"I know it's working when I'm writing a book if I'm laughing or crying," she told the audience during a Q&A session after the screening. If so, it bodes well for the film, during which she still tears up even though she's seen it several times.

Audience member Melissa Rabb admitted that she "cried like a baby" during the screening.

Her real reason for showing up was to meet Blume for the second time in her life. She'd brought with her a copy of "Deenie" that Blume signed 30 years ago, when the author visited Rabb's elementary school in Calhoun, Georgia.

During the book signing, the two shared stories of cancer treatment while Blume signed Rabb's tattered paperback for the second time.

"Glad we're both still here 30 years later."