Forever... Summary
Description
Here you will find a Forever... summary (Judy Blume's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
Chapters Forever... Summary Overview
The plot revolves around the character of Katherine Danziger, a high school senior from Westfield, New Jersey who lives with her creative younger sister Jamie, their librarian mother Diana, and pharmacist father Roger. Katherine's first serious romantic affair commences when she meets Michael Wagner, a high school senior who is an enthusiastic skier, at a New Year's Eve party thrown by Sybil Davison, her friend Erica’s cousin. As the story progresses, Katherine begins to experience a sexual awakening with Michael, exploring intimate aspects of their relationship. Their friends Erica and Artie, another high school student with a passion for board games and theater, come into focus when Erica expresses her desire to lose her virginity to Artie, while Katherine worries Michael may still have feelings for his ex-girlfriend, Elizabeth. The narrative moves to a Vermont ski house where Katherine and Michael spend a weekend. Here, Michael teaches Katherine to ski and they express their love for the first time. During this visit, they come close to becoming intimate but decide against it due to Katherine's monthly cycle. Back home, Erica and Artie's relationship hits a rough patch when Erica concludes Artie is impotent after a game of strip poker, while Katherine's family shows concern over her relationship with Michael. Following an encounter where Michael reveals his past contraction of a venereal disease, the young couple eventually share their first sexual experience, which proves disappointing for Katherine due to Michael's premature climax. The plot thickens when Katherine’s ex-boyfriend Tommy attempts to rekindle their relationship but is rejected. He then pursues Erica, who finds him uninteresting. Katherine's visit to Planned Parenthood for birth control pills, her birthday gift from Michael of a silver locket, and a more pleasurable second sexual experience with him, form key moments in the narrative. An unexpected twist occurs when Katherine, despite her plans to stay with Michael, is compelled by her father to accept a summer job as a tennis counselor at Jamie’s camp in New Hampshire. Here, she meets Theo, a kind older college student, and soon finds herself drawn to him. The story concludes with a strained visit from Michael, leading to their breakup and Katherine's realization that she doesn't regret their relationship, despite the hurtful words exchanged during their breakup. The narrative ends with Katherine returning home and discovering that Theo has been in touch.
chapter 1
Katherine Danziger, a final year student from Westfield, New Jersey, shares her story. She introduces Sybil Davison, her friend Erica Small's cousin from Summit, New Jersey. Sybil, as per Katherine, is an intelligent, plus-sized, and sexually active girl. Both Katherine and Erica attend Sybil’s New Year’s Eve party where they encounter Sybil's friend, Michael Wagner. Michael, a fellow Summit high schooler with glasses and reddish-blond hair, arrives with his date, Elizabeth Hailey. After the party, Katherine and Erica stay over at Sybil’s place, discussing Michael who showed interest in Katherine by asking Erica for her contact details. Katherine describes Erica as petite, vivacious, and carefree. The following day, when Michael visits Sybil’s house under the pretext of collecting his records, he invites Katherine for a drive.
chapter 2
Katherine and Michael spend time driving, before stopping and going for a stroll hand-in-hand. They exchange stories about their day-to-day lives and discuss the universities they hope to attend. Michael mentions his desire to show Katherine how to ski. Once they return to Sybil’s place, he plants a kiss on her.
chapter 3
Katherine shares with her mom, Diana Danziger, a kids' librarian, about her new interest, Michael. Her younger sister, Jamie, a gifted seventh-grade artist, curiously asks if Katherine has fallen in love again. Katherine had a past relationship with Tommy Aronson but they separated since he only had sexual interests. Michael, however, is different from Tommy and frequently calls Katherine showing genuine interest. Over the phone, they get more familiar with each other and plan a date for Friday night. Michael comes to pick Katherine, meeting her parents and complimenting Jamie's vibrant artwork and Diana’s indoor plants. At the cinema, Katherine and Michael share a romantic moment holding hands. Post the movie, Michael proposes to spend some private time together, but Katherine suggests going back home, considering her parents' concerns about safety. Back at Katherine's house, they find her parents asleep. The couple gets intimate, but when Michael attempts to touch Katherine under her sweater, she stops him. He then inquires if she's a virgin.
