Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. Chapter 15 Summary

  • It's Christmas Eve and time to experience a new church—this time the United Methodist Church of Farbrook with the Wheelers. Margaret enjoys herself because she doesn't have to meet the minister and the choir sings for forty-five minutes.
  • Afterward, Margaret has another chat with God. She's starting to get a little frustrated that she's not getting a clear sign as to what religion she should be.
  • After the break and back in school, it is time for the "big deal sex movie" called "What Every Girl Should Know" (15.12-13)—all the sixth grade girls watch the movie and an infomercial from the Private Lady Company.
  • A week after the very special movie, Gretchen is the first of the PTS's to get her period (and yes, Nancy is more than a little jealous). She does her best to tell the others exactly what it's like, but doesn't manage to totally soothe their curiosity.
  • After Gretchen's news, and after learning that her mom didn't get her period until she was fourteen, Margaret has another little heart to heart with God, trying to make sure that she won't be the last one of the PTS's to "get it."
  • Needless to say, Margaret's worry only grows when she received a postcard from Nancy over Lincoln's birthday weekend with just three words—"I GOT IT!!!" (15.79)—written on it.
  • Margaret's next chat with God is a little more panicked: "Please… just let me be like everybody else" (15.81), she begs.