July 7, 2008
5 Minutes for Books — Ruby Among Us
My grandmother likes to tell stories. I relish the memories she shares about my younger self, fleshing out the memories of my childhood as seen through the loving eyes of a grandmother. Her tales of her own youth always surprise me, bringing to life the girl and young woman I never knew. She tells me a lot of stories, but I know that there are facts that aren’t as easy to discuss even though they are common to us all–strained relationships between mother and daughter and husband and wife, fears, loneliness.
***********
When Lucy DiCamillo is eight years old, her mother Ruby dies in their garden. Lucy was there, and she has carried the burden of responsibility all these years. Her grandmother Kitty comes to live with her. Eleven years later, Lucy’s memories of her first eight years are still cloudy and incomplete. She has her mother’s paintings–mostly self-portraits–her rose garden, and a few familiar rituals that tie her to her past. Kitty shares some memories of Ruby, but now that Lucy is a woman herself she wants to hear more about her mother, the woman, instead of rehashed memories of Ruby that Kitty tells like stories. She wants to know more about the absent men in her life–both her father and Kitty’s estranged husband.
As Kitty begins to divulge her secrets, and Ruby’s as well, Lucy gains a bigger understanding of her mother and grandmother. Bits and pieces of her own memories begin to come back. Using them and the new information Kitty has provided, Lucy tries to fill in the blanks on the canvas of her life that she has tried to paint with the help of new friends Max and Susannah.
Reading Ruby Among Us by Tina Ann Forkner caused me to reevaluate my own history and the men and women in it. The characters are so well-developed, and so perfectly human, that they become friends by the end of the novel. As Lucy’s story was revealed gradually, I hungered to know more. The ending wraps up most of the story lines (as I prefer), yet leaves a few things unstated, allowing room for the characters to live on and grown in my mind as well.
If you’d like to win one of four copies of Ruby Among Us, leave a comment here. The winners (U.S. addresses only please) will be posted in next week’s column.
The winners of last week’s book, Under Pressure, are
#14 Amanda D.
#11 Refresh Mom
#19 Courtney
Filed under * Feature Columns, 5 Minutes for Books, Books, Contests by Jennifer
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216 Comments on 5 Minutes for Books — Ruby Among Us »
#1 - Ashley @ 12:16 am
I’d love something new to read:)
#2 - tnchick @ 12:39 am
Enter me to win, please. I’d love togive this to a friend for a RAK! =)
#3 - Kisha @ 12:49 am
This looks like a good read. Not what I would normally read but I’m up for a change.
#4 - Laurie @ 1:18 am
I loved my Grandmother’s stories as well. She died a fews ago at age 89, when I was pregnant with my now two and a half year old son.
There is something about Grandparents with their stories and how things were back when they were younger.
Ruby Among Us sounds like it would be a great read.
#5 - Michele @ 2:04 am
Please enter me…sounds like a great read!
#6 - Noreen @ 2:07 am
sounds like a great story
#7 - Mozi Esme's Mommy @ 2:16 am
This book looks wonderful! And I have a US address.
#8 - KGI @ 2:28 am
I’d love to own this book! Sounds like a great read.
#9 - Dayna @ 2:33 am
Looks good, I’d like a chance to win, thanks!
#10 - Nora Scott-Platt @ 4:53 am
This would be so fantastic and would capture my heart.
#11 - Beth/Mom2TwoVikings @ 6:25 am
Aw, man…first commenters never win. *wink* But, if I don’t leave one now, I’ll forget! LOL You can count me in!
#12 - Marilyn @ 6:32 am
This sounds like a touching book - thank you for the contest
#13 - john a iavarone @ 7:29 am
would love to win this ~ nice gift.
#14 - Nikki @ 7:39 am
This sounds like a great story. Please enter me.
Nikki
#15 - Evelyn Murray @ 7:48 am
I would love to win and read this book
#16 - melissa @ 8:15 am
I would love to win!
#17 - contests 7-7-08 « no time mom @ 8:18 am
[...] 5 minutes for mom-ruby among us/ 7/13/08 [...]