chapter 4
Katherine's father, a pharmacist named Roger who loves fitness, is introduced. While Katherine's parents are on holiday, Diana's parents swing by from New York. Katherine's grandmother, a fervent feminist named Hallie Gross who is involved in politics and supports Planned Parenthood, is also introduced. Michael, his pal Artie Lewin, and Erica visit Katherine's house. Artie, a fan of board games, engages Erica in a game of backgammon. Meanwhile, Katherine and Michael spend their time holding hands on the sofa. After grabbing pizza together, the quartet return. Artie and Erica relocate to the kitchen for a game of Monopoly, while Katherine and Michael make themselves comfortable by the fire in the den. Michael attempts to unbutton Katherine's jeans after unhooking her bra, but she stops him. This causes Michael to be irritated and ask for some time alone. Katherine slips away to the bathroom, but when she returns, both Michael and Artie leave hastily. Erica stays overnight, and the two girls discuss the absence of a kiss attempt from Artie towards Erica. They also touch upon Katherine's fondness for Michael and their virginity. Erica, who often contemplates sex, feels she should lose her virginity before heading to college. On the other hand, Katherine dreams of a special first time.
chapter 5
Following her volunteering shift at the hospital, Katherine is picked up by Michael. They discuss her hospital work and Artie's upcoming school play. Michael asks Katherine to accompany him to the play's after party at Elizabeth Hailey’s house, assuring her that his past relationship with Elizabeth was not significant. They head to Katherine's home, where her brother Jamie, grandparents, and some neighbors are gathered for dessert. After Michael departs, Katherine's grandmother cautions her about the risks of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Katherine shares her belief that her generation is more open to discussing sex compared to her parents', but emphasizes that it doesn't mean they sleep around. Later in the week, with their grandparents away, Michael visits Katherine. Jamie prepares dinner, and post-meal cleanup leads to a playful water fight between Katherine and Michael. He helps her wash the soap out of her hair and follows her to change her soaked upper garments. Initially, he vows not to touch her, but then offers to help her into her bra and ends up touching her chest. Jamie interrupts them and later queries Katherine about her sexual activities with Michael, a question she opts not to answer.
chapter 6
During a conversation at school, Erica shares her frustration with Katherine about Artie not kissing her. She decides to take the lead after his school play. At the play, Katherine praises Artie's performance but suspects Sybil may have gained weight. She becomes envious when Elizabeth appears in a bikini. At the subsequent large party at Elizabeth's place, Katherine is aloof towards Michael, vigilantly looking for signs he may be interested in Elizabeth. She chats with Artie about his acting aspirations. When Michael suggests they leave the party, they head to Katherine's home, where she confesses her jealousy. As they fool around on the den rug, Michael attempts to take their physical relationship further than Katherine is comfortable with. She insists she's not mentally prepared, despite Michael's insistence that her body is. He brands her a tease. Despite her hesitations in the moment, Katherine tells Michael she wants to understand how to please him sexually. After he departs, Katherine contemplates the idea of sex, a concept that both intrigues and scares her.
chapter 7
Michael reveals his plan to Katherine about skiing in Vermont during the school holidays, along with his sister Sharon and her husband, Ike. Roger expresses safety concern for Katherine, deciding to confer with Diana. Erica speculates at school that Roger fears Katherine might lose her virginity on the trip. She shares with Katherine about Artie's kiss and her subsequent inquiry about his sexual orientation, offering to help him understand it better. Post-school, Diana gives Katherine the green light for the ski trip and they hit the stores for ski gear. While Katherine needs to rent skis and boots, Michael proposes to cover her lift ticket. At night, Roger chats with Katherine about the importance of wise choices, given her and Michael's young age. Katherine assures Roger that Michael is not fixated on sex, hence he needn't fret.
chapter 8
When Michael and Katherine reach Sharon and Ike's winter cabin, they indulge in a playful snowball fight before helping with errands. Katherine discloses to Michael that her menstruation has begun, but he reassures her, not troubled about how it might affect their intimacy. During a chat with Sharon and Ike by the fireplace, Katherine discovers Sharon's profession as an anthropologist at the Museum of Natural History. At the end of the day, Michael and Katherine retire to their respective rooms. Katherine, dressed in her most appealing nightgown, fears Michael may be disappointed in her. To her surprise, Michael visits her room to confirm that his invitation to the ski house wasn't solely for physical reasons. He expresses his desire to feel her skin against his, proceeding to unbutton her nightgown and remove his pyjama top. However, when he makes a move to touch her intimately, Katherine stops him due to her period, despite his indifference. Michael professes his love for her and although Katherine reciprocates the feeling, she fears it might be premature. They end the night sleeping side by side.
