Ruby: A Novel

By Francesca Lia Block

Book Overview

"[A] mesmerizing alchemy of fairy-tale fantasy and Hollywood glitz. . . about an L.A. nanny who uses magic to land the hunk of her dreams." --PeopleFrom the beloved author of Necklace of Kisses comes... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060840579
• ISBN13: 9780060840570
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: Harper
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.8" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Classic Francesca

After a slew of unfortunate events wherein I read several disappointing books, I was inexplicably delighted to return to Francesca Lia Block's wonderful world, where pain and suffering can still be overcome by magic and love. More often than not, I'll read one book by an author and love it, only to be disappointed with the author's other work. This is not the case with Block. I love everything she's written, and Ruby is no exception. Some of the less positive reviewers felt that Ruby was different from Block's other work, and I agree with that to an extent. It seems more "grown up" than some of her earlier books, but that's ok, because I'm more grown up too. I first read "I was a Teenage Fairy" about ten years ago, so I enjoy the progression Block is making with her work. That said, I can understand how someone just discovering her Young Adult work wouldn't feel as strongly about Ruby. We should note (I didn't notice anyone else's reviews saying this) that this book was a co-project between Block and Carmen Staton, so that could account for some of the differences. Anyway. I read this book in one day and already I'd like to read it again. Block has a way of describing seemingly normal things, like food, shops and forests, in a way that makes me feel completely intoxicated. I don't know how she does it; it's something I with I could do. I love that Ruby decides at three years old that she isn't going to let her abusive father win. There are a lot of novels that deal with abuse, that have heroines who don't fight back (obviously, this is realistic-many victims have no idea how to fight back or feel they can't) but I think this type of heroine is incredibly important. People suffering similar situations might benefit from seeing a survivor of abuse stand up to her abuser, and find a way to transcend her past. Ruby was a wonderful read that affected me on a deep level, more so even than Block's other books. I would highly recommend it.

This book is such a "gem"!

Ruby is a wonderful little book that is quirky, mystical, but most of all, inspiring. The main character, Ruby, grows up in the Midwest in a family filled with secrets and lies. But her resilience and strength resounds throughout the book. She goes to England on a quest to find her soul mate--the man who will touch her inner being. I found this book to be beautifully written and touching. I think everyone that has inner demons should read it! I think everyone can relate to Ruby on some level and learn from her.'

Loved ambiguity -- even about what is real and what is imagined

I love this book. The ambiguity -- even about what is real and what is imagined -- is very engrossing and satisfying (not like a game that's designed by someone who knows more than you about the story like with some books). Empowering is so overused, but this book is truely empowering. It's like the main character, Ruby, is nurturing you, the reader. Some paragraphs are so simple and profound I had to read them again. And, I continued thinking about the narrators' wisdom the next day. I make it sound so serious, but actually this book is very entertaining and even sexy in places. Maybe I'm not the target audience for this book (I'm 40), but the journey it took me on allowed me to be in my own teen/ young adult mind/ emotions -- in a good way, since I also have my 40-year old self to look on. So fun!!

definately a jewel

I love Francesca Lia Block. To date I own almost everything shes written. She has such a colorful language, and imagination. She truely brings you into the book as it youre really just a fly on the wall, but seeing it all happen for yourself instead of reading a story. This book, unlike so many of her others dosent take place in Los Angeles, but she apparently still has the power to make any city magic.

Another beautifully-written and magical book from Block

What a magical, mystical read! Like all of Block's other books, this modern fairy tale combines harsh reality with transcendent beauty to create an uplifting and inspiring read. The descriptions and places in the book helped transport me fully into Ruby's world, and the magical people and happenings kept me thinking about the book weeks after I closed it. If you have liked Block's other work, you will love this. This book has the magic and untraditional romance of her Weetzie Bat books, and was wonderful to fall into at the end of the day.