Many of us are familiar with author Judy Blume. She has written many well known works including one of my personal favorites, Freckle Juice. Although, her more famous work, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, is now being turned into a Hollywood movie. While Blume was born in New Jersey (just like yours truly), she has called Key West home since 2004.
Judy Blume’s Life in Key West
In 2013, Judy’s 1958 Key West home was featured in Architectural Digest. As expected, the house is a stunner. Complete with guest house, pool, and plenty of lush vegetation, the bright, white house is a tropical haven. But, she sold her home for nearly four million dollars in 2016.
Earlier that year, Judy Blume and her husband, author George Cooper, helped to launch the independent, non-profit bookstore, Books & Books @ The Studios of Key West. The building, a former Masonic Temple, not only houses the book store. In addition, the studios provide affordable studio space to artists, a residency program for visiting artists and two galleries. And, regular events here include a wide range of classes, concerts, lectures and performances.
The book store itself has over 5,000 titles in stock. As pretty much everyone knows, the island has a rich literary history. So, a frieze above the bookshelves fittingly pays tribute to the many writers who have lived and worked in Key West. And, if you visit the store, you might be lucky enough to meet Judy Blume working the register as I once was.
On Judy’s 80th birthday, she celebrated the day by working at Books & Books. Many fans showed up to wish her a happy birthday. And, as an added bonus, purchase one of her books and get it signed. After eight hours of work that day she said, “I didn’t know it was going to turn into a signing.”
Currently, Judy resides at the Key West Beach Club when in Key West. She spends the rest of her time at her other properties in the Northeast.
More About Key West
For more information about the fun side of Key West, things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site. And, remember to check out our restaurant reviews as you surely must eat while down here!
Island Genn – Key West Concierge