#18 - Louise Brouillette @ 8:19 am
I’d love to read this
#19 - Susan C @ 8:30 am
This is my favorite type of story-please enter me.
#20 - Cheryl Free @ 8:34 am
I’d love to read this
*Thanks* for the giveaway!
#21 - Erma Hurtt @ 9:56 am
I’d love something new to read
#22 - Jenn S @ 9:58 am
I am always looking for a good read. Thanks for a great contest!
#23 - Laurie Moudy @ 10:00 am
Once you have children you realize that we all have a legacy to leave behind and I am trying to start journeling/writing letters to my twins. One day I will be gone and I want them to have stories to read to remember our life together. Another great book is The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. It will inspire you. Thank you for the give-a-way.
#24 - Wendy @ 10:04 am
Of course I would love to win, but even if I don’t I’m definitely getting this book. Thanks for reviewing it!
#25 - Mama Zen @ 10:13 am
Sounds like a fun read!
#26 - susan varney @ 10:21 am
just send it
#27 - Doll Clothes Gal @ 10:25 am
What a great review - i’d love to read this. Thanks.
#28 - Julie @ 10:50 am
Please enter me! Sounds like a great summer read.
#29 - Ana @ 10:50 am
very nice
#30 - Angel @ 10:51 am
i could use a new book
#31 - Maja @ 10:51 am
i like it. neat prize.
#32 - Jessica @ 10:52 am
I would love a new book. Having lost a parent it also looks like a good read!
#33 - luv2read @ 10:55 am
Enter me in the drawing. I would love to win.
spowell01(at)bellsouth(dot)net
#34 - Bethany G. @ 11:09 am
I have really been wanting to read this book, especially since I found out that Tina lives in WY. I lived there for 10 years and have many fond memories, and hope to go back someday.
Please enter me in the drawing! Thank you.
#35 - charline s @ 11:10 am
Sounds like a great book. Everyone loves to hear stories about their grandparents and from their grandparents.
#36 - Amanda D. @ 11:16 am
this looks like a really good book!
#37 - Michelle @ 11:20 am
I would love to be entered. Thanks!
#38 - Angela @ 11:47 am
This sounds like an intriguing read and I would love to add it to our book collection. Thanks for offering it.
Angela
#39 - Desmond @ 11:49 am
Count me in!
#40 - c. clemens @ 12:14 pm
Enter me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#41 - Megret @ 12:41 pm
Sounds like a touching story. Count me in!
#42 - Linda Pinto @ 12:42 pm
Ruby Among Us sounds like such a touching and heartwarming story. Please enter me in the giveaway.
#43 - Becky Carden @ 12:55 pm
This looks like a fantastic book.
Please enter me in the contest!
Becky Carden
rec(at)hiwaay(dot)net
#44 - Becky Carden @ 1:06 pm
This looks like a fantastic book.
Please enter me in the contest.
Thank you so much.
Becky Carden
#45 - Megan B. @ 1:12 pm
Looks great, thank you!!!
#46 - Flora Presley @ 1:39 pm
This sounds like a lovely sentimental story. I’d love the chance to read it.
#47 - Terri @ 1:41 pm
I need a good read. Would love it.
#48 - cathy @ 1:47 pm
I love reading! This book sounds like a treasure! I would be so happy to win this!!!
Thanks for your fun site!
#49 - Denise @ 2:00 pm
Count me in!
#50 - Thomas Gibson @ 2:16 pm
Very nice prize!
#51 - Rodney K @ 2:22 pm
I sure hope I win thanks
#52 - Mya Brooks @ 2:23 pm
I’m a book freak and would love to read this!
#53 - Marion @ 2:28 pm
It sounds like a great read. I would love to win!
#54 - Ruby Among Us by Tina Ann Forkner | Contests 4 Moms @ 2:29 pm
[...] Where: 5 Minutes for Mom [...]
#55 - JUDY NO @ 3:01 pm
I need to read. It’s been a long time since I read anything for pleasure.
#56 - Cindi @ 3:29 pm
Hello, I have been reading many good things about this book. I think the relationship between the three women would be interesting. Please enter me in your delightful giveaway. Thanks, Cindi
#57 - Belinda A. @ 3:47 pm
Yes please! I love a novel with well fleshed-out characters.
