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Saturday, May 31, 2008

My REVIEW of Ruby Among Us by Tina Ann Forkner and BOOK GIVEAWAY!

This is a special giveaway because I loved this book so much I want to make sure others read it. Trust me, you'll say WOW by this book's end and will be thinking about the story long after you are finished!!! My review is at the conclusion of this post. If you want to enter the giveaway simply post a comment about what you think about my review and this book and I'll enter your name in the drawing. I'll pick a winner when I get twenty entries so don't delay! Oh, and don't forget to leave me a way to get in contact with you if you win!


About the Book:

Sometimes, the key that unlocks your future lies in someone else’s past...

In Ruby Among Us, Lucy DiCamillo is safely surrounded by her books, music, and art─but none of these reclusive comforts or even the protective efforts of her grandmother, Kitty can shield her from the memory of the mother she can no longer remember. Lucy senses her grandmother holds the key, but Kitty seems as eager to hide from the past as Lucy is eager to find it.

From the streets of San Francisco and Sacramento, to the lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley, Lucy follows the thread of memory in search for a heritage that seems long-buried with her mother, Ruby.What she finds is enigmatic and stirring in this redemptive tale about the power of faith and mother-daughter love.

My review:

Ruby Among Us starts with a heavy theme, but it's important in order to understand Lucy's perspective throughout the story. If you love and miss your mother who has passed on, this story will move you to tears of healing and unleash memories of love. My mother had gone to be with the Lord for over ten years now, and reading Ruby Among Us sparked memories of loving times as I reached the conclusion of the book.

I don't want to give away any key plot points because half the pull of this story is not knowing imporant things about Lucy, Kitty and Ruby's pasts, and wanting so desperately to find out that you have trouble putting the book down. Forkner's writing style and voice is fresh, unique, and insightful. It's beautiful how she pulls you into the heart and mind of someone sheltered from life so much that she truly is an innocent in many of the things that take place around her. But the fresh, healing experiences she embraces, and her journey toward trusting others outside her immediate family is exciting and deep. And the romantic portions of this book are WONDERFUL and exciting. I felt my heart being tugged and moved with the tiny steps of faith that Lucy made toward healing...and toward love.

For someone who has always had a father in her life, it was eye-opening for me to see how truly painful it is for a young woman to never have a father figure in her life. In fact, so much pain is evoked that the hurt can taint choices and destroy a young woman's security for years to come. Our culture has tried very hard to shut down the importance of a man's role in a family and in a daughter's heart. Ruby Among Us beautifully illustrates how erroneous this belief is. For that reason alone I would love to see many men embrace this book. The bummer is that this story was so good I'm sad it had to end. I am praying that Waterbrook has enough sense to realize that readers will want more of Forkner's work in their hands, so hopefully there will be a sequel coming. Pretty please?

Ruby Among Us was published by Waterbrook/Random House and released in May 2008.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a very interesting book. I've blogged it @ A Bookblogger's Diary

Karazay said...

This book sounds amazing. I read another review last week and I didn't think I would like the book based on that review. It made the story sound bland. Your review has definitely changed my mind. I love to read books where you feel for the character even when you haven't been in their situation. Please enter my name into your drawing.

Thanks!

nerakdunbar[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

Grateful Gramma said...

The setting alone makes the book sound interesting. I was fortunate enough to vacation in that area a few years ago and found it such a beautiful place!

Carolynn said...

I've read so many great reviews about this book and your review only makes me want to read it more! It sounds great!
Thanks for the chance to win!

Lalycairn said...

I also did not think the book looked that interesting after reading another review, but have revised my opinion after reading your review.

With my Mom turning 80 this year, I know my time with her is limited. I will definately pass it on to her as well. (And hopefully get DH to read it!)

Lalycairn at gmail.com

Alessandra said...

This book sounds very interesting. I've never read anuthing by this author and would love to read this.

Please enter my name into the drawing. Thanks!

windycindy said...

I think the relationship of these three women seems fascinating. I lost my mom 8 years ago and it sometimes still seems like yesterday. I still am fortunate to have my dad who will be 90 very soon! Watching this story line unravel would be somewhat an intimate look into their lives and how they can become intertwined.
I would appreciate being added to your drawing. Thank you.....Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

SmilingSally said...

I had such a wonderful mother; she died nine years ago, and I still tear up when I think about her. I miss her so much.
I gave birth to my daughter in San Francisco, so the setting of this book will be somewhat familiar to me. I sure would like to win it!
Smilingsal55(at)yahoo(dot)com

Dina said...

I lost my mom when I was 14, didn't really know her though and never knew my father, so this book might help. Your review was really good too.
Dina

dlsmilad(at)yahoo(dot)con

Anonymous said...

Wow, I already have been wanting to read this book, but your review made me wish I had my hands on it right now. Please enter me in your contest.

tzaddi_sister(at)yahoo(dot)com

apple blossom said...

Relationships are important. Mother/Daughter, Father/Daughter even Mother/Son, Father/son. This sounds like a book I'd like to win.

Anonymous said...

(I just tried commenting and it didn't go through...)

One of the reasons I'm interesting in reading this book is because I am a homeschool graduate like Ruby. I just turned 25 and though I grew up with a large and interactive family and thus haven't had problems adjusting as an adult, I still feel like perhaps I could understand where Ruby is coming from.

I appreciate your reviews because you don't just review plots, you also review the human element in a story. You make us want to read these books and make new friends with the characters. :-)

My e-mail: author_erin(at)lycos(dot)com

Carole said...

I love books about family relationships, especially mothers and daughters. I know this book will move me because I'm an only child and my mother was my best friend. I still miss her after 20 years. And I appreciate the way your review described the emotional elements in Tina's book. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Thinking About Compassion said...

I love books that are hard to put down! But then I am always sad at the end because I can't enjoy it anymore.

preciousm21 at hotmail dot com

Stacey said...

Please count me in for this drawing. The book sounds great.

stacey_dale[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see who wins the book from Michelle. I am really enjoying your comments. Reading them actually makes me teary! :)

Blessings and enjoy the book.

Now, I am going to go read more about Summer Snow below. That book really intrigues me.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a good book. I like stories that take an emotional and physical journey at the same time.
cbeargie (at) yahoo (dot) com

Ivÿ said...

your review is very encouraging. i would love to read this book!

do toss my name in the hat, please.

ivan[dot]girl25[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Michelle, I'd love to read this book.

sallybradleywrites AT gmail DOT com

anne said...

Thanks for this wonderful giveaway. The reviews have captivated me and this book is fascinating and special.

ChristyJan said...

I enjoyed reading your review. I've been reading other reviews for this book and interviews with Tina and I'm really interested in reading RUBY AMONG US.

hawkes(at)citlink.net

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

And the winner is...

Lalycairn!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I hope Lalycairn likes the book and that the rest of you will check it out. Bless you.

Thanks, Michelle!

Tina

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