It's O.K. If You Don't Love Me

I read this book about 5 or 6 years ago, and it made me so sad to think that relationships could actually end up this way. I went back and read it again after I broke up with my non monogamous and inadequate boyfriend, and I laughed at the reality of the story. I hate to sound cynical, but do think that this book prepares girls for the inevitable sexual relationship disappointments in their future. It's a great life manual for girls, along with Judy Blume's "Forever... "

I really like Norma Klein's approach to young adult topics. Her style was really progressive for the late 80's. She does not condescend to teens as if the issue of sex is nonexistent, or pontificate in any way. She is accepting of the differences, racial, familial, and individual, that characterize young adults. I also really like the way the characters never fixate on their appearances. They are self confident while maintaining a sense of reality. That is a great message for kids, and it does not come off at all like a sermon. This book treats the issues of being a young adult with dignity.

This was one of the greatest books I have ever read. Norma Klein's books are so honest and open. All of her books are very realistic because she understands that not everyone's life is perfect. Her books don't make you feel bad that your life is not as good as the characters. I find the people in her books, especially Jody in "It's OK if You Don't Love Me" very easy to relate to. This book is an excellent prtrayal of young love and the confusion that goes along with sex. The first time I read this I was 12. I definetly recommend this to mature preteens as well as older teens.

This book is about Jody and Lyle, a young couple dating. The both have a love for tennis and often rally together. Their relationship becomes complicated when they start talking about having sex. Lyle is an eighteen year old virgin, and Jody is a semi-experienced young woman. Their relationship is very open and a good role model for teens