#58 - Kim @ 3:56 pm
I’ve been eyeing this book and would love to win it.
#59 - Robin Schick @ 4:07 pm
This book sounds like my type of read! Please enter me.
I would love to review books and give them away, making people happy puts a smile on my face.
#60 - Cynthia @ 4:14 pm
Thanks for the review and the giveaway!
#61 - Ann Fantom @ 4:24 pm
I would love to win this! Please enter me
#62 - Miranda Allen @ 5:10 pm
please enter me thanks, freebiegoddess03@aol.com
#63 - Beth @ 5:19 pm
I’d love to read something by an author I’ve nopt read before!
#64 - Valerie Mitchell @ 5:36 pm
What a wonderful prize!
#65 - Susan Smith @ 5:45 pm
Please enter me
#66 - Judy J. @ 6:01 pm
Watching how authors develop characters helps me develop my “character”. I look forward to reading this book! Thank you for the opportunity to win it.
#67 - Bernadette @ 6:03 pm
Sounds like a good story.
#68 - valerie mabrey @ 7:11 pm
this is a great contest
#69 - christopher h @ 7:13 pm
love to win this
#70 - Linda Moeller @ 7:25 pm
Pick me
#71 - judy brittle @ 7:48 pm
The story sounds really good! Please count me in to win.
#72 - Dawn G @ 8:40 pm
Can’t wait to read this!
#73 - Sherri B. @ 8:58 pm
Sounds fascinating!!! Would love to win!!!
#74 - Lisa (Morning Rose) @ 9:15 pm
Sounds like an interesting book!
#75 - The Diaper Diaries @ 9:35 pm
Love a good book. Count me in!!
#76 - Peggy Doty @ 9:47 pm
Sounds like a very good book and I love to read.
#77 - Jennifer Bartlett @ 10:14 pm
I would love to read Tina’s new book.
#78 - Jill L @ 10:35 pm
Hearing wonderful things about this book. Would love to read it. Definitely will need to get it if I don’t win it.
#79 - Rebekah @ 11:01 pm
Looking forward to reading this book! Sounds like a winner!
#80 - Hillary @ 11:03 pm
Sounds intriguing.
#81 - Jen B @ 11:11 pm
Sounds like a great book!
#82 - Joy @ 12:27 am
Thank you so much for the opportunity to win! (njeosys@juno.com)
#83 - Stacey @ 12:43 am
I would love to read Ruby among us.
#84 - Beth Ann @ 1:07 am
This sounds like a great read! I finally got back into reading last week after over 7 years of being ‘too busy’! Please enter my name in this give-away!
Thank you!
#85 - Tanya Moyer @ 1:27 am
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for offering it!
~Tanya
the4moyers(at)msn(dot)com
#86 - Janet F @ 1:56 am
Please enter me.
#87 - Terra Heck @ 5:29 am
This looks to be a good read.
#88 - Jodi @ 5:47 am
yes I need a new book desperately. Thanks for the giveaway.
#89 - LAUREEN SULLIVAN @ 6:16 am
Looks like a lovely book.
#90 - Sharon Jones @ 6:44 am
I really need something good to read and this looks perfect…thanks for great contest!
#91 - Kari Follett @ 7:10 am
Sounds like a very good book! I’d love a chance, thanks!
#92 - Annie @ 8:02 am
Add me! I’m always looking for a new book to read.
#93 - david basile @ 8:05 am
sounds good thanks for entering me
#94 - Vicky Boackle @ 8:44 am
i love to read and this sounds good.
#95 - Amy - Essential Family Living @ 8:53 am
Thanks for the review. Would like to read this. =)
#96 - Tobye @ 8:53 am
This sounds like a good read. thanks!
#97 - stampedwithgrace @ 9:07 am
I’ve heard this is a GREAT book!!
#98 - diana @ 10:01 am
I would love to in this book!
#99 - clenna in NH @ 10:30 am
Both of my parents told wonderful tales of their youth. It was wonderful to imagine them when they were little kids, or teens, or when they fell in love.
Please enter me in the contest.
