Judy Blume, the bestselling author behind titles including Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, Forever (which recently became adapted into a Netflix series), Summer Sisters and more, is known for her poignant storytelling and writing that lingers long after the final page. While Blume’s last book published in 2015, fans (especially those approaching midlife) are still holding out hope that she’ll write something that helps navigate the ups and downs of perimenopause and menopause. Keep reading to discover whether there will ever be a Judy Blume book about perimenopause and what the author herself has had to say about the topic.
Women are asking for a Judy Blume perimenopause book
Given how deeply Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret resonates with readers, it’s no surprise that many are eager for either a continuation of Margaret’s life as an adult or a new story that explores the experience of (peri)menopause.
In fact, even renowned menopause expert and women’s health advocate, Tamsen Fadal, wishes there was a sequel. “I read Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, which now should probably be rewritten to Are You There God? It’s Me, Menopause,” she previously told First.
And she’s not the only one. Many individuals on the r/menopause thread on Reddit have been asking for the same thing for years. “What if, in addition to Blume capturing the tumultuous teen years and the emotional and physical changes that accompany them, she writes about menopause and the trials and tribulations encountered by women across the globe,” one person asked.
Another person responded with, “That would actually be amazing! So many of us started our journey through puberty with “Are You there God” and all her other books, somehow I know she would bring an understanding and reassuring voice to our menopause experience!”
Others followed up in the thread, sharing that they would love to see Margaret’s experience as a 45-year-old woman.
What is ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’ About?
This classic coming-of-age novel, initially published in 1970, follows 11-year-old Margaret Simon as she navigates the challenges of adolescence. Margaret has just moved to the suburbs of New Jersey after living in New York City and now has to deal with the pressures of a new school, making friends and more.
Struggling with the idea of growing up, Margaret talks to God in private. She discusses topics such as her period, getting her first bra and whether she should choose a religion to practice like her parents.
Ultimately, it’s Margaret’s journey through friendship, family dynamics and personal growth that gives the story its lasting impact on readers, even decades later.
What Judy Blume has said about writing a menopause book
In a 2023 interview with Oprah Daily, Blume was asked if it surprises her that readers are so nostalgic for her books. “It can be very emotional. Sometimes there are tears. I think it’s because I represent their childhoods and meeting me brings it all back, not just for them but for me, too,” she said.
She continues to mention how it brings up the hard times of being a child and how there are things you can’t control. But Blume also addresses that many of her readers who are adults now want more Margaret.
“Then there are women who grew up with my books who want me to age Margaret. They ask for Margaret in Menopause. I hate to disappoint them, but Margaret is always going to be 12,” she shared.
However, the now 87-year-old author does wish people would talk more about aging. “We don’t talk about aging enough, period (no pun intended),” she continued. “We’re not supposed to age. Not supposed to admit to the problems that accompany aging. And it’s a subject that can make people, younger or older, uncomfortable. Lately I’ve read some good articles about menopause. That’s a start. But, hey, menopausal women are young from where I’m standing.”
So while Blume understands that menopause isn’t talked about enough, she won’t be the one writing the novel to commiserate with. (You can check out other menopause reads here.)
