My Darling, My Hamburger

My Darling, My Hamburger
Author(s)	Paul Zindel
Country	USA
Language	English
Genre(s)	Young Adult literature
Publisher	Harper Trophy
Publication date	1969
Media type	Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages	176 pages
ISBN	0060757361
LC Classification	CPB Box no. 2360 vol. 14

My Darling, My Hamburger is a young adult novel written by Paul Zindel, first published in 1969.

Plot summary

Nerdy Maggie Tobin is convinced by her best friend, Liz Carstensen, to go on a date with Dennis Holowitz, a weird and equally nerdy boy. During their second double-date, Liz and Sean go down to the ocean to spend some alone-time together. Just as everything is getting heated, Liz backs away, and it becomes apparent that the two constantly fight over sexual issues. Back in the car, Dennis and Maggie begin to make out, but to prevent the situation from going any further, a panicked Maggie suggests that the two go get a hamburger.

Maggie is forced to break off her third date with Dennis because Liz and Sean are in a fight. That night, Maggie and Liz set out for the Red Pub Inn. On the way, they are given a lift by Rod Gittens, an older boy with dashingly good looks but a poor reputation. Liz writes Sean a letter, declaring her love for him and how she needs him in her life. The letter is dropped off in Sean’s mailbox and Liz waits for a response. When she does not hear back from Sean, she decides to go to the winter dance with Rod. By the end of the night, Rod has Liz in a room alone, ready to rape her. Maggie saves Liz from catastrophe as Sean is alerted about Rod and rushes over to the dance. Liz learns that Sean never received her letter, and the two leave the dance together.

Shortly after the dance, Liz becomes pregnant with Sean’s baby. She appeals to Maggie for help and states that she does not have enough money to pay for an abortion. Eventually, she tells Sean about the baby and the two decide to get married and move to California. Distressed, Sean asks his father for advice about “a friend” who got a girl pregnant. Sean’s father says that the “friend,” should get the girl out of his life as soon as possible. It is explained that the young man would likely be giving up his life if he kept his connections with the girl. Upon hearing this, Sean realizes that he has too much ahead of him in life and decides to part ways with Liz. He gives Liz $300 and tells her that they can no longer be together.

A heartbroken Liz is forced to miss out on her prom as she travels with Maggie and Rod to a doctor who can perform her abortion. After the abortion, she appears to be in good spirits. As the girls arrive at Liz’s house, Maggie realizes that Liz is bleeding, and in grave condition. Deeply frightened, she runs into Liz’s house to get her mother.

At graduation, it's revealed that Liz will not be graduating with the rest of her class. Maggie has called Liz’s house numerous times in an attempt to speak with her but is told by Liz's mother that Liz never wishes to speak with her again. At graduation, Maggie contemplates the important milestone she is experiencing. She realizes that one’s present soon becomes their past. This past then stays with the person for the rest of their life. On this note, Maggie finds Dennis, wishes him the best of luck in life, and gives him a goodbye kiss.

Courtesy of GSM (McGill University)