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Episode 141: The Quiet Radicalism of Judy Blume

For generations of readers, Judy Blume's novels made growing up feel less lonely. In this episode, Judith Rosenbaum talks with Mark Oppenheimer, author of a new biography of Blume, about their favorite Blume titles, what’s Jewish about her work, and why her novels are radical in ways people often overlook. Throughout the episode, listeners share what Judy Blume's books mean to them.

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Released May 12, 2026
  • Mark Oppenheimer (credit: Lu Arie) and the cover of his book, Judy Blume: A Life. Courtesy of Mark Oppenheimer. 

  • Assorted Judy Blume book covers. 

  • Mark Oppenheimer and Book Cover
  • Judy Blume Book Cover Collage

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How to cite this page

Jewish Women's Archive. "Episode 141: The Quiet Radicalism of Judy Blume." (Viewed on June 17, 2026) <https://jwa.org/podcasts/canwetalk/episode-141-quiet-radicalism-judy-blume>.