chapter 9
Sharon expresses worry to Katherine about Michael's vulnerability to emotional injury from their relationship before they head out to ski. At the ski resort, Michael coaches Katherine on skiing and they break for a meal with Sharon and Ike. Later, Katherine soothes her sore muscles with a bath and a nap at home. Post-dinner, Katherine and Michael stroll beneath the night sky. Coming back home, they discover Sharon and Ike using marijuana but decline to join. They retreat to their room where they share their past experiences with marijuana. In the bedroom, Katherine removes her nightgown and Michael his pajamas. Michael introduces Katherine to his penis, affectionately nicknamed “Ralph,” and guides her into pleasuring him. Following this, he professes his love for her once more. She reciprocates, and they exchange vows of eternal love.
chapter 10
While at home, Jamie queries Katherine about her feelings for Michael after their recent ski trip. Roger expresses his opinion that Katherine is too young for such serious involvement with a boy. Katherine later discovers from Diana that Roger suggests she should see other people. Walking to school, Katherine questions Diana about her first sexual experience, to which Diana admits it happened when she was engaged. Diana confides her regret of marrying young and cautions Katherine about the significance of sexual involvement. At school, Katherine's conversation with Erica reveals Erica's surprise that Katherine is still untouched. Curious about Katherine's intimate moments with Michael during their ski trip, Erica probes for details. However, Katherine prefers to keep her experiences private now that she's smitten. Erica shares her own experience with Artie, involving a game of strip poker devoid of any physical contact. Erica concludes that Artie is not homosexual but suffers from impotence. She asserts her belief that she can assist him and desires to have her first sexual experience with him.
chapter 11
Michael, Katherine, Erica, and Artie share a meal and a hockey game, discussing Artie's admission to drama school and his father's objection to it. Afterward, Katherine and Michael privately discuss Artie's hidden unhappiness and disinterest in school. They also question the stability of Erica and Artie's relationship, noting Artie's lack of interest in other girls. When Michael leaves for a skiing trip the following weekend, Katherine's parents caution her about her serious involvement with Michael. Despite her parents' concern, Katherine contemplates applying to the same institutions as Michael. However, her sister Diana advises against it, believing time apart would be beneficial for them. Michael returns early from his trip and he and Katherine catch a film. During the outing, a light-hearted comment prompts Michael to admit that he had acquired a sexually transmitted infection from his one past sexual partner. The couple have a dispute over risk-taking, leaving Michael disappointed and Katherine in tears. Michael then reveals that he has access to his sister's apartment and proposes they go there to continue their conversation.
chapter 12
Katherine gives a picture of Sharon and Ike's flat where she and Michael have some fun, leading to intimate moments on the bed. They have a playful exploration of each other's bodies, leading to mutual climaxes. The following evening, they are back for more intimacy. Michael urges Katherine to take their relationship to the next level, but she is worried about staining the bed and suggests they do it on the floor. She insists he uses a condom. Michael believes that he doesn't need to as she just completed her cycle, and he's free of STDs. However, Katherine's fear of pregnancy makes him agree. Before he can fully engage, he climaxes. After a break with a hamburger, they try once more. This time, Michael breaks Katherine's hymen and climaxes quickly once more. He apologizes for not making her first experience enjoyable, thinking the condom might be at fault. Katherine, though letdown, agrees with him that sex needs practice.
chapter 13
During a brunch, Katherine is amazed her parents are oblivious to her lost virginity. She rebuffs an invitation from Tommy Aronson, a college boy, and directs him to Erica instead. Michael calls later, expressing his sentiments about their intimate night. Diana hands Katherine an article focusing on the importance of consent in sexual relationships, to which Katherine concurs. At school, Erica shares about her dull encounter with Tommy, and how Artie is far more interesting. Katherine finds her senior year monotonous and misses hanging out with old friends, especially Janis Foster who is busy planning her future with Mark Fiore. That night, Michael visits Katherine for a study session. As they bid each other goodnight, Michael eagerly anticipates their upcoming Friday night rendezvous.