#100 - Barbara Fox @ 10:34 am
Sounds like a wonderful book!
#101 - Leah @ 10:36 am
I’d love to win this. It sounds like a good read.
#102 - Deborah R @ 11:08 am
Your description of the story made me want to read it. Hope I win!
#103 - tim brown @ 11:13 am
THANK YOU GOD BLESS
#104 - Patty @ 11:51 am
Thank you for having this contest. I really appreciate it.
#105 - Donna Vance @ 12:28 pm
This book sounds like it would be a joy to read.
#106 - Cyndi in Colorado @ 12:49 pm
I borrowed this book from the library recently but just got started reading it. I would love a copy to add to my personal library. So far, it’s really good! I had the pleasure of meeting Tina in Cheyenne at a book fair late last summer before the book was published. She was so gracious as we asked her questions and it was obvious she was so proud of the book and excited for it’s release. I’ve been anxiously waiting for it to be published, too! Congratulations to Tina on her first published novel!!!
#107 - Deanne @ 1:01 pm
I love hearing about and finding new authors! Thank you for passing along another one!
#108 - Tarah @ 1:14 pm
This looks like a great summer read!
#109 - Anita Yancey @ 1:59 pm
Sounds like a really good book, one I would enjoy reading. Please enter me, and thanks!
#110 - Anna @ 2:56 pm
I’d like to read a good book! Thank you for the chance.
#111 - Brooke Allen @ 3:27 pm
Sounds like a good book!
#112 - Belinda Shaw @ 3:54 pm
I’d really like to read this interesting book!
#113 - Vicki Wurgler @ 4:33 pm
please enter my name - this sounds like a good summer read
#114 - Kathy Conley @ 4:35 pm
This sounds like a great one!
#115 - Cindy @ 6:56 pm
I’ve read this book and it is wonderful! I’d love to get enough copies to share with my grand daughters. I could see myself in this book and Tina has a beautiful talent for painting pictures with her words.
#116 - Mary @ 7:22 pm
I love to read and this book sounds interesting! I hope I win!
#117 - Tonya Froemel @ 7:28 pm
like to win this
#118 - Karen Gonyea @ 8:12 pm
Sounds good to me !
#119 - Catherine @ 8:30 pm
I love to read!
#120 - kristi blackstone @ 8:30 pm
Looks great! I’d love to be entered!!
#121 - Catherine copeland @ 9:30 pm
wow i can always use another book for when I travel
#122 - Leslie @ 10:10 pm
Terrific
#123 - Jill Miller @ 10:21 pm
I would love to win a nice summer read.
#124 - djp @ 12:02 am
i just finished my midnite book and i am ready for a new one
#125 - Heather@ Cool Zebras @ 12:31 am
Sounds like a good one!
#126 - Sandy F. @ 12:38 am
sounds like an interesting read…please count me in!!! thanks :O)
#127 - Carole Jarvis @ 12:41 am
I’ve been wanting to read this book for a long time. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net
#128 - Jaime @ 1:09 am
I would love to win and read this book! Thanks!
#129 - Andrea @ 7:42 am
Sounds like a great book! My grandma is full of stories. I keep telling myself that I need to sit down with her and write them down before it’s too late (she IS 83 years old).
#130 - Lordes @ 2:21 pm
So many people are getting away from reading.. it’s nice to see that others love to read as much as I. Wonderful prize
#131 - Amy from Occupation: Mommy @ 3:00 pm
This sounds like a good book.
#132 - william causey @ 4:11 pm
please count me in
#133 - Sabra M @ 5:23 pm
I need a new read. I’m in a place in my life right now where I can’t do too much. Reading is a great pasttime and alot better than starring at the tv!! Thanks for the contest!!
#134 - Adrienne! @ 5:56 pm
I would love one.
#135 - Kathy Scott @ 7:10 pm
My husband says that my reading addiction is breaking the bank. Please feed it.
#136 - Tara Hill @ 7:16 pm
Sounds like a great read! Thanks for the chance!
#137 - Anthony Hedden @ 7:52 pm
enter me
#138 - Stephen Saunders @ 10:50 pm
wheeeeeee hope I win.
