Book Review: Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West

Shelly's Book Corner received a review copy from Amazon Vine, Park Row and voluntarily provided an honest review. This does not affect the opinion of the book or the content of the review.

When Ruby King’s mother is found murdered in their home in Chicago’s South Side, the police dismiss it as another act of violence in a black neighborhood. But for Ruby, it’s a devastating loss that leaves her on her own with her violent father. While she receives many condolences, her best friend, Layla, is the only one who understands how this puts Ruby in jeopardy.

Their closeness is tested when Layla’s father, the pastor of their church, demands that Layla stay away. But what is the price for turning a blind eye? In a relentless quest to save Ruby, Layla uncovers the murky loyalties and dangerous secrets that have bound their families together for generations. Only by facing this legacy of trauma head-on will Ruby be able to break free.

An unforgettable debut novel, Saving Ruby King is a powerful testament that history doesn’t determine the present and the bonds of friendship can forever shape the future.

Review 

Saving Ruby King is a very thought provoking own voices novel. As a black woman living in America, I found myself stopping to highlight and reflect numerous time while reading this story. There are several characters in this story and they all have their own points of view. It was a little tricky at first but I eventually found my footing and the story came together nicely. The Church even had its own point of view which I was thought was interesting as well.

Notable Quotes:
“Really, you’re going to ‘you people’ me? It must be nice to look down your nose on a race of people you can shoot down in the street with no consequence.”

I call it her “white girl” voice. That practiced, over enunciating dialect we all must speak to be considered worthy of someone calling you intelligent or, worse “articulate”.

It doesn’t matter I’m educated, that I volunteer at church. It doesn’t matter I have a family that loves me, or that I don’t have so much as a speeding ticket to my name, I’m black. That’s what matter.

Triggers: abuse and mentions of suicide.