6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointed and uncertain, May 26, 2009
This review is from: Ruby Unscripted (Paperback)
This is the part where I decide that reviewing books isn't all that much fun, because I hate it when I don't like a book, and I can't talk myself into liking it! But this teen lit book not only didn't appeal to me, it left me feeling unsettled.
"Ruby Unscripted" is Cindy Martinusen's first novel in her new series for teen girls. Ruby is on her way up in the world, moving from Cottonwood, California to Marin. Her parents, divorced and now remarried to different people; her brothers, one living with her and the other with her dad; her friends, including the boy she's liked forever and her best friend since kindergarten...
...all about to stand the test of long-distance and change.
And Ruby doesn't know how she feels about that. When the new school turns out to be a bit higher class that she's expecting, and the new kids aren't the crowd she's used to running around with, Ruby's dreams for the big move are shaken.
What left me feeling shaken was the lack of moral assurance in the story. Wait, put down your rocks and let me explain! For a novel about a teen of faith, she just didn't seem to have faith in much of anything.
Granted, her parents' divorce has caused Ruby to question everything, especially God. And her relationship with Frankie was refreshing, but do we have to ignore what the Bible says in order to be friends with people who live opposite it's instruction?
Mom and Austin continued to church shop through the entire novel, and while I don't believe in keeping teens on short leashes, I do believe in some boundaries, especially when they're so young (I believe Ruby is fifteen).
Bottom line, Ruby's story is probably a great reflection of where Christian teens are in their faith: questioning, doubting, and wrestling. My issue is the lack of resolution, which I want in my teen fiction.
Too much of life is uncertain--with questions abounding in the lives of today's teens, let's at least answer the ones we know are absolutely true. God's Word is sound, people can be wrong, and God DOES love us no matter what life looks like otherwise.
These things do not come across in this particular book, and call me unrealistic, but I believe they should. However, Ruby's story is just being written, so I'm going to hold my certainty on whether this is a good series or a great series.
The story is engaging (obviously, because look at how it has me riled up!), but I couldn't tell if Cindy wasn't done with Ruby or if we were all going to be left in this tangled mess of Ruby's life.
Cindy has created some intriguing characters as well, many of whom are searching for what Ruby claims to hold but doesn't live as though she does, which is a faith in Christ. And Ruby's grandmother is a caricature of old time believers, coming across as harsh, critical and judgmental--which is probably what I'll be called after this review!
I just know we have a certain moral compass in Scripture--we must. I just know that we all can't be right, and that God must be. I just know that my daughter would want more from her book than what I found...but I also know she'd love and hurt for Ruby and her friends, and she'd want to see Ruby find her answers...
...so this is a definite mixed review. For that reason, I'm giving "Ruby Unscripted" three out of five bookmarks with a keyring as a charm. I'm hoping that Cindy takes this series to the next level and Ruby not only finds herself, but doesn't forget who she is in the process of searching.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A Favorite Author in a New Genre, January 15, 2010
This review is from: Ruby Unscripted (Paperback)
I have been a huge fan of Cindy's adult novels as they range from historical fiction to contemporary. They are written extremely well and are so engaging. I think I randomly picked one of her books of the shelf at the library and fell in love with her writing. Therefore when I heard she was now writing YA books, I was eager to see what she was going to put out. Well after reading this book, she is now definitely one of my favorite authors even if she hadn't been before.
Ruby is a character that I could easily relate to while reading. She is not a stuck teen that relies on labels and popularity to get ahead. She instead goes after what she interests in and stands up for herself. I really liked the scenes involving the coffee house and the movie club. I would have love to have been a part of both. I totally understood her dilemma involving the guy that she moved away from all of a sudden liking her AFTER she leaves. It's like, Why now??? Her entire situation is something I think teens can really relate to. You have moving to a new school, divorced parents, trying to fit into a new crowd while still seeing if you can keep up with your old friends. There are also more mature subjects such as teen sex (involving potential statutory rape) but are handled in a manner that will not shock readers. Something of note: Ruby has a gay friend but it's really not a big factor and something that just happens in the book. I only point that out for any readers that might find this objectionable.
There was one tiny thing that bugged me but it may be because I am older than the characters in the book. The constant texting got to me. I could not understand why no one ever used their phone to actually call each other. I understand using texting when you can't talk or it's easier to text in a situation. There was just one scene where Ruby can't get a hold of Kate through texting but instead of picking up the phone and actually calling her, she just keeps texting. I just wanted to scream "USE THE PHONE FOR WHAT IT IS ACTUALLY FOR!!"
I really think that general YA readers will adore this book. It totally speaks to a teen and what they are going through. Cindy's writing totally rivals that of mainstream YA writers and really keeps you engaged throughout the story. There might be Christian readers that complain that there is not enough faith issues tackled in this book and that the mention of God isn't that prevalent. However, I feel that this book balances it perfectly. I think the purpose of the story is not to preach but just to portray a good story that happens to have a Christian character. If I was a non Christian YA reader, I would not feel like there was any religion being crammed down my throat. It is a wonderful read and speaks to the target audience of YA readers very well. Seriously, if you say you enjoy YA books you NEED to pick up this book and read it. It's probably going to be one of my favorite YA reads of the year. HIGHLY recommended.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Wholesome Read, August 24, 2009
This review is from: Ruby Unscripted (Paperback)
Ruby Madden moves to an affluent town in Marin County, California, believing her dreams are coming true, but her hometown life is drawing her back. Her not-so-secret crush finally likes her. Her older brother decides to stay behind with their newly remarried father. And her best friend gets a boyfriend who's all wrong for her.
And Ruby's new life isn't as easy as she envisioned. Marin High School is a place for the rich and famous with their BMWs, chic clothes, and liberal beliefs-a place where she clearly doesn't belong. Even with her new job at the Underground Coffeehouse & Cinema, she is unsure of how to act and feels insecure about who she is.
When she tries out for an amateur film group, the puzzle pieces finally begin to fit. And who is this mysterious guy who's messing with her heart?
This is one of those books that just leaves you smiling when you're finished! Ruby is a character I immediately bonded with...she could be any girl you went to high school with, the girl next door who is dealing with stuff most teens deal with today. Her parents are divorced and her mom is moving to a new town. All Ruby wants is for things to go back the way they used to be.
There are a few perks to her new home... there's a boy (there is ALWAYS a boy :) and her new job at her aunts coffee place. At school she gets teased for being a goody goody and for going to church but even good girls make mistakes. Ruby ends up at a party that her mother would freak out about if she knew she was there.
All in all a beautifully written Christian novel that is uplifting and heartwarming with out being heavy handed. In fact the author is so subtle that I had to double check to see if the book was listed as "Christian fiction" which is great because sometimes kids think these kinds of books will be corny. They will never guess...they will just read a well written, very engaging, positive story about a teenage girl who learns to lean on God and her family when dealing with her problems.
Perfectly suited for 6th grade and up!
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