chapter 14
Katherine and her friend Erica decide to catch a unique showing of a film starring Robert Redford in NYC. Katherine discovers an unexpected parcel from her grandma at home, containing advice from Planned Parenthood on contraceptive methods and avoiding pregnancy. Following day at school, Katherine gets in touch with the city's Planned Parenthood to schedule an appointment for contraception. Post the Robert Redford movie, she has a meal with her grandparents, during which they raise a toast to love.
chapter 15
Katherine attends her scheduled visit to Planned Parenthood, where she is given a series of questions to answer and undergoes a pelvic examination, resulting in her receiving birth control pills. Upon returning home, she discovers that Michael has been afflicted with the flu.
chapter 16
A couple of days post her flu bout, Katherine accepts Michael's visit. On her upcoming birthday, Michael treats her to a play and dinner. He presents her a necklace with her name on it and the words 'Forever, Michael' on the flip side. Katherine confides in him about her birth control pills. The next evening, with Michael's parents away, Katherine agrees to spend time at his place, albeit feeling peculiar about sleeping with him there. Within Michael’s room, Katherine picks a favorite aftershave of his and amusingly questions if he wears it on his genitals. He responds by undressing and encouraging her to apply it, providing Katherine a clear look at his private area. Rather than using the aftershave, they make love on the bathroom floor. Michael reaches an orgasm before Katherine does. After resting, they engage in sex once more, this time with both achieving orgasm. Post a shower, they savour hamburgers outside. Katherine voices out her wish to meet Michael's parents and to make love once again, but Michael is too exhausted to agree.
chapter 17
Katherine shares Jamie's budding romance with a classmate, David, and her upcoming return to summer camp in New Hampshire. In school, Erica shares with Katherine that Sybil is expecting a baby. The paternity is unknown, and Sybil's intent is to give the child up for adoption as it's too late for an abortion. Both Katherine and Erica concur they would prefer to abort in a similar situation. The students shift their attention to college admissions. Katherine is delighted to secure a place at a Denver-based college, which she opts for. Michael is accepted into the University of Vermont, Erica into Radcliffe, and Sybil gets several offers from eminent colleges. All the while, Artie is still anticipating his college admission details. Katherine discloses to her parents her and Michael's strategy for maintaining their relationship while in college. Michael will skip his winter semesters to teach skiing in Colorado, ensuring they spend winters together. He plans to make up for the semester during summer so he can graduate as planned. Katherine's parents, however, do not approve of their plans.
chapter 18
Roger informs Katherine about a seven-week summer employment opportunity as a tennis coach at Jamie's camp in New Hampshire. Despite her desire to spend the summer with Michael, her parents encourage the new environment. Erica, noticing Katherine's discomfort, invites her over. Michael and Artie join them for a festive evening, marking Michael's birthday with a game of Scrabble. Later, the couples retreat to separate rooms where Michael and Katherine engage in intimacy. Katherine shares news of her summer job with Michael who, in turn, reveals his job offer in North Carolina. They choose to enjoy their remaining time in June before their impending separations. Their romantic endeavors are hindered as Michael fails to maintain an erection, leading to his swift departure from Erica's house alongside Artie, sans a goodbye kiss to Katherine. Following their exit, Erica confides in Katherine about Artie's alarming behavior. He had locked himself in the bathroom threatening to end his life. Concluding she can't assist him, she decides to end their relationship.
chapter 19
During Michael's celebration, Katherine finds out about Artie's failed suicide attempt by hanging, leading to his admission into a psychiatric facility. Michael, consumed by his issues at the time, regrets not giving Artie the attention he needed. Similarly guilt-ridden, Erica had rejected Artie just a day before. After the birthday, Michael and Erica, intoxicated, rely on Katherine for a safe ride home. Michael ends up sick, and Katherine's parents step in to sober up both Michael and Erica.
chapter 20
Katherine and Michael forgo their afternoon lessons to spend the day together. They opt out of attending their proms due to feelings of guilt over Artie and Erica's situations. Friends are asked by Artie's parents to write cheerful letters to him in his mental health facility. Meanwhile, Katherine's family gathers to celebrate Diana's milestone of turning forty, despite Diana's concerns about her appearance in her new swimsuit. Erica delivers the unexpected news that Sybil had her baby girl prematurely. Katherine and Erica visit Sybil and her newborn in the hospital where Sybil asserts that giving birth wasn't difficult. She declares her plans to slim down, enroll in Smith College in the upcoming fall, and get an IUD for birth control. Sybil also expresses her wish for her child, who she hopes will be named Jennifer, to have a bright future with her adoptive parents.
