Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday is one of those rare books that successfully voices the weirdnesses, funninesses, sadnesses, and revelations of moving from a kid world to an adult one, while managing to throw an iguana-filled Vegas adventure into the bargain. Like Roald Dahl, Jennifer Anne Kogler infuses an alternatively dark and touching humor into her novel that catches hold of both adults and kids- although Kogler's protagonist, being a bit older, speaks more to adolescent confusion than childhood rebellion. Unlike the worlds of Harry Potter or Lemony Snickett, recent hits that also transcend the kid category, the world of Ruby Tuesday, although decidely wacky, is refreshingly and very recognizably the real world. Although Vegas glitz, grimy casino backrooms, and mafia hitmen aren't exactly part of the normal tween experience, the gritty reality of realizing that parents don't always do or say the right thing, and that sometimes it's the kid that needs to forgive, is. The best parts of the novel plunge you, right along with Ruby, into the dicey contradictions of adult relationships and the tension between doing the right thing for the wrong reasons or the wrong thing for the right ones. And as anyone who has read the book will tell you, we're all excited to see what Ruby will do next....

"Ruby Tuesday" is a witty, compelling, and beautifully crafted first novel. As a black jack lover I was drawn to its theme; as an avid reader I was rewarded by its prose, spunky heroine and panoply of real-life characters. The ending seemed to beg for a sequel and , tho' admittedly long past the alleged target age group, I am hoping, as are the 5 people I've gifted the book to, that there is one in the making. Wondering what will happen to Ruby is a bit like waiting for the dealer to turn over that card....

I just read this book in three days straight! I know the target age is supposed to be younger teens, but I'm 21 years old and proud to say that this was one of the most engaging, enjoyable, and flat out fun to read books I've read in a long time. Every character is more inventive and hilarious than the last, and every scene description makes me want to move out of New York and drive west. If you do anything this summer...READ THIS BOOK. You'll thank me when you're done.

Kogler's book is a pure pleasure. The action sucks you in and won't let you put the book down until you read it all. The characters are expertly drawn and (sometimes painfully) true to life, and they'll have you laughing out loud enough to make you never want to read it on the subway. Ruby Tuesday is great to read aloud to your kids or enjoy yourself, whether you're ten or tenty-ten. This hot new author is about to blow up on the YA scene, don't miss your chance to know her before she gets too popular to blog any more (see www.jenniferannekogler.com).

Ruby Tuesday is a rare break through book from an author whose youth is only matched by her talent. I bought it early, and I couldn't put the book down. Ruby is fun, smart and hilarious, a good read and incredibly entertaining. The story moves quickly, and is populated with unique and interesting characters. As good a read for adults as for teens, Ruby is the kind of book that everyone in the family will want/need to share. I also checked out the book's website at www.jenniferannekogler.com, and it made the book even cooler. I strongly recommend Ruby Tuesday to anyone in middle school or above (its allusions and references are too complicated for lower school students but wonderful for everyone else.) Don't hesitate to get this book, you won't regret it.