To tell you the truth, though, I hadn't realized that this piece of e-mail was the very first message she ever wrote to anyone on the 'Net. Hearing that recently -- when we talked on the phone and met in person -- put a whole new layer of dazzle on the experience.

Here's her message:

Date: Tue, 06 Feb 1996
From: Judy Blume
To: cafephrk@grouchy.com
Subject: angst

hey, cafephrk
this is my initial browse on the net and I like your page and your verve. About Margaret and all those exercises... I was writing from experience. What I tell kids now is that they don't work... and you know what? It doesn't really matter. Writing one now for all who grew up with Margaret. If it's ever done, hope you like it.

judy

Well, of course, the book got done! It's called Summer Sisters, and I LOVED it. It's full of all the juicy seduction, rivalry, adoration, and misunderstanding that accompany some of our deepest friendships. Look for it in the grown-up fiction section of your favorite library or bookstore.

What did you think of it? Write and let me know.