Audio Review: Deenie by Judy Blume

Title: Deenie

Author: Judy Blume

Narrator: Kim Mai Guest

Publisher: Listening Library

Format: Unabridged Audio

Length: 3 hrs 31 mins

Publication: January 11, 2011

Source: Library

Genre: Middle Grade

Amazon|B&N|Goodreads

Synopsis: 
When Deenie finds out that she has scoliosis, she’s scared. When she sees the brace for the first time, she wants to scream.

But the words won’t come out. And Deenie, beautiful Deenie, who everyone says should be a model, is stuck wearing a brace from her neck to her hips. For four years—or longer. She never worried about how she looked before—how will she ever face the hard times ahead? 

My Thoughts: I have always loved Judy Blume books and this one was no different. Somehow I managed to miss this one when I was going threw my Judy Blume phase as a child. I don't think the story would have affected me as much then as it has now. 

Deenie is like many young girls and wants be like and spend time with her friends. Deenie's mother is like many mothers and is living vicariously through her child. I really enjoyed this story. At times I was very sad for Deenie and found myself on the verge of tears several times. Deenie is like a precious flower she wilts under pressure but given time and tender loving care she blossoms again. 

This book, as with all Judy Blume's middle grade books, is great for reluctant readers. Children will also be introduced to challenging situations and get to experience how someone there age deals with it. Even though Deenie was written over forty years ago the themes and messages still apply today.