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All hail Queen Judy Blume! Episode 192 is all about Judy's most autobiographical novel, Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself. Published in 1977, Sally tells the story of a young Jewish girl navigating a move from New Jersey to Miami in the aftermath of World War II. The novel inspires conversations about Holocaust literature more broadly, how to best capture tragedy and humor simultaneously, old tech, teasing as flirting or flattery, writing about death for kids, our changing expectations for children, and the one language choice Alli struggled with in this book. Hena Khan is the award-winning author of many books for young readers, including Amina's Song, Amina's Voice, More to the Story, and most recently, Zara's Rules for Record-Breaking Fun. Follow her on Instagram (@henakhanbooks) and Twitter (@henakhanbooks).
Hey y'all! Anne & Esme joined Jody & Alison on the Blume Saloon this past week! We both voraciously consumed Judy Blume back in the day (at basically the same rate as we read the BSC!). We were thrilled to join them for their wrap-up episode about "Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself." We discuss animal sex, Jane Russell, and competitive twirling, among other things. It's a Judy Blume book club!
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," the appendix! Dedicated to all things Sally: a brief history of baton twirling, sex ed in the 1940s, child psychology, Howard Hughes' cantilevered bra design, everything you wanted to know about Creme de Cacao, and Esther Williams' dalliance with LSD. Esme and Anne from the Stuck in Stoneybrook podcast join Alison and Jody for Judy Blume deep cuts and chat about animal sex. We also read two wonderful listener letters (thank you Sherie and Dustin!). AND there's a bonus hidden track – keep listening for a Special Report on water bugs from a 7-year-old Blume Head, Lucy! It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week! PS: be sure to follow Blume Saloon social media for our next book announcement.
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 25-26. Sayonara Sally! The Freedmans get ready to head back to Jersey, but not before Sally ambush-kisses Peter behind the Temple and swaps secrets with Douglas. Alison and Jody reenact some classic Judy moments and discuss Taylor Swift internet fandom and laptops from the '90s. It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week! PS – RIP Mr. Zavodsky.
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 23-24. The penultimate episode of this marvelous Judy Blume kidlit novel! Sally's up for 5th grade Posture Queen, Andrea gets a new kitten, Douglas wants to see some boobs, Bubbles is with child, and Sally has some good D&M's with Ma Fanny and Doey. Oh, and there's a Goodyear Blimp trip! Jody and Alison do their usual dramatic readings and chat about Friendly Plastic, avoiding helicopters, and the subtle art of worrying as it pertains to the patriarchy. It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 21-22. In this Judy Blume kidlit classic, Sally receives some painterly Peter intel and a masterful passive aggressive letter from Chrissy. Andrea gets mad (again), Omar meets a tragic fate (you're always in our hearts!), and mom dodges the sex talk. Jody and Alison read an illuminating letter from Blume Head Danielle about British Ballet, Miami's Monkey Jungle, and an unnamed friend of Margaret O'Brien. There's also a new creepy Daddy song du jour and TWO Margaret movie updates. It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 19-20. Sally has a foot fungus and gets competitive over Margaret O'Brien's ballet slipper, Douglas finds a crunchy surprise in his chow mein, and Peter Hornstein rudely compares Sally to New Girl Jackie. Jody and Alison obsess over this wonderful Judy Blume novel about friends, frenemies, and family set in 1940s Miami Beach. Get ready for some great(?) dramatic readings, heavy analysis of the "Unfinished Dance" shoe contest, memories of roaches at La Madeline, and a shout-out to Love Island Australia. It's a Judy Blume Book club. Join us every week!
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 17-18. Join Jody and Alison as they read, re-enact, and discuss this fan-fave Judy Blume novel! Sally fancies herself a mixologist and tries homemade creme de cacao, Virus X makes its way through Miami Beach, Barbara shares a family secret, and Shelby goes missing (watch your back, Mr. Zavodsky!). Your hosts chat about Beverly Cleary (RIP, legend), read a letter from Blume Head Martha, and Alison presents a Mini Special Report on the Shelborne Hotel. Millions of thank yous to our new Patrons, Danielle and Ally! It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 15-16. In this iconic children's novel by Judy Blume, Sally gets chastised for playing with paper dolls, is brutally attacked by a man o' war, and kicked in the face by Georgia Blue Eyes. Jody and Alison ponder the art of convalescence, read TWO letters from UK Blume Heads, and Alison presents a very thorough Siphonophore Special Report. Thanks to Mary Anne and Vikki for their wonderful letters, and to Brandee and Vikki for their Patronage! It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 13-14. Jody and Alison read and examine this beloved Judy Blume novel in which Omar the cat gets in trouble, Sally and Andrea drink from the "wrong" water fountain, and creepazoid Mr. Zavodsky continues to peddle candy EVEN THOUGH HE CAN'T EAT IT. The gals discuss Berkeley walkabouts, 1940s radio programmes, and Hitler's gross teeth. If you are having fun listening along, check out our Patreon for more content: patreon.com/theblumesaloon! It's a Judy Blume book club! Join us every week.
