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Author Talk with Rachelle Bergstein

Author Talk with Rachelle Bergstein

You’re invited to an intimate conversation with bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein as she chats about her newest book The Genius of Judy. This book takes an expansive look at Judy Blume’s life, work, and cultural impact, focusing on her most iconic—and controversial—young adult novels, from Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret to Blubber

Everyone knows Judy Blume. Her books have garnered her fans of all ages for decades and sold tens of millions of copies. But why were people so drawn to them? And why are we still talking about them now in the 21st century?

In The Genius of Judy, her remarkable story is revealed as never before, beginning with her as a mother of two searching for purpose outside of her home in 1960s suburban New Jersey. The books she wrote starred regular children with genuine thoughts and problems. But behind those deceptively simple tales, Blume explored the pillars of the growing women’s rights movement, in which girls and women were entitled to careers, bodily autonomy, and fulfilling relationships. Blume wasn’t trying to be a revolutionary—she just wanted to tell honest stories—but in doing so, she created a cohesive, culture-altering vision of modern adolescence.

Blume’s bravery provoked backlash, making her the country’s most-banned author in the mid-1980s. Thankfully, her works withstood those culture wars and it’s no coincidence that Blume has resurfaced as a cultural touchstone now. This is the story of how a housewife became a groundbreaking artist, and how generations of empowered fans are her legacy, today more than ever.

Register now for a conversation you don’t want to miss!

About the Author

Rachelle Bergstein is a lifestyle writer, author, and editor, focused on style, pop culture, and families. Her work has appeared in the New York PostThe New York TimesNPR, and more. She is the author of three books: Women from the Ankle DownBrilliance and Fire, and The Genius of Judy. She lives with her husband and son in Brooklyn. Find out more at RachelleBergstein.com.

Author Talks are presented by Library Speakers Consortium. To register for the live event or view event recordings, visit: 

 https://libraryc.org/lakelandlibrary/74848

Date:
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Time:
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Audience:
  Adult  
Categories:
Authors, Books, and Writing   Virtual Author Talks  

Event Organizer

Danielle Daniels

Phone: 863.834.4285

Email: danielle.daniels@lakelandgov.net