It's Not the End of the World by Judy Blume

It's Not the End of the World

by Judy Blume

Karen's parents have always argued, and lately they've been getting worse. But when her father announces that they're going to get divorced, it seems as if Karen's whole world will fall apart. Her brother, Jeff, blames their mum. Her kid sister, Amy, asks impossible questions and is scared that everyone she loves is going to leave. Karen just wants her parents to get back together. Gradually, she learns that this isn't going to happen - and realizes that divorce is not the end of the world.

It's Not the End of the World is Judy Blume's classic young adult novel about family separation.

Reviewed by MurderByDeath on

4.5 of 5 stars

Share
Still relevant, still timeless.  I think.  Re-reading this as an adult nothing jumped out at me as anachronistic.    My parents never went through a divorce, so I can't speak to the accuracy of Karen's POV, but I do know that as a kid it gave me insight into what my friends might be going through; hopefully it stopped me from sticking my foot in my mouth (as much).   Odd what you remember: Karen meets a new friend, Val, who reads the New York Times every Sunday cover to cover.  That was the most memorable part of the book for me - that and Val's foot shaped rug.

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 12 January, 2017: Finished reading
  • 12 January, 2017: Reviewed