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapter 12. Comedy writer and podcaster Molly Sanchez joins us to discuss one of the most iconic chapters we've ever read! Doey Bird comes to visit for Thanksgiving, Mom gets wasted (hashtag WILLYA), Sally seduces/kills Hitler, and the fam has steak with Fruit Cup Supreme with Big Ted, Vicki, and some very clean diamonds. Jody, Alison, and Molly chat about Daddy's Treatment, parents having house parties, White Shoulders, and Holly Madison. In a moment that is sure to go down in Blume Saloon history, Molly shares some patriotic 5th grade fan fic that you'll never forget. We dissect everything about this gorgeous novel and re-create memorable scenes with dramatic readings. It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!Check out Molly's podcasts The Hold Up and Red All Over on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow her on Twitter @seriousmolly, IG @mollyfuckingsanchez, and TikTok @molly-sanchez.
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 10-11. Sally has an inkwell mishap (thanks, Peter Hornstein), snacks on Fig Newtons with Barbara, and learns about Latin Lovers from Andrea. We also discover the unbelievably tragic fate of Daddy's entire family. Will he even live to see 43?! Alison and Jody discuss all the Miami Beach goings-on, including another run-in with creepy Mr. Zavodsky and Miss Swetnick's dalliance with Peter's brother. Your hosts uncover a real deal 1940s kosher sour cream and cottage cheese recipe, present a mini Special Report on Fernando Lamas, and re-create all the best scenes with dramatic flair. Congratulations to Molly, Helen, Augie, and Jessica for ALL winning our Hirohito's Go-Kart Draw-a-Thon! It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 8-9. Sally's been busy. She plays approximately one thousand games of Jolly Roger, covers her body in peanuts, attempts to out Mr. Zavodsky via Bambi letterhead, and tries to solve the secret Bath House Disease mystery. Jody and Alison chat about the bald-faced lies they told to get out of school, house mice, and Witch TikTok. Blume Head Michelle presents an A+ Special Report on 1940s child star Margaret O'Brien, while Danielle provides some excellent Yiddish intel and memories of her Miami Beach childhood. Come on inside the Blume Cocoon for dramatic readings, vintage commercials, and all around good times! If you like what you hear please consider joining our Patreon for insider access and fun goodies, or write us a friendly review on Apple Podcasts! It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 6-7. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDES!!! Alison and Jody celebrate by discussing this fantastic kidlit classic by Judy Blume! Our gal Sal tries Miami school again and meets Miss Swetnick of the Heart Shaped Glasses, cool pal Barbara, and not-cool doorless bathrooms. She also meets Mr. Zavodsky, aka Adolf Hitler in hiding! There's bike riding in Flamingo Park, backbends on the beach, and some more fun stories about conquering Nazis. Jody presents TWO Special Reports on Nephritis and Ipana toothpaste, and updates Alison on the now-infamous Hawaii ashtray. One hundred thank yous to our new Patron, Jeb Wilson! If you like what you hear, please consider joining the Blume Saloon Patreon or leaving us a friendly Apple Podcast review!
Annie is joined by special guest and author Laura Tremaine, whose new book, Share Your Stuff. I’ll Go First, is perfect reading for Galentine’s Day. Laura is also the host of the podcast Ten Things to Tell You, and her book’s mission intertwines beautifully with her work there, encouraging readers and listeners to open up and share their stories. The books mentioned in today’s episode are available for purchase from The Bookshelf: Share Your Stuff , I’ll Go First by Laura Tremaine (limited number of copies available, otherwise backordered until mid-February) Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself by Judy Bloom The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Five Wives by Joan Thomas From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram at @bookshelftville, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com. A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. This week, Annie is reading How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie Jones. If you liked what you heard on today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on iTunes. Or, if you’re so inclined, support us on Patreon, where you can hear our staff’s weekly New Release Tuesday conversations, read full book reviews in our monthly Shelf Life newsletter, follow along as Hunter and I conquer a classic, and receive free media mail shipping on all your online book orders. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 4-5. Choo choo! All aboard the Miami train for some Judy Blume goodness! Sally, Douglas, Mom, and Ma Fanny take the overnight train to Florida and have a pyjama party! Sally ain't impressed with their new apartment (not even a Murphy bed will change her mind) and has a truly terrible first day at school. Alison and Jody chat head lice, the Orange Blossom Express, braided coronets, and Ralph ashtrays from Hawaii. There's an update on Jody's correspondence with Rita Williams-Garcia, a fantastic bit of Margaret fan fic from Blume Head Helen, and dramatic reenactments that will make you feel like you're right there with the Freedmans.
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 2-3. Get out your pink Spalding ball and join us for this incredible Judy Blume novel. We're back in 1947: Sally eats tongue with raisin sauce, spends time in the BORDELLO bath tub, bosses her friends around, and learns she'll be spending the winter in Miami Beach! She also dreams up a thrilling story about saving Lila from the Gestapo and nursing her back to health with kosher salami on rye. Jody and Alison reenact all the classic scenes and provide an analysis of the Freedman goings-on. And finally, there's some new progress on the Margaret movie!
