An Evening With Judy Blume: Dad Scores Big Points with Daughter.

Mention the name Judy Blume and a positive response, whether a squeal, gasp or smile, is never far behind. Such was the case when I told my 9 year-old daughter that I had scored two tickets to see Judy Blume at the Fitzgerald on Thrusday night. An even bigger smile covered Katie's face when I told her I would need her help in writing about it for Gather.com. Though I have read very few Blume books, she relished the opportunity to talk about her favorite author, jumping at the chance to use one of my old reporter's notebooks to jot down her thoughts.

After trolling for a metered parking spot, I'm notoriously cheap and avoid ramps when I can; we arrived a bit later than I'd like to the Fitzgerald Theater to claim our tickets.

Katie: The tickets were under my name but I had to use dad's ID. We tried to find the best seat on the main floor but it was pretty full.

We found ourselves in the first balcony amidst a very large, mostly female crowd, both young and old. Judy Blume books, most very autobiographical in nature, have always resonated strongest with women and girls. Though I can tell you that my 13 year-old son has read more than his fair share and I have always enjoyed the ones I've read, which admittedly is very few.

My enjoyment of these books comes more from watching my daughter read them with abandon and then highlighting the excerpts at the dinner table or getting ready for bed.

Katie: Judy Blume books were on the AR list (Advanced Reading) at school and I really like them. Now I'm a Fudge book person.

As the curtains open revealing host Kerri Miller seated in one of two chairs. Katie looks at me and gasps, "Where is she dad?" with a bit of concern. Thank goodness after a lovely introduction Judy took the stage. She settled in for a great evening.

Katie: I told all my friends about going to see her. I couldn't believe she was actually there. She talked about her books, the new ones that were coming out and how she writes. She also read from her books and I really like when she read some of the letters kids have sent her. She really likes to read...she said she likes to smell books.

Judy is an author who, unlike many, enjoys reading her own books. It became clear as the night progressed that she is very passionate about her writing and very involved in her characters. "I no longer know what is true and what's part of a book." she says jokingly. She is easily moved, giving way to tears on a few occasions as she relates personal stories of her life, her family, and while reading passages from her books. "I'm very emotional if you hadn't noticed." she says.

Katie: It was really sad when she talked about losing her dad "all too soon" and I almost cried.

The best parts of the evening for me were watching Katie. A bit fidgety during the interview portions, her movement and gum chewing halted when Judy would, in character, start to read.

Katie: I really loved when she read from Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. I haven't read the book but I'm hoping I can buy it soon. It sounds like Margaret felt the same about moving as me. 

From the perspective of a father I couldn't be happier that authors like Judy continue to write and reach a large audience. My father is a writer so I was raised to be open to what people write and what books have to say. Judy shares that sentiment encouraging parents to keep their kids reading. "You can really communicate with kids through books." She is also very involved with the fight against censorship. She is somewhat encouraged that we are leaving behind the 80's and 90's when "censors came out of the woodwork" causing some publishers to avoid printing the wrong thing. "I like to think we are moving out of one era and into another."

Katie: After the interview was over they turned on the lights and people with microphones came out in the audience so they could ask questions. One mic person was right next to me.

During the Q&A Katie racked her brain for the right question to ask. Favorite book? No, she already talked about To Kill a Mockingbird. What's her favorite Judy Blume book? No, she already said that they are all her "babies." Got it! Which one of your books would you like to see made into a movie? She waits by the mic runner for her turn...just as Kerri is about to call on her, the event must come to an end because the crowd has prematurely begun to line up for the post show book signing.

Katie: I was sad because I thought it was a good question. I would love to see Double Fudge in theaters.

We joined the autograph seekers near…extremely near…the back of the line. After 90 minutes and plenty of updates from the Fitzgerald staff about our progress, we secured autographs in three books.

Katie: I had one signed to Katie. The other one I had signed to Sam and Katie because it used to be my bother's so I decided to get it to both of us. The new book I bought, Cool Zone with the Pain $ the Great One, I had signed to Katiebug because that's what my dad calls me.

It doesn't get better than that. Thanks Judy Blume and everyone at the Talking Volume series who made for a great night with my daughter.