Judy Blume And Nancy Pearl In Delightful Conversation

Certain people tend to “erupt into squeals” at the prospect of an appearance by author Judy Blume. For the uninitiated, Blume’s books are among the top bestselling children’s books ever published. She has sold over 80 million books for children and young adults.

Blume’s books for teens were some of the first to take on race issues, menstruation, masturbation, teen sex and divorce. She has also written bestselling books for adults, including “Wifey” and “Smart Women.” In 2000 the Library of Congress named her a Living Legend for her significant contributions to America's cultural heritage.

Blume began writing when her children were in preschool. She published her first book “The One in the Middle Is the Green Kangaroo” in 1969. Over the next decade she published many more books, including “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Her latest novel is “In the Unlikely Event.” It was inspired by a series of plane crashes that occurred when she was a child in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Blume spoke in conversation with Nancy Pearl at Town Hall Seattle on June 11. The event was presented by Seattle Arts & Lectures. Thanks to Kevin Mitchem for our recording.