In her highly anticipated new novel, Judy Blume, the New York Times # 1 best-selling author of Summer Sisters and of young adult classics such as Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, creates a richly textured and moving story of three generations of families, friends and strangers, whose lives are profoundly changed by unexpected events. In 1987, Miri Ammerman returns to her hometown of … Miri Ammerman returns to her hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey, to attend a commemoration of the worst year of her life. Thirty-five years earlier, when Miri was fifteen, and in love for the first time, a succession of airplanes fell from the sky, leaving a community reeling. Against this backdrop of actual events that Blume experienced in the early 1950s, when airline travel was new and exciting and everyone dreamed of going somewhere, she paints a vivid portrait of a particular time and place—Nat King Cole singing “Unforgettable,” Elizabeth Taylor haircuts, young (and not-so-young) love, explosive friendships, A-bomb hysteria, rumors of Communist threat. And a young journalist who makes his name reporting tragedy. Through it all, one generation reminds another that life goes on.
In the Unlikely Event is vintage Judy Blume, with all the hallmarks of Judy Blume’s unparalleled storytelling, and full of memorable characters who cope with loss, remember the good times and, finally, wonder at the joy that keeps them going.
Early reviewers have already weighed in: “Like many family stories, this one is not without its life-changing secrets and surprises. There is no surprise that the book is smoothly written, and its story compelling. The setting—the early 1950s—is especially well realized through period references and incidents.” —Booklist (starred review) and “In Blume’s latest adult novel . . . young and old alike must learn to come to terms with technological disaster and social change. Her novel is characteristically accessible, frequently charming and always deeply human.” —Publishers Weekly
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Loved the book!
I love Judy Blume’s writing. I enjoyed this book for adults and found the story interesting.
I was a teenager when the 3 plane crashes occurred in Elizabeth, NJ where I grew up only minutes away that this novel was based on. I can now as a much older woman appreciate what these town’s people went through. Well written. Thank you, Judy Blume
I’ve been reading Judy Blume since I was 12, and she’s always delivered insightful, delightful, impactful stories. She has been a big part of the inspiration for me to become an author. In this book I especially love her attention to detail…I could smell the brisket, feel the sweater sets next to my skin, hear the plane crashes, experience the inconceivable with the townspeople. Thank you for another great book, Judy. I loved it.
I throughly enjoyed it! Judy Blume always spins a good tale!
This book reminded me so much of myself. I lived in New Jersey at that time. A lot of similarities to my life. Great book!
I know I’m in the minority, however, I didn’t find this read particularly compelling.
I wanna read it to the ida libary on august 12
Classic Judy Blume…I thoroughly enjoyed every page!
I really didn’t care for this book It was repetitious and not the best work out of Judy Blume. I couldn’t wait to be finished with it.
Not up to Judy Blume standards
I downloaded this book because I recognized Judy Blume from her young adult fiction. There were too many characters, and being an ebook, I was not able to flip back to the list of characters in the front. None of the characters were especially likeable or realistic to my world. The story moved pretty slowly and I was glad to be finished.
Love her books! She even was the speaker st my college graduation at Kean college years ago
Judy Blume is a great author whether it is a kid or adult book. This book kept me interested throughout and wondering how much of the background of the story was true. Be sure to read the part after the story ends to find out that answer. The chapters were all well developed. I have recommended this book to others.
True story told in an amazing voice
Get it now
Historical fiction. I had never heard of the events that took place in this book even though I grew up very close to the setting. Enjoyed the characters and the woven story.
I don’t normally like books where there are so many narrators, and there were some times where it didn’t work, but for this book – I didn’t mind and really liked the book. Growing up not too far from Elizabeth, I was intrigued about this part of history I didn’t know. The characters who you did really get to know were compelling, the writing was good, and with a strong story line. I would recommend this book.
I found I didn’t care much for or about the characters. Boring and distracting action.
Judy Blume should send me my money back. I hated this book. There were so many characters that I couldn’t keep them straight. It just went on and on.