The Blume Saloon: A Judy Blume Book Podcast

Latest Episodes:

138. Child Trial Jan 22, 2021

Show notes

"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," prologue and chapter 1. Who's ready to dive right into this 1977 Judy Blume novel?! The gals set the scene for 1947 by digging into the events, movies, and fashion of the era. Hellooooo full skirts, country musicals, and Doomsday Clocks! The Freedmans celebrate the end of World War II with grape jelly and puke, Douglas has an accident in Union Woods, and Sally daydreams of becoming the world's first child detective-slash-movie-star. Giant hugs and thanks to Blume Head Dustin for his mind-blowing gifts and great letter, and much appreciation to our newest Patron, Sarah O'Brien!

Odds and Ends #16: Endless Summer Jan 09, 2021

Show notes

A fond farewell to Rita Williams-Garcia's "One Crazy Summer"! Jody and Alison present Special Reports on West Oakland, the name Afua, women poets of the Black Panther party, and a deep dive into Rita's life and writing approach. Special guest Carolyn hops on the phone with Jody to chat about her memories growing up in Oakland, encounters with Panther leaders, and some wild times at San Francisco gentlemen clubs!

137. I Saw the Sign Dec 25, 2020

Show notes

The "One Crazy Summer" finale — a Christmas Miracle! Alison and Jody discuss Rita Williams-Garcia's beautiful book about three sisters spending the summer of 1968 in Oakland. Cecile turns up at the Panther rally and embarks upon a new relationship with Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern. We discover Fern's alternate name and learn about Cecile's difficult past. Come on inside the Cocoon for dramatic readings, implausible theories, and a very thorough Special Report on North American Gulls. Happy holidays, Blume Heads! xo

136. Arf, Arf Dec 18, 2020

Show notes

OMG, best chapters ever. We cover 28-30 of "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia and cannot believe what just happened! No spoilers here, but we will tell you that Fern takes a turn, Delphine conquers her fears, and Vonetta is actually pretty chill. Join Alison and Jody as they reenact some epic scenes, including a go-kart challenge and the extremely successful Black Panther rally. They chat about poetry, freeze tag, and the potential origins of Ace of Base's megahit, "I Saw the Sign." Thank you SO much to our Patrons, and special shoutout to our newest members: Molly Patton, Erin MacKenzie Mower, and Jen Lener Kwass.

135. The Swedes of Seagulls Dec 11, 2020

Show notes

Get cozy for chapters 25-27 of Rita Williams-Garcia's "One Crazy Summer"! The Gaither sisters spend a magical day in San Francisco - they meet real live 1968 hippies, they eat fresh fortune cookies in Chinatown, and ride their first cable car to Fisherman's Wharf. The magical moment comes crashing down when they get back to West Oakland and find that... CECILE HAS BEEN ARRESTED! Aside from the usual dramatic readings and book discussion, Jody and Alison perform an incredible Judy Blume-themed comedy sketch submitted by a true Blume Head (thank you Michelle G!). They chat about the lie of Santa, the simulation we live in, and the time Jody spent the night in jail.

134. Lootie Belle Dec 05, 2020

Show notes

Join Alison and Jody for some snazzy jazz poetry, spoiled mulled wine, and chapters 22-24 of "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia! Delphine gets her own second-hand kitchen stool and tries to teach Vonetta a Very Important Lesson about mothering. It doesn't work. Cecile/Nzila works her letterpress like the true kitchen poet goddess she is. The sisters set off for SAN FRANCISCO, but not before Hirohito Woods takes a moment to show off on his mystery vehicle. Do we detect a Delphine/Hirohito more-than-friendship?! Jody reads some excellent Blume Head memories of The Monkees, while Alison dons her beat poet cap (never forget "Now-Times for People With Now-Dreams").

133. Take That, Cop! Nov 20, 2020

Show notes

Chapters 19-21 of Rita Williams-Garcia's "One Crazy Summer" (2010)! Delphine learns about Li'l Bobby Hutton, decides she doesn't wanna go to the Center anymore, and makes a new cool friend! Vonetta and Fern have show biz dreams and plan their song and dance routine for the big Black Panther rally. Cecile is still scary. Jody presents a mini Special Report on Bobby Hutton's 1968 murder at the hands of the Oakland cops, and there are two two juicy Blume Head letters about childhood boom boxes, bratty brothers, and Freckle Juice experiments. Alison and Jody also chit chat about toddler toilet pranks, Fisher-Price policemen, and reminisce about the Weekend at Bernie's beachside mansion.

132. Big House Wife Nov 13, 2020

Show notes

Here we come... walkin' down the streeeeeet! Join us for chapters 16-18 of Rita Williams-Garcia's "One Crazy Summer" about three sisters spending time with the Black Panthers in 1968 Oakland. Delphine has words with Hirohito Woods and decides to cook an entire meal for her family (she's 11, y'all). We catch a glimpse of Cecile's mystery kitchen and see her ever-so-slightly softer side. The sisters decide they want a TV set and stage a living room protest – will they actually get one?! Jody and Alison chat about off-roading, Safeway, square eyes, and '90s boom boxes. And, as usual, they provide melodramatic readings and literary analysis.

131. Breakfast and the Revolution Nov 06, 2020

Show notes

Well helloooo! It's been a minute, Blume Heads! Note: this unreleased episode was recorded back in August (hence the references to summer and "Virgo Season"), but we will be back next week with more current recordings as per usual.
This week we cover chapters 14-15 of "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia. Vonetta ditches her sisters to join the mean Ankton girls and desecrates poor Miss Patty Cake with magic marker. Delphine defends Fern's honor and spends all her phone booth money on a Black Panther newspaper. Join us for more Chinese food dinners, dramatic readings, and TWO outrageous letters about My Buddy dolls.

130. WWJD Aug 20, 2020

Show notes

Alison and Jody discuss chapters 11-13 of "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia! The Gaither sisters stick around to attend the Black Panther Kids Club to learn about the Revolution but become a laughing stock when Vonetta and Fern embarrass Delphine with their enthusiastic outbursts. Delphine works up the guts to ask about Cecile's name change, and we finally learn what Nzila really means. Speaking of names, turns out Delphine hates dolphins, ESPECIALLY Flipper. But there's an Oreo cameo so we're all good. Jody and Alison talk about Scary Black Cherry bowel mishaps, youth groups, and read a great letter from Blume Head and NEW PATRON, Molly Patton!

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