#139 - Noelia Gutierrez @ 11:23 pm
would love to read this, love books, thanks.
#140 - Arlyne McGregor @ 11:28 pm
hope I win
#141 - Nancy @ 12:36 am
Love to win it. thanks
#142 - Adrienne Gordon @ 8:23 am
love 2 read
#143 - rachel burke @ 9:49 am
i would love this
#144 - lori walker @ 3:58 pm
This would be a wonderful read for my sister-in-law and I.
#145 - Beth allen @ 6:06 pm
I love to read. i would really enjoy this!! Thanks for the chance!!
#146 - Tina Rath @ 6:46 pm
I love to read and would love this book.
#147 - Gary Osborn @ 7:25 pm
Wooo Hooo Make me a winner!
#148 - Elizabeth M. @ 7:42 pm
You’ve convinced me that this is definitely worth reading. I’d love to win it!
#149 - Wendy C. @ 6:13 am
This would be a perfect ‘end of summer’ read for me!
#150 - israel y @ 9:04 am
thanks for the chance to win
#151 - Julie @ 10:53 am
I would love this! Thanks for you great site!
#152 - Jamie @ 1:16 pm
Love reading! Looks like a great read!
#153 - Ren @ 1:48 pm
Sounds like a wonderful book. I’ll have to add that to my list!
#154 - kathleen Yohanna @ 2:55 pm
I would like to win this. I love good books.
#155 - Karrie @ 8:46 pm
the book sounds great
#156 - Cassandra @ 9:47 pm
Sounds like a good book!
#157 - Eryn @ 9:58 pm
This looks wonderful, and I love what you shared about your grandmother. I miss mine so much. Thanks for the hard work you do on the blog
#158 - Marla @ 10:54 pm
Sounds like a great book! Count me in!
#159 - Tara @ 11:01 pm
Great prize.
#160 - Kristie Noguera @ 11:29 pm
Sounds like a good one. Thanks.
#161 - K. Cleaver @ 11:36 pm
My children are so interested in stories their grandparents tell about their dad when he was little. I’ve been doing journals for each of my boys for them to have when they are older.
#162 - Kyle Banderman @ 12:35 am
Nothing wrong with a good book! Thanks for the contest!
indyfree07@hotmail.com
#163 - Bonnie @ 1:20 am
Wow this sounds soooooooooooo good, hope I win so I can read it.
#164 - Lara Aleff @ 2:12 am
I’ve been searching for new books to read this summer, this looks great!
#165 - Kathy @ 8:30 am
LOOKS LIKE A GREAT READ
#166 - Angela @ 9:57 am
I’d love to have a copy!
#167 - sarah woods @ 10:10 am
Many thanks for the possibility for relaxation and entertainment between the “hard covers”!!!!!! SW
#168 - jan koontz @ 10:27 am
just to cool
#169 - Jodene Gildea @ 11:28 am
Please enter me!
#170 - Chrystal @ 11:36 am
Looks like a great book!!
#171 - Dorothy R. @ 11:57 am
Love to read this!
#172 - Ed Nemmers @ 2:39 pm
Sweet niblets!
#173 - Carol Drury @ 3:20 pm
what a great prize!!!!!
#174 - shawna f @ 5:02 pm
Sounds like a really good book!
#175 - loki @ 5:11 pm
Sounds like good reading!
#176 - Tammy @ 5:14 pm
Thanks for the chance, I’m always looking for new books to read, and this one has caught my eye!
#177 - Melissa @ 5:32 pm
This sounds like a great book!
#178 - Amy Phillips @ 5:36 pm
Seems like this would be a great read.
#179 - philip halter @ 5:47 pm
enter me please
#180 - Hetal Gandhi @ 6:44 pm
my daughters always like to learn more about new books and authors.
herry123_us@live.com
#181 - Denise @ 6:48 pm
I would like this!
#182 - Linda Howard @ 7:52 pm
Please enter me. Thanks!
#183 - Beth Allen @ 8:46 pm
I love to read!! Sounds like a good book. Thanks for the chance!!
#184 - Susan White @ 8:51 pm
I would love to win this prize.
Thanks so much!