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Read Ruby (2006)

Ruby (2006)

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Genre
Rating
3.66 of 5 Votes: 4
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ISBN
0060840579 (ISBN13: 9780060840570)
Language
English
Publisher
harpercollins publishers

Ruby (2006) - Plot & Excerpts

Several months ago, I made my sister go to a Friends of the Library booksale that I couldn't attend for whatever reason. She found a copy of Ruby and called me, asking if I wanted it. I did a quick scan of all the different reviews on Goodreads (because clearly, I can't make up my mind without everyone else's input, hah) and decided to pass - they were that negative. A few days ago, my library held another FoL booksale, where I found yet another - or perhaps the same - copy of Ruby, sitting in one of the boxes. I snatched it up and decided, Aw, what the hell, why not?I was worried that FLB's collaboration with another writer would obscure her voice, and in some ways, it did. The language was certainly more straightforward, less ornate, less overwhelming... but that's not a bad thing necessarily. The messy, dark, mystical, glittery place that is Francesca Lia Block's mind is still evident in Ruby, particularly through all the witchcrafty stuff. (You'd think a literary nut like me would have a better way of phrasing it, but, eh, what can I say? It is what it is.)Ruby goes through this thought process in her head about Orion: "Someone has to find you, and it might as well be me." Like other reviewers, I'm also not sure whether to be endlessly entertained by the idea, or to treat it like the revelation of the century. I mean, I'm picturing myself living by this creed, and it looks nice... The thing with FLB is that all of her books are always so fantastical and unreal, and yet, they're still grounded - to some extent - in reality. So even though Ruby is off talking to trees and having sexual encounters with Orion via magic and purple dust, part of me - er, the part that is willing to suspend my disbelief, that is - still buys it all.

A woman named Ruby with an abuse-filled past chases the love of her dreams, using her natural enchantedness and her oneness with nature to help her overcome her demons. I liked that there was a lot of authentic modern magic in this story--I recognized all of it--and I liked that the damage done to Ruby in her younger years became something that helped shape her and something she grew through and past, not something she magically dropped because a man finally loved her the right way. The only thing I didn't really care for was how I felt like Ruby's interest in Orion was sort of staged and disconnected--Ruby wasn't someone I could really relate to or connect to throughout the story. It was more like I was connecting to the idea of her but I had to add my own feelings to do it. This is a little weird considering the book was in first person. Another thing I appreciated about this book was that it was very coherent, which isn't always a given in a Francesca Lia Block book laced with magical realism. The anecdotes of Ruby's magical experiences and abusive encounters with her father were well-told and felt authentic (though still sort of unemotional and stoic), but I think I did get a little tired of how she effortlessly got the Snow White treatment from animals and seemed like her specialness was contrived. I still thought it was a worthwhile read.

What do You think about Ruby (2006)?

I wasn't sure what to expect from a Francesca Lia Block book that was co-written by an author I hadn't heard of. The difference in style is obvious. This book is much more plain, and it is mostly lacking in Block's signature imagery. However, it isn't all bad.While the writing style may be different, it is a typical Block book in the way it blends fantasy and magic so effortlessly with gritty reality. The romance in the book seemed strange and forced to me, and I could have definitely done without it. I could have also done without the witchcraft. Maybe it wouldn't have bothered me if I had not had my own negative experiences with witchcraft in the past, but it was just a little too familiar for comfort - even if it was obviously exaggerated and not the real thing.But looking past those elements, I would say this book is really just about a girl struggling to overcome the trauma that she endured throughout her childhood. Depending on your tastes and how sensitive you are, some of it might be uncomfortable to read. Domestic abuse, animal abuse, violence, and incest are reccuring elements throughout the story.For me, it was very slow to start, but it became more interesting and emotionally intense as it progressed later into the book. I'm not sure who I would recommend this book to. Francesca Lia Block fans might enjoy it, although they might be disappointed at the unfamiliar and comparatively boring writing style. It's not one of her best or most notable works, but if you enjoy her novels, it's at least worth a try. If possible, I would recommend checking it out before buying it, though. There's no sense in spending money on something that you may very possibly not enjoy.
—Stephanie

An intertwining tale of two magical and troubled lives, Ruby is a gripping mix of fantasy and reality.Ruby has always been different. Not just because she hides things.She sees things. She hears things. She knows things. Her father has always ignored it. But she knows it's real.She moves across the country, to LA, to take a job as a nanny. She wants to be able to leave herself behind. An ex-boyfriend shows up at her employer's door. Some things are easier said than done.She leave LA and travels to England. Here the magic is stronger than ever. In the midst of what feels like only lies, she finds a family, her dream, and even herself. What started as a good cover story turns into a reality, freeing her from life-long demons._____Francesca Lia Block is my all-time favorite author. After discovering her when a friend recommended I read Violet & Claire, I went out and bought all the rest of her books. I'm always excited when I see she's written a new one. Ruby almost passed me by, but our Teen Librarian brought it to my attention.I really enjoyed Ruby's story. It's slightly more reality than fantasy, as compared with Block's other works, but it still had that same mystical feel. Any book-lover should love Block. Her style is compelling and one-of-a-kind. Aside from her erotic works, which I haven't read, I highly recommend everything she's written.
—Jaemi

I originally rated this a four, but having reread it a few times after my initial read, I knocked it down to a solid 2. For me, FLB is very hit-or-miss; like most people I loved the Weetzie Bat books, particularly the character of Witch Baby, and she has a couple of other books I really adore, too. But then she has books like Pink Smog and Ruby where I just have to wonder if this is even the same author.There were aspects of this novella I liked a lot - I liked the character of Ruby, actually. I thought her backstory was believable, the abuse wasn't over-the-top and she was a sympathetic character. I would have loved to see more time devoted to her witchery, (view spoiler)[learning the consequences of using her powers for selfish gain or to harm people; the book just kind of ends abruptly with her never actually facing the ghost of her father, making it pretty obvious that her confrontation with her past and her father is not the plot of this book; the romance with Orion is. Which is a shame. (hide spoiler)]
—black lamb

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