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.
Read MoreGet 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.
Read MoreJoin 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").
Read MoreChapters 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.
Read MoreHere 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.
Read MoreWell 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.
Read MoreAlison 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!
Read MoreGet out your white go-go boots and settle in for chapters 9-10 of Rita Williams-Garcia's "One Crazy Summer." Cecile sends her daughters out into the wild in search of breakfast. They have a stand-off with Beak Man over Miss Pattycake and eat cold eggs with orange slices. Al and Jody provide an insider exclusive about their "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" focus group and do an impromptu mini tarot sesh. There are two Special Reports on the name Inzilla (Nameberry says DON'T DO IT) and the historic rec center at Oakland's De Fremery Park. Keep listening for the usual dramatic readings and analysis, with plenty of off-topic discussion about Puffalumps, Go-Go the Walking Pup, My Buddy, and My Pretty Ballerina.
Read MoreChapters 7-8 of "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia! Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern spy on a secret Black Panther meeting, put themselves to bed, and have an ice water standoff with Cecile. Delphine also meets Cecile's roommate: a giant pair of angel wings. Alison and Jody do some dramatic readings and analysis, talk about their favorite Muppets, and get into some existential weirdness. Thank you Blume Head Helen for her mini Special Report on Judy Blume in The Simpsons!
Read MoreOrder up some lo mein and a Pepsi, it's time for chapters 5-6 of "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia! First and foremost, please excuse Jody's terrible sound quality (we blame Gremlins). Delphine and her sisters are starving, so Cecile barricades the verboten kitchen and sends them out to fetch dinner from Ming's. They make a pricey call to Big Ma and meet a boy with a Burning Man wheelchair. Back at home, Cecile is visited by three mysterious figures. Who could they be?! Jody recalls the time when she fielded collect calls from metalhead prisoners, and Alison reminisces about the time she was able to shower in the morning. There's dramatic readings, fabulous TV commercials from 1968, and some surprise cupcakes! What a night.
Read MoreWe're in Oakland, baby! Chapters 3-4 of Rita Williams-Garcia's "One Crazy Summer" (2010), the novel about three sisters spending the summer of 1968 with their estranged mother. Delphine and crew meet a shady-looking Cecile at the airport and are whisked away to the funky green stucco structure they'll be calling home for 28 days. We quickly learn that Cecile is no Carol Brady – what is going to happen to these poor children?! Alison recounts her very Sheila-esque shimmy through the garage window, and Jody reads a great letter from Blume Head Dustin about growing up with Judy Blume and his plans for an Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great birthday party (aka THE DREAM)! Lastly, thank you to all of our Patrons, we so appreciate you!
Read MoreAlison and Jody begin their NEW Judy-adjacent book, "One Crazy Summer," by Rita Williams-Garcia (2010). The gals take you on a wild ride through the turbulent year of 1968 and discuss the events, music, entertainment, and fashion that made it so memorable – from neo-Edwardian fashion, to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., to Olivia Hussey's boobs, to the first Miss Black America pageant. Meanwhile, in the book, Delphine and her two younger sisters fly to Oakland to see their long-lost mother, Cecile. Delphine keeps her siblings in line, catches a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge, and has thousands of dollars burning a hole in her sock. To top it all off, there's a fabulous letter from Blume Head Amanda (who read Wifey in FOURTH GRADE) and a Law & Order / Doogie Howser mashup not to be missed. Please don't forget to join our Patreon! www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon
Read MoreJody and Alison tie up some loose ends and wave goodbye to Judy Blume's cherished 1987 YA novel, "Just as Long as We're Together." Jody presents Special Reports on witchcraft, purple, and Operation Babylift. Alison reads some questionable book reviews, and the gals take a quiz to find out what type of witches they are! Spoiler: Alison is a Sea Witch and Jody is an Air Witch. Tune in to hear chat about Sky Dancers, rollerblading misadventures, some incredible fanfic dramatic readings (thank you Dara!) and Blume Head Deanna's dispatch on 1987 hip-hop, college rock, and metal!