chapter 21
Katherine enjoys Michael's graduation alongside his family, becoming emotional when Sybil's name is announced and Artie's is omitted. At the post-graduation celebration in Michael's garden, she socializes with Ike, Sharon and Michael's uncle. Afterward, Michael takes Katherine to her house where her parents are asleep. They undress in the den, reminisce about their first sexual encounter, and then engage in a new position suggested by Katherine. Unfortunately, rain forces Katherine's graduation indoors and only her parents can come, but her grandparents and Michael show up for her graduation party. The following day, Katherine and Michael head off for a beach weekend at Erica's house. They enjoy their time on the beach, sleeping there after having sex. Four days afterward, Katherine and Jamie set off for a summer camp in New Hampshire.
chapter 22
Katherine corresponds with Michael, Erica, and her parents, penning a letter to Artie as well. Her journey to camp and her waterskiing adventure are both detailed. She introduces characters like Theo, the 21-year-old head tennis counselor from Northwestern; Angela, her nature-loving roommate; Foxy, the camp director who enforces strong anti-drug and sex policies; and Nan, the photography counselor she admires. Katherine updates her parents about Jamie's new love interest and hears about her grandparents' Martha’s Vineyard trip. Both Michael and Erica bump into each other at a local eatery. Erica shares her editorial work for the newspaper and her Fourth of July beach house plans with Sybil. Michael and Katherine express their longing for each other, pledging fidelity. She advises Erica to experience intimacy, but Erica wants her first time to be as meaningful as Katherine and Michael’s.
chapter 23
Katherine's bond with Theo strengthens, and she grows aware of his lingering gazes. He questions the 'forever' symbolized by her necklace from Michael, suggesting it's a long-term commitment. He continues to call her 'Kat,' a nickname she begins to accept. Following a movie night with Theo and Nan, Katherine experiences a dream of intimacy with Theo. Later, during a slow dance at the campers' canteen, they feel an undeniable mutual attraction. Despite her efforts to maintain her relationship with Michael through letters, Katherine is overwhelmed by confusion - she loves Michael but is drawn to Theo. In an attempt to prove her parents' skepticism about her relationship with Michael wrong, she shares his letters with Diana when her parents visit.
chapter 24
Katherine learns from Diana about her grandfather's passing and wishes to be with her grandmother. However, Diana mentions that the grandmother needs solitude. Following this, Katherine retreats to the lake to mourn her grandfather, where Theo finds her. He provides comfort, guides her back home, and shares an innocent kiss with her. However, when Katherine reciprocates more passionately, Theo pulls away, not wanting to exploit her grief. Upon learning about their grandfather's demise, Jamie becomes physically ill. Katherine communicates the sad news to Michael through a letter as well. In the following days, Theo discusses their stolen kiss with Katherine, expressing his desire to see her once she's emotionally stable. Meanwhile, Katherine continues to receive letters from Michael but chooses not to reply. She pens a letter detailing her mixed emotions towards Theo, but ultimately decides against sending it.
chapter 25
Katherine is escorted to the camp office by Theo, her heart filled with dread. Unexpectedly, she finds Michael waiting there. He flew back early, worried by her silence. Michael meets Theo and Foxy permits Katherine the night off. Katherine and Michael decide to have dinner, followed by a visit to Michael's motel room. As things start to get intimate, Katherine halts, realizing she isn’t ready for it yet. She asks for a serious conversation instead. Initially, Michael thinks Katherine's concern is about her ailing grandfather. Upon realizing another man might be in the picture, he becomes furious, refusing to converse further. He secludes himself in the bathroom, getting dressed. Katherine pleads for time to understand her feelings, but Michael is adamant he won't share her. They both understand their relationship has reached its end. Katherine offers back the necklace he'd gifted her, but he refuses to take it back. On reaching back to camp, Michael brags about his numerous affairs in North Carolina before speeding away.
chapter 26
Before heading to college, Katherine and Michael unexpectedly cross paths in a shop in New Jersey. They share news about Artie's homecoming and Michael's new job as a ski instructor in Colorado. Katherine desires to express her lingering affection and lack of regret towards Michael, but merely offers a casual farewell. Meanwhile, Jamie has David, her school crush, over at the house, and Diana is nurturing the birthday gift plant from Katherine and Jamie. The chapter concludes with Diana mentioning a call from Theo.
