Its been quite a few years since I've read The Upper Room so I'm going to go back and reread it since this is actually the prequel which delves into Mama Ruby as a child up until age 30. Mama Ruby had a very good up bring in comparison to others in her circle; two parent household, working parents, older married siblings. Still, she longed for friends who weren't part of her circle out of fear of the blade she always carried in her sock. She's not a bully, she just doesn't take any crap and will "chastise" someone she feels wrongs her. she is a loyal friend to Othella in spite of being envious of her for a variety of reasons. Early on Ruby discovers the power of sex fro. a. impractical skewed point of view. She will do things directly in opposition of her up bring as the 7th daughter of a 7th child. This prequel answers all the "but why would she" questions anyone who read The Upper Room wanted...no NEEDED to understand about Ruby, Othella, and the depth of their interactions. Highly recommended. Feel free to read this first This was the July selection for my book club. This is the prequel to another book that I have not read. The book is a relatively engaging read though at times the storytelling feels a bit redundant. There is a lot of discussion of sex among young girls which at times can be off-putting. The hardest part for me with the book is that I didn't find the characters and their actions believable in many parts of the story. Some of it just felt too far-fetched and created for drama. The ending did leave me wanting though and I do feel as though the book was designed to force readers to pick up the follow up book.
What do You think about Mama Ruby (2011)?
I loved this book, could not put it down once I started reading it.
—sorc59
