Ruby Unscripted: Life Is What Happens When You Lose the Script

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.

Ruby Unscripted by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma is the first in a hopeful series about 15-year old Ruby Madden who has moved from rural California to the big city of Marin where the high schoolers all look like they walked off of a movie set and she just may have finally found a place where she belongs. Ruby has spent much of her life daydreaming and thinking about art and travel which sets her apart from her high school friends who are far more focused on who is dating who. This big move could be the answer to her prayers, but living so far away from her father, big brother, and best friend leaves her vulnerable to the predations of high school bullies The author has created a real-life teenager in Ruby full of insecurities, overflowing emotions, and questions about the big picture in life. Ruby stumbles along the way, several times, but she comes across as a girl you'd love to be your daughter's best friend or son's new girlfriend. I hope Cindy writes more about sweet Ruby and her dreams of movies.

I enjoyed this teen Christian fiction novel. Ruby, the protagonist, tries to adjust to her new life. Her parents have divorced and married others. Ruby finds herself in a new locale, attending a new school and quite out of place. The tug she feels pulling her back toward "home" and friends she's known since kindergarten feel real. Her ever-present cell phone is an interesting character. The author uses it as a device to move the story along. The plot easily keeps the reader's attention. Most teen girls will like this one. Reading group guide included.

A delightful book. After her parents divorce, 15-year old Ruby Madden moves from conservative, rural Northern California to liberal, affluent Marin County, near San Francisco. Her younger brother moves with her and her mother andstep dad, while her older brother remains with their dad and step mom . Ruby struggles with not only trying to maintain friendships left behind and adjust to a new, very different school, but also with making new friends and finding her place. She finds herself working in her aunt's coffee house and wandering around a new school so large it needs a map. As Ruby figures out her life and her place in this new world, she begins to make friends and finds herself part of a group of amateur filmmakers. With some guidance from a coffeehouse customer, Ruby just might find her way. Really, a fun novel. It's been a really long time since I was a teenager, and the times were different than today. Yet, some teen themes are timeless and moving and changing schools and leaving behind best friends and crushes is hard no matter what your era. Cindy Martinusen-Coloma captured a delightful voice in Ruby. She's honest and full of faults, but very likeable. Ruby struggles with maintaining her long-distance friendships and supporting her best friend Kate, via texting, through Kate's difficult choices. She finds herself friends with a charming, gay school mate who helps her transition into school. One day on the wrong side a group of rich girls, she finds herself friends with others the next day. Ruby has a tender faith in God and finds it tested as she works her way through the new situations and life she's been given. Light, entertaining and easy to read, with realistic themes of faith and friendship as well as a well-handled situation of teen drinking. Easily recommended for teen girls. I look forward to reading more of Cindy's work.

Ruby Unscripted by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma is one of the five best Christian Juvenile fiction books of 2004. Young Ruby Madden, the central character, has all kinds of difficulties adjusting to a new high school when she moves with her mom to Marin County, California, where movie stars and affluent people live. She misses her brother who stayed behind with their dad and his new wife, setting up the scene for broken family issues. She is lonely and insecure in the new environment of temptations she is not familiar with. She tries to fit in by auditioning for an amateur film group. With many puzzle pieces to her life, she shows courage and good morals in finally finding her secure place. Of course, the story involves young love. This is an easy read and well written and would appeal to most teenage girls.