Forever... by Judy Blume

Found on the state of Utah’s list of banned books in this year 2024, Judy Blume’s 1975 novel, Forever, is the subject of this week’s episode. Alyssa and Kevin discuss this book’s controversial reputation, and how it’s held up over time.

Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

 

Opening Credit Music:

“Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022.

Closing Credit Music:

“Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019.

Episode Music Credits:

“Ms. Jackson,” written by André Benjamin, Antwan Patton, and David Sheats; performed by Outkast. Stankonia, LaFace/Arista, 2000.

“Forever Your Girl,” written by Oliver Leiber; performed by Paula Abdul. Forever Your Girl, Virgin, 1988. 

“I Love You Always Forever,” written and performed by Donna Lewis. Now in A Minute, Atlantic, 1996.

“First Time,” written and performed by Lucy Dacus. Home Videos, Matador, 2021.

“We Looked Like Giants,” written by Ben Gibbard, Nick Harmer, Jason McGerr, and Chris Walla; performed by Death Cab for Cutie. Transatlanticism, Barsuk, 2003.

“Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes),” written by Tony Macaulay and Barry Mason; performed by Edison Lighthouse. Already, Bell, 1971

“Forever and For Always,” written by Robert John "Mutt" Lange and Eilleen Twain; performed by Shania Twain. Up!, Mercury, 2002.

“Stay Forever,” written by Mickey Melchiondo and Aaron Freeman; performed by Ween. White Pepper, Elektra, 2000.

“Always, Forever,” written by Romy Madley Croft, Donna Lewis, Henry Counsell, and Frederick Gibson; performed by Romy. Young, 2024.