"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," prologue and chapter 1. Who's ready to dive right into this 1977 Judy Blume novel?! The gals set the scene for 1947 by digging into the events, movies, and fashion of the era. Hellooooo full skirts, country musicals, and Doomsday Clocks! The Freedmans celebrate the end of World War II with grape jelly and puke, Douglas has an accident in Union Woods, and Sally daydreams of becoming the world's first child detective-slash-movie-star. Giant hugs and thanks to Blume Head Dustin for his mind-blowing gifts and great letter, and much appreciation to our newest Patron, Sarah O'Brien!
This week we discuss “Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself,” the classic Judy Blume novel rife with overactive 10-year-old imagination and Jewish mother neurosis. Cover art discussed in this episode can be found at https://www.booksraisedus.com/episodes/starring-sally-j-freedman-as-herself
Have you ever wanted to stumble across a world of magic and mystery and hatch your own dragon to be a beloved companion and eternal friend? One of this podcast duo did as a child. The other did not. Join Kelly and Emily as they revisit Bruce Coville's "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" and we find out which of the two still has the beautiful childlike spirit of whimsy in her heart, while also being the one who writes these episode descriptions. Next Episode: "Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself" by Judy Blume Twitter: @ThrowbackBSPod
Robin is the National Book Award-winning author of FAR FROM THE TREE, as well as: EMMY & OLIVER, ALSO KNOWN AS, GOING ROGUE, THE EXTRAORDINARY SECRETS OF APRIL, MAY, AND JUNE and AUDREY, WAIT!Find Robin on Twitter: @robinbenway and Instagram: @robinbenway. Her website is robinbenway.comShow Notes:Books, authors, movies, TV, specials, and other media or institutions mentioned include:The Confusion of Laurel Graham by Adrienne KisnerDear Rachel Maddow by Adrienne KisnerRachel CohnLooking for Alaska by John GreenTwilight by Stephenie MeyerDavid LevithanHolly BlackBaby-Sitters ClubSweet Valley HighRamona books by Beverly ClearyBeverly ClearyMitch and Amy by Beverly ClearyRibsy by Beverly ClearyRamona the Pest by Beverly ClearyRamona the Brave by Beverly ClearyBianca TuretskyBaby-Sitters Club Netflix rebootLucia Aniello Architectural Digest storyLucia AnielloGingerbread by Rachel CohnAudrey, Wait! by RobinKaty Perry The Movie: Part of Me by Dan Cutforth and Jane LipsitzIt Might Get Loud by Davis GuggenheimPaul McCartney: The Love We Make by Albert Maysles and Bradley KaplanBlackbird by Paul McCartneyHeartbreaker by Mariah CareyLos LobosThe Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June by RobinGoing Rogue by RobinHarry Potter and the Order of the PhoenixThe Quibbler podcastEmmy & OliverFar From the TreeCosmic Love - Florence and the MachineNational Book Foundation / National Book AwardsThe Poet X by Elizabeth AcevedoLisa Kudrow interview on NerdistMeg MedinaNoah CentineoTo All the Boys I’ve Loved BeforeRob Sheffield at Rolling StoneTaylor SwiftPitchforkThe Ripped BodiceSarah McLeanMeg CabotJudy BlumeSamantha BeeWifey by Judy BlumeTavi GevinsonJulie KlausnerStarring Sally J. Freedman As Herself by Judy BlumeForever … by Judy BlumeHasan MinhajMolly RingwaldAre You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy BlumeBright Lights by Alexis Bloom and Fisher StevensBecky AlbertalliThe Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M.T. Anderson (Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin)Deep Creek: Finding Hope in High Country by Pam HoustonStevie NicksFive Seconds of SummerShrillSalt Fat Acid HeatAmy SpaldingAbout Truer Words:Truer Words is created and produced by Melissa Baumgart and Kathryn Benson. Our music was composed by Mike Sayre, and our logo was designed by Marianne Murphy.You can follow us on Twitter @truerwordspod and on Instagram @truerwordspodcast. Contact us via our website, truerwordspodcast.com, or email us at truerwordspodcast@gmail.com.
This episode is for you if Judy Blume's novels made an impact on your childhood. This is the first in the REVISIT series, where we're going to look at things from the past and see how they affected us then and how we feel about them now. Today's topic: Judy Blume. Specifically, her three novels: Are you there, God? It's me, Margaret. Blubber and Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself. My guest on this episode is my childhood friend Cara Pence, and we get a little emotional as we delve into the more painful themes of these books. This is a true conversation between friends. You can read the full show notes here. Take this topic to your journal, text your best friend, or post on social media using the hashtag #10ThingsToTellYou. Make sure and follow @10ThingsToTellYou on Instagram and facebook. You can also sign up here for episode emails.
Hello hello! We're hanging on to summer reading for just a little bit longer with Judy Blume's Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself. *AND* we follow through on our distressingly competent promises. Next up: The Clue of the Dancing Puppet (Nancy Drew #39) by Carolyn Keene Content note: Holocaust themes
Hello hello! We're back with Paula Danziger's The Cat Ate My Gymsuit, and then meander wildly around. We get political, kids, but we also talk about mink can openers. Next up Judy Blume's Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself Content Note: Parental/Intimate violence, violence toward animals