17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's been 3 years!!, August 2, 2008
It's been three years since I first read this book and I can't say "I love this book!" enough. An amazing novel for young girls that teaches independence. The author has a great sense of humor that shines through the story. Ruby Lavender is a perfect character for the plot and fits in expertly. The setting is described wonderfully and is also a fun environment for the character's to interact in. The author makes the read more whymsical by adding the letters that Ruby writes, instead of just saying "Ruby wrote a letter saying..." It also provides for a more realistic feeling. I don't have any suggestions for improvements that could be made on this masterpeice. I have read this book four times in the past three years and am still discovering new details. Anyone who ventures out into the magical world of "Love, Ruby Lavender" is on the right path and will enjoy the walk thoroughly.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not just humor, but some depth!, July 27, 2004
I loved this book and expected it to be a light read about a tender relationship between a spirited grandmother and her granddaughter, a small town, and chickens. It was all that, but much more. The book explores the strained relationship between two very different girls who have a terrible family tragedy in common. Both deal with their grief in opposite ways, carrying the weight of guilt and blame. There is plenty of comic relief to make the book a pleasure to read mixed with the absolute reality of conflict between two young girls.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chicken Thieves, May 30, 2007
A Kid's Review
Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles is about a girl with fire-red hair named Ruby Lavender. The plot mostly revolves around Ruby and her grandmother, whom she calls "Miss Eula." Ruby lives in Halleluia, Mississippi.
The book begins when Ruby Lavender and Miss Eula drive over to a chicken farm. They plan to just snag a few chickens for keeping. They just drive away with three chickens just as the owner of the farm sees them driving away with the chickens, whom they later name Ivy, Bemmie, and Bess. The chickens become a big part of the story.
Miss Eula and Ruby do not like to use regular mail when writing to each other. They use a knothole in a big, old oak tree that is perfect for climbing. Ruby and Miss Eula write their notes on bright, pink paper and stuff it into the knothole. Every time they walk past the tree, they check their special mailbox for letters.
When Ruby's grandfather dies, Miss Eula and Ruby paint Miss Eula's house shell-shock pink. Ruby lives with her mother, but is closer to Miss Eula than anyone else in the family. Her grandfather loved gardening, so now Miss Eula and Ruby tend to the garden. Miss Eula and Ruby are very close, and so when Miss Eula has to go to Hawaii to visit Ruby's aunt and uncle who are expecting a baby soon, she feels as if the world is going to blow up. Ruby is hiding in her other Aunt's store when Miss Eula gets on the bus to go to the airport. She does not want to see her leave.
Now with Miss Eula whisked away to Hawaii, only Ruby is there to tend to the chickens and work in the gardens. But when the new teacher's niece, Dove, comes to visit until the beginning of school, Ruby's summer gets just a little bit more interesting. Maybe Ruby will survive Miss Eula's going away.
When you are reading this book, you will be amazed about how realistic the book is. You'll think that nine-year-old Ruby is telling the story to you. Deborah Wiles has really out done herself!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
