Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret: Now a major film starring Rachel McAdams and Abby Ryder Fortson Paperback – 16 Mar. 2023

Five stars for what is a beautiful and honest story about how it feels for a young girl to come of age and start developing into a young woman. From fitting in with your family and friends, to boys, boobs and periods.Originally published in 1970, I can remember reading this book by this book when I was young; it was top of the reading list for me and all my friends, because it talked about things that not all our parents were confident to speak about with us.The issues it covers were just as relevant for young girls when it was first published, as they are today. And although parenting is a lot more progressive these days, and sexual awareness seemingly happens at a much earlier age, this books is still invaluable for girls who may be struggling with their physical, social and emotional identity, which is why I found myself reading the book again, so I could share it with my daughter.Despite being written in the 70s there is very little to date this book. Based in America, the cultural aspect between the USA and UK is also not a show stopper. Primarily this is Margaret's story of growing up and wanting to fit in with the people around her. She has a mother, and father and a grandmother who adore her, and friends whom she is loyal to, even if she can't always agree with them. It works for every generation and touches on the earliest concerns of pre-teen girls, without being explicit, scary or over the top. It's sweet, endearing and honest. I would recommend this book for any 10-12, year old girls, who may be entering that often difficult, transitional period.

I first read this book many years ago when I was about 12, it's an okay book for young girls. This edition has been edited but I prefer the original!

I ordered this as an adult, knowing it was for younger readers but I'd seen it had been made into a film. It was a cracking story and well written in the first person, almost like a journal. I think teens would love it as it deals humorously with issues that teenagers worry about. I gave it to a friends daughter who apparently doesn't read much and she really liked it.

A lovely, gentle, coming-of-age film that you can watch without any worries that it will give you nightmares or leave you feeling sad!I guess it's really a young-teenager's film but it brought back memories for me about the stuff that adults impose upon children which is supposedly 'in their best interest' and how people you thought were your enemies turn out to be nicer than those you thought were your friends, once you got to know them.Margaret talks to God a lot, despite not believing. Her father is Jewish and her mother a Christian but this doesn't seem to bother either of them and they prefer not to impose any particular religion on her until she's old enough to decide for herself. It's not until Margaret questions why she's only got one grandmother and not two that it becomes a talking point. Her paternal grandmother is prominent in her life and she wonders why her mother's parents are absent until her mother breaks down and tells her they fell out years before she was born because they were deeply religious Christians and objected to her marrying a Jewish man.A school project sets Margaret on the road to discovering that all religion seems to do is make people fight, and her kindly teacher helps her discover that you don't need any particular 'organisation' to tell you how to communicate with God. She tries out various different types of worship and finds them all lacking in what she expects to feel, until a long-awaited event at the end of the film make her realise that all along, God was listening to her and has made her wish come true!

Decent book but not sure what all the hype is about. Quick read.

I loved this book. Strange it was in my library for so long until I finally determined to read it all. I had read a couple of chapters and found it a bit childish. Then I realised of course it is it’s about a child and was really glad I read it all. And yes I recognised all the stages Margaret went through and took me right back to my school days. When Judy Blune said in the authors notes after ‘I set out to tell the truth as I saw it’ I agreed she really did.

Lighthearted cheery movie, capturing all the fun and childhood curiosity of a much loved tween classic book. Pay it forward…

A great very different film that we really enjoyed. Shame there's not more films like this.

Always purchase my books from Amazon! Great deals, great prices!

It makes up for me not reading it when I was a kid. Judy Blume answered my email.

Um bom livro para o público juvenil

So much fun for girls

When I read this story, I found it to be interesting and humorous at the same time. It is worth for everyone to read and I highly recommend this story. It is hard to put down once you start reading it.