Read MoreIt's the final episode of "Just as Long as We're Together" by Judy Blume (1987)! There's a KILLER FLU (how timely) going around and everyone's got it, except our Hershey Bar. Steph has a cute chat with friend-zone Peter Klaff, a heart-to-heart with mom, a literal run-in with Jeremy Dragon, and a beautiful lake walk with old pal Rachel. Alison learns Gena is preggers and plans her escape to Paris. Al and Jody chat about friendship quadrangles, conflict aversion, hot boys in choir, and Selling Sunset.
Read MoreWe're nearing the end of "Just as Long as We're Together" with chapters 38-39 of this YA classic! Steph turns thirteen, has a blast at the Groundhog Day Dance, gets her first kiss, and her first period all on the SAME DAY! Dad ditches Iris and announces his East Coast return, the moms try to get their daughters back together, and Bruce turns out to be a true Renaissance Brother with some decoupage skillz. Jody and Alison talk about the incredible Authors Guild virtual gala honoring Judy Blume and Margaret Atwood, imaginary friends named Pinkfoot, nocturnal bee activities, and read listener-submitted middle school dance stories. And as usual, there are plenty of scene reenactments and insightful commentary on friendship, family relationships, and Victorian nightgowns.
Read MoreSpecial guest Katy joins Alison and Jody in the Cocoon to discuss chapters 36-37 of "Just as Long as We're Together" by Judy Blume! They explore socially responsible plungers, shopping personalities, and the INCREDIBLE "Dickionary" seven-year-old Katy co-authored in 1987. Ever heard of a run-and-hump? In the novel, Steph, Rachel, and Alison shop at stores with amazing names and have a run-in with Amber Ackbourne. There's an epic dressing room fight scene you don't wanna miss. Join the gals for dramatic reenactments, insightful witchcraft commentary, and a tres-relatable Blume Head letter about 4th grade mean girls. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @theblumesaloonpodcast for DICKIONARY PHOTOS!
Read MoreJody and Alison get a little wacky this week, reading chapters 33-35 of Judy Blume's 1987 novel, "Just as Long as We're Together". Alison presents a thoughtfully-researched Boner Report and Jody reads divorce advice from "Letters to Judy." Mom gets WILD lightning bolt earrings for her very first fling, Dad finally apologizes to Steph, Marcella and Jeremy Dragon are caught Frenching at the movies, and Rachel tries to get Steph to read Gone With the Wind. Why won't those two just COMMUNICATE?! Your hosts chat quarantine hairdos, movie theatre heathens, and middle school soap operas. Thank you so very much to our new Patron, Grace Wenk!
Read MoreChapters 30-32 of Judy Blume's 1987 YA novel about friendship and separated parents, "Just as Long as We're Together" with your hosts Alison and Jody! Danamy breaks up but gets back together again one day later, Bruce wins second place in the Kids for Peace poster contest, Steph writes a fabulous essay on losing her optimism, and Rachel gets hit on by new boy Max. Jody and Al don double-headphones and chat about boner etymology, tall boys, and new puppies! Dramatic readings, deep thoughts, and '80s reminiscing abound.
Read MoreAlison and Jody are reunited and it feels so good! They cover chapters 27-29 of Judy Blume's YA classic, "Just as Long as We're Together." Jody reads a 1984 diary entry from Blume Head Lisa, Alison fills us in on her shelter-in-place happenings, and there's chat about real-world therapist run-ins, flushing photos down the toilet, Uber Cab towncars, and ID bracelets. Meanwhile, Steph is fat-shamed, Rachel is mega tense, and Jeremy Dragon has a new undergarment accessory! There's also a clueless substitute teacher, a great cafeteria scene, and a smattering of JAZZERCISE. A zillion thank yous to our new Patrons Trina Ammons and Brooke Powell!
Read MoreHop into the Car Cocoon with Special Guest Andrea Afra, Blume Head, writer, and plant lady! Jody and Andrea cover chapters 24-26 of Judy Blume's 1987 YA novel, "Just as Long as We're Together" and chat about plantar warts, jello jigglers, territorial pissings, and laundry room pornos. Steph, Rachel, and Alison exchange very purple gifts and part ways for the holidays. Steph and Bruce head to sunny California to visit dad and are greeted by a tres rude surprise... IRIS. Special thank you to our new Patron, Susan! Find Andrea and her awesome succulent community on IG and Facebook @sucsforyou and check out her new book, "The Succulent Manual: A guide to care and repair for all climates"!
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