It's also really impressive to see a positive, Black experience shown on screen, particularly for Black teenagers. God knows there are enough White ones out there. I'm addition, JB was an executive producer the new Netflix adaptation.

@jenfw I am definitely going to get around to watching it.
I'd love to track down the old made for TV movie of Forever from the 70s (80s?).
It is quite a dated book. Newer editions have to have a disclaimer because it's from pre AIDS days so things about birth contract/protection were very different. Of all the Judy Blumes I find Forever and Iggie's House (about racism and white flight from the suburbs) have dated badly. I love the fact the Are You There God film was set in 1970 - when the book was written - but it is a fairly timeless plot. Most of the books are really. You can read them and not necessarily realise they are "old".
(Although I'm not sure how up to date Deenie is though - from a medical point).
I don't want any plot spoilers but does the netflix version have the sub plot about the friend who has a baby?
I'm very curious how different that might be.

Don't worry, I won't give spoilers. No, that isn't there. It's very much rooted in the Black experience, particularly in LA. Despite being a White, 42 year old lone parent living in the UK, I found myself relating massively to Justin right front the first few scenes, as an aspect of his character is established very early on.I loved it. It was incredibly sweet and it brought back memories for me of being young. I would definitely recommend it.

@jenfw I'm guessing being set in LA they don't go skiing 😁

Haha, definitely not 😄

I borrowed Tiger Eyes on DVD from the library years ago, not sure if it's online.

I've got the DVD of the 70's tv "Forever" movie! It's great, very close to the book. I bought it here modcinema*: Exploring 60's/70's culture through rare & hard to find films on DVD

AYTGIMM was updated to replace the old pads Margaret used with the waist belt and hooks - thank goodness I missed out on those- to the modern adhesive ones.

The newer versions of Deenie have a page at the front where JB explains that the Milwaukee Brace, that horrible contraption Deenie had to wear, have been replaced with much more comfortable and discrete versions. It gives links to peer support sites too.

@Dustyblue that was the only part of the Margaret film that I was disappointed in was that it didn't have the original loop and belt towels 😂