Lost an irreplaceable copy of your favorite childhood read? Don't worry -- the book's author herself might help you track it down. At least, if that author happens to be living literary legend Judy Blume.
Our story begins in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where Instagram user Maris Kreizman saw a distressing sight: a "lost book" flyer asking for leads on a missing copy of Blume's 1970 classic Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
[seealso slug="wanderlust-books"]
The notice was apparently posted by a despondent husband: "I accidentally gave this book away on Saturday July 25th in a box on the corner of Green & Franklin streets in Greenpoint," he writes. "The book is extremely important to my wife. It was a keepsake from her mother and is irreplaceable." Yikes.
Sadness, in Greenpoint. A photo posted by Maris Kreizman (@mariskreizman) on Jul 30, 2015 at 9:33am PDT
The situation seemed hopeless -- until Blume learned about the misplaced Margaret. First, she offered to send the distressed couple a new copy of the book:
Oh no tragic! Will send signed copy. Not the same, I know. Let's hope it saves the marriage. Not sure I can find that cover but will try.— Judy Blume (@judyblume) July 30, 2015
Then she put on her detective hat.
Trying to make contact w/Husb who gave away wife's copy of "Margaret." Need snail mail address & wife's first name. [email protected]— Judy Blume (@judyblume) July 30, 2015
Packing tonight. Leaving town in morning. But will check in regularly to follow story.— Judy Blume (@judyblume) July 30, 2015
@pitythebackseat - I called and texted. Waiting for reply.— Judy Blume (@judyblume) July 30, 2015
Things got even better when a guy who said he was the "terrible husband" who gave Margaret away tweeted to Judy ...
@judyblume I'm the terrible husband!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart...marriage saved!!!— Leonard Lasek (@reddsauce) July 31, 2015
... and Judy responded.
.@reddsauce-and you were just married! I take this as a good omen. Still think Katie's book will show up but I'm on the case. Flying today.— Judy Blume (@judyblume) July 31, 2015
In conclusion, Judy Blume is the greatest, and never, ever, ever give away someone else's old books.