The Blume Saloon: A Judy Blume Book Podcast

Latest Episodes:

156. Cold November Rain Jul 02, 2021

Show notes

"The Luckiest Girl," chapters 7-8. Jody and Alison are loving this 1958 Beverly Cleary novel about Shelley Latham and her magical year in SoCal. There's an epic barn dance with wagon wheels and highly flammable hay, an ALMOST kiss from hunky Philip, and a shockingly bad report card. Your hosts chat about Benson Bubblers, Commercial Curriculums, and reenact the pivotal scenes with dramatic flair. Special thanks to Blume Head Molly for her letter about high school journalism (go, Scots!).

155. Seaman Hat Jun 25, 2021

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“The Luckiest Girl,” chapters 5-6. Beverly Cleary transports us back to 1958, where Shelly is interviewed in The Bastion and makes a BOLD move, Luke is crowned Queen of the May, and Katie wears salad to the big dance. Alison and Jody chat about school newspaper names, Reese Witherspoon’s toes, and sperm headwear. Dramatic readings and implausible theories abound. It’s a Judy Blume Book club. Join us every week!

154. Blessings On Thee, Frisbie Gerard Jun 18, 2021

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"The Luckiest Girl," chapter 4. Join Jody and Al for Beverly Cleary's wholesome 1958 tale of Shelly Latham, a Portland gal in SoCal. Shelly receives WRITTEN PROOF that mysterious Phil's into her, but it's Hartley who takes her on the donut date. There's more Michie family laundry, weird food combos, and general Katie tomfoolery. Jody reveals some shocking news about Margaritaville Las Vegas and presents a Special Report on laundry sprinkling. Alison chats about the joy of domestic chores and sounds the Patriarchy Alarm. It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!

153. Rice Instead of Noods Jun 11, 2021

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"The Luckiest Girl," chapters 2-3. In this charming 1958 Beverly Cleary novel, Shelley makes it to San Sebastian and snobs out over smudge pots, dry riverbeds, long bedrooms, and old high school towels. But some witchy Michie moonlight laundry really turns her around. At school, she meets heavy-handed Hartley and Sunburned Philip, and wins the day via donut holes. Join Jody and Alison for some chat about faux Stroganoff, bathroom layouts, and Cheesecake Factory. Thanks to Blume Head Dawn for her excellent letter (be sure to check out Avenging Sybil at avengingsybil.typepad.com/avengingsybil/2004/04/teaser.html). And mucho appreciation for new Patrons Michelle G. and Natalie M.!

152. Dollar From a Guy Named Kurt Jun 05, 2021

Show notes

"The Luckiest Girl", chapter 1. It's high time for some Beverly Cleary (who famously inspired Judy Blume's writing), so we're riding a jetliner back to 1958 – the year of hula hoops, Auntie Mame, quiz show scandals, and Shelley Latham! Jody briefs us on world events and inventions, while Alison reports on music, movies, and TV. They also chat about Beverly's life, literary works, and achievements. In the novel, Shelley pulverizes some roses, pleads for a dirty rain slicker, and decides to break out to Sunny California! PS – Thank you to Blume Head Marlene for her wonderful letter, and to the neighborhood kids for that fireworks display outside Jody's window. PPS – Please excuse Jody's terrible audio. We were having some problems.

Odds and Ends #18: Old Millennials Crossover May 28, 2021

Show notes

Special bonus crossover! Alison joins Emilie and Margaux on the Old Millennials podcast to chat about American Girl Dolls in honor of their 35th anniversary! They discuss their obsession with the catalogs, the longing for a doll, and the overall joy in remembering something from childhood that wasn't outrageously problematic. See you next week for our NEW BOOK, "The Luckiest Girl" by Beverly Cleary.
Be sure to follow Old Millennials on Instagram at @theoldmillennialspod and check out more episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you listen!

Odds and Ends #17: Sally + Stuck in Stoneybrook May 21, 2021

Show notes

"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.

151. Like Fish May 07, 2021

Show notes

"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.

150. Miss Toenails Apr 30, 2021

Show notes

"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!

149. Your Friend and Relative Apr 23, 2021

Show notes

"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!

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