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Saving Ruby King
Set in the South Side of Chicago, an epic, enthralling story of a young woman determined to protect her best friend while a long-buried secret threatens to unravel both their families.
Family. Faith. Secrets. Everything in this world comes full circle.
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 means she’ll be living alone with her violent father. The only person who understands the gravity of her situation is Ruby’s best friend, Layla. Their closeness is tested when Layla’s father, the pastor of their church, demands that Layla stay away. But what are his true motives? And what is the price for turning a blind eye?
In a relentless quest to save Ruby, Layla comes to discover the murky loyalties and dark secrets tying their families together for three generations. A crucial pilgrimage through the racially divided landscape of Chicago, Saving Ruby King traces the way trauma is passed down through generations and the ways in which communities can come together to create sanctuary.
Saving Ruby King is an emotional and revelatory story of race, family secrets, faith and redemption. This is an unforgettable debut novel from an exciting new voice in fiction and a powerful testament that history doesn’t determine the present, and that the bonds of friendship can forever shape the future.
Family. Faith. Secrets. Everything in this world comes full circle.
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 means she’ll be living alone with her violent father. The only person who understands the gravity of her situation is Ruby’s best friend, Layla. Their closeness is tested when Layla’s father, the pastor of their church, demands that Layla stay away. But what are his true motives? And what is the price for turning a blind eye?
In a relentless quest to save Ruby, Layla comes to discover the murky loyalties and dark secrets tying their families together for three generations. A crucial pilgrimage through the racially divided landscape of Chicago, Saving Ruby King traces the way trauma is passed down through generations and the ways in which communities can come together to create sanctuary.
Saving Ruby King is an emotional and revelatory story of race, family secrets, faith and redemption. This is an unforgettable debut novel from an exciting new voice in fiction and a powerful testament that history doesn’t determine the present, and that the bonds of friendship can forever shape the future.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 16, 2020
393 people are currently reading
15.9k people want to read
About the author
Catherine Adel West
3books393followersCatherine Adel West was born and raised in Chicago, where she currently resides. She graduated with both her Bachelors and Masters of Science in Journalism from the University of Illinois - Urbana. Her work is published in Black Fox Literary Magazine, Five2One, Better than Starbucks, Doors Ajar, 805 Lit + Art, The Helix Magazine, Lunch Ticket and Gay Magazine. Author of Saving Ruby King, Catherine was named one of USA TODAYS Black Authors You Should Know. The Two Lives of Sara is her sophomore novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,080 reviews
May 7, 2020
is an engrossing, authentic, and timely interpretation of a journey in the African American community in Chicago. While this is a fictional tale, the author has stated that she inserted much of her own experience into this book, as she is both black and the daughter of a pastor, born and raised in Chicago's south side. This book is truly complex, touching on the racial divide throughout Chicago's borders, the autobiographical experience she had as a member of the black church community there, while peppering in a genuinely gripping mystery as well. The latter is something you should go into blind, but just know that once you have a handle on the many POVs that tie in beautifully by the end, you'll be on the edge of your seat waiting to see how it all plays out. Every time I feel like I'm about to give up on the mystery genre, a debut author comes along and renews my faith in these stories, which is precisely what Catherine Adel West has done here. I spied on an interview that she is planning on writing a prequel to this story, focusing on the character Sara, and I'll be waiting anxiously for it's publication. Highly, HIGHLY recommended for those looking for a deeper experience with their mystery novels.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
June 25, 2020
3.5 stars
Saving Ruby King is a powerful story that explores some heavy topics with trauma and domestic violence while weaving a mystery with a family saga that spans over decades, bonds and loyalty through friendship and gives a voice to racial injustice.
Through the voices of a few characters, Catherine Adel West tells us what it is like for a black community of faith living on the South Side of Chicago while painting a clear picture for us. She writes with empathy, grace and gives hope while exploring redemption and forgiveness. At times this picky reader struggled to connect with the characters and preferred to have been shown through their actions more allowing me to feel with the characters rather than for them.
I enjoyed the narrative of the chapters by the Calvary Hope Christin Church that perfectly reveals some turning points to the story that added some suspense to the story for me.
I enjoyed the twist to the mystery that came as a surprise for me. The built-up to the reveal was overshadowed by some excessive drama, however, everything wrapped up well for me and I appreciated this insightful story that left me feeling the author's voice shined through. I highly recommend
"There is a time for war, but peace that's the real prize."
"You need to figure out when to fight and when to be still"
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Saving Ruby King is a powerful story that explores some heavy topics with trauma and domestic violence while weaving a mystery with a family saga that spans over decades, bonds and loyalty through friendship and gives a voice to racial injustice.
Through the voices of a few characters, Catherine Adel West tells us what it is like for a black community of faith living on the South Side of Chicago while painting a clear picture for us. She writes with empathy, grace and gives hope while exploring redemption and forgiveness. At times this picky reader struggled to connect with the characters and preferred to have been shown through their actions more allowing me to feel with the characters rather than for them.
I enjoyed the narrative of the chapters by the Calvary Hope Christin Church that perfectly reveals some turning points to the story that added some suspense to the story for me.
I enjoyed the twist to the mystery that came as a surprise for me. The built-up to the reveal was overshadowed by some excessive drama, however, everything wrapped up well for me and I appreciated this insightful story that left me feeling the author's voice shined through. I highly recommend
"There is a time for war, but peace that's the real prize."
"You need to figure out when to fight and when to be still"
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 22, 2020
3 stars. Thought-provoking and timely.
An intimate look into a young black girls� life torn apart by the violent murder of her mother. Left to live with her abusive father, Ruby is devastated by her mother’s death and searching for answers. Long hidden family secrets surface as Ruby’s best friend, Layla, and their community come together to unravel details buried in the community’s past.
The author did an excellent job providing insight into Ruby and Layla’s thoughts and emotions. The various perspectives allowed the author to explore stereotypes of both black and white which I found insightful and important. I enjoyed the church perspective as well.
As much as this is a relevant and timely storyline, I personally didn’t connect with the writing and felt the story was long and drawn out. It failed to fully draw me into the storyline and characters lives. I am grateful to have read this and learned from it even though I didn’t fully connect with the reading experience. I am definitely the outlier as there are countless raving reviews so please check those out!
Thank you to Edelweiss for providing my review copy!
An intimate look into a young black girls� life torn apart by the violent murder of her mother. Left to live with her abusive father, Ruby is devastated by her mother’s death and searching for answers. Long hidden family secrets surface as Ruby’s best friend, Layla, and their community come together to unravel details buried in the community’s past.
The author did an excellent job providing insight into Ruby and Layla’s thoughts and emotions. The various perspectives allowed the author to explore stereotypes of both black and white which I found insightful and important. I enjoyed the church perspective as well.
As much as this is a relevant and timely storyline, I personally didn’t connect with the writing and felt the story was long and drawn out. It failed to fully draw me into the storyline and characters lives. I am grateful to have read this and learned from it even though I didn’t fully connect with the reading experience. I am definitely the outlier as there are countless raving reviews so please check those out!
Thank you to Edelweiss for providing my review copy!
August 24, 2022
Saving Ruby King is as brilliant, well-written, powerful, and engaging as everyone has said.
Layla could not have been a better, more loyal and supportive friend to Ruby. The complex dynamics of domestic abuse are navigated with extreme care and attention. The community itself has a voice via the church.
So many important themes are addressed here. I was invested in the story and had a hard time putting it down. I’m excited Catherine Adel West’s newest novel is on the near horizon and cannot wait to pick it up to learn more about Sarah’s backstory.
Highly recommended and in awe of this talented new author. I’m looking forward to reading her second book soon.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: and instagram:
Layla could not have been a better, more loyal and supportive friend to Ruby. The complex dynamics of domestic abuse are navigated with extreme care and attention. The community itself has a voice via the church.
So many important themes are addressed here. I was invested in the story and had a hard time putting it down. I’m excited Catherine Adel West’s newest novel is on the near horizon and cannot wait to pick it up to learn more about Sarah’s backstory.
Highly recommended and in awe of this talented new author. I’m looking forward to reading her second book soon.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: and instagram:
September 2, 2020
Family and friendship are at the center of Saving Ruby King, which follows 24 year old Ruby, in the wake of her greatest loss.
The story predominately takes place on the South Side of Chicago. Ruby’s violent father, Lebanon, her best friend, Layla, Layla’s father and pastor of their church, Jackson, and the church itself, Cavalry, are additional characters whose perspectives are shared. I liked Layla the most and thought it was really cool and original that the church was its own character.
Saving Ruby King also includes themes of right vs. wrong, loyalty, faith, racial tensions, and community. It’s a modern and timely story, one that kept me hooked from start to finish.
With this being her debut, I cannot wait to see what West writes in the future! A great read, I highly recommend.
The story predominately takes place on the South Side of Chicago. Ruby’s violent father, Lebanon, her best friend, Layla, Layla’s father and pastor of their church, Jackson, and the church itself, Cavalry, are additional characters whose perspectives are shared. I liked Layla the most and thought it was really cool and original that the church was its own character.
Saving Ruby King also includes themes of right vs. wrong, loyalty, faith, racial tensions, and community. It’s a modern and timely story, one that kept me hooked from start to finish.
With this being her debut, I cannot wait to see what West writes in the future! A great read, I highly recommend.
December 16, 2019
Holy shit this is good. What an astonishing book. Catherine Adel West is remarkably talented, and brings to life such an important story. In this world—as in the real world—danger is not fictional. Politics are not just theory. And safety is an illusion. This is one the best novels I've ever read. I hope everyone reads it.
July 9, 2020
I picked this up because Chelsea and @bostonbookfanatic had been talking it up like crazy. For some reason when I first saw the cover I assumed it was historical fiction? Maybe that’s because it features a silhouette of a woman in a long(ish) dress, and that’s basically the period-drama cover template.
Thankfully it’s not historical, Saving Ruby King is a work of contemporary YA fiction set in modern day Chicago. Though it’s been tagged as a Thriller, if you’re looking for a traditional whodunnit you’ll probably be disappointed. You’ll find plenty of mysteries and secrets revealed throughout, some you’ll be able to guess and some you won’t, but this novel derives its power from the tension and emotional stakes at play between the characters, not jump scares and cheap thrills.
One of the biggest themes present is the idea of generational trauma. It’s passed down from parent to child and can feel predestined at times, like there’s no breaking free. When a place is so heavily surveilled and policed, like Chicago’s south and west sides, members of that community are more reluctant to report and speak up when something is wrong or amiss. That can lead to internalizing that silence and suffering through abuses nobody should have to endure. What you’re left with is a heartbreaking cycle and that’s reinforced on both an interpersonal level and an institutional one.
“What goes on in your house stays in your house.�
I ended up really liking the roving perspectives given to us by Catherine Adel West. At first, I wanted nothing to do with hearing from Lebanon. Honestly, I thought the moral of the book was going to be ‘all men are trash and who needs them� which would have been accurate based on the ones in this story! I didn’t think he, or even Jackson to an extent, added anything to the book. But eventually I came around to it. You won’t get the same well-rounded narrative without hearing from everyone involved; even the church itself has a point of view worth exploring.
What else can I say? Carrie and Chelsea were right...again. 🙄 This is an excellent novel, not just for young adults. I loved the way West explores female friendships and life-long bonds. The trickle of information she gives us is exactly enough to keep you engaged throughout. I almost can’t believe this is a debut. And right now, it’s still currently available as both an audiobook & ebook through your library on Hoopla! The audiobook in particular features a full cast and is excellent. Don’t sleep on it guys!
Thankfully it’s not historical, Saving Ruby King is a work of contemporary YA fiction set in modern day Chicago. Though it’s been tagged as a Thriller, if you’re looking for a traditional whodunnit you’ll probably be disappointed. You’ll find plenty of mysteries and secrets revealed throughout, some you’ll be able to guess and some you won’t, but this novel derives its power from the tension and emotional stakes at play between the characters, not jump scares and cheap thrills.
One of the biggest themes present is the idea of generational trauma. It’s passed down from parent to child and can feel predestined at times, like there’s no breaking free. When a place is so heavily surveilled and policed, like Chicago’s south and west sides, members of that community are more reluctant to report and speak up when something is wrong or amiss. That can lead to internalizing that silence and suffering through abuses nobody should have to endure. What you’re left with is a heartbreaking cycle and that’s reinforced on both an interpersonal level and an institutional one.
“What goes on in your house stays in your house.�
I ended up really liking the roving perspectives given to us by Catherine Adel West. At first, I wanted nothing to do with hearing from Lebanon. Honestly, I thought the moral of the book was going to be ‘all men are trash and who needs them� which would have been accurate based on the ones in this story! I didn’t think he, or even Jackson to an extent, added anything to the book. But eventually I came around to it. You won’t get the same well-rounded narrative without hearing from everyone involved; even the church itself has a point of view worth exploring.
What else can I say? Carrie and Chelsea were right...again. 🙄 This is an excellent novel, not just for young adults. I loved the way West explores female friendships and life-long bonds. The trickle of information she gives us is exactly enough to keep you engaged throughout. I almost can’t believe this is a debut. And right now, it’s still currently available as both an audiobook & ebook through your library on Hoopla! The audiobook in particular features a full cast and is excellent. Don’t sleep on it guys!
April 20, 2020
|| || || ||
SAVING RUBY KING is a book that sneaks up on you with its emotional intensity. At first, it's a bit hard to get into because there are so many POVs and characters, but all of them are carefully intertwined into the story, forming a tapestry that ends up serving as a microcosm of the African American community in Chicago, and their stories represent a number of really complex themes, from cycles of violence and abuse, to how friends can end up being the families you choose as your own, to toxic relationships, and how the secrets we carry with us can weigh us down like millstones. By the time I was a quarter of the way through the book, I couldn't put it down. I'm playing a video game I'm obsessed with right now, and I set aside that game during one of the key parts in the story to read SAVING RUBY instead.
The vast number of characters do make it hard to follow what's going on, and I can't really sum up what the book is about too much without giving the story away (and this is one of those books where less is more, really). But basically, the story opens up with RUBY, whose mother has just died under suspicious circumstances. RUBY is the daughter of ALICE and LEBANON, who is abusive.
RUBY turns to her friend, LAYLA, who is the daughter of the community preacher, JACKSON. JACKSON and LEBANON are friends, but their friendship is fraught with inequality, because Lebanon is emotionally manipulative and a taker. LEBANON's mother, SARA, is dying of cancer, and when she was younger, she abused her son the same way he abused his family. SARA was also the victim of abuse, at the hands of her father, SAUL. As it turns out, SARA is friends with JACKON's mother, VIOLENT, and also ALICE's mother, NAOMI. Their friendship is as intense as the friendship between RUBY and LAYLA and LEBANON and JACKSON.
The story comes to a head when all of those friendships end up revealing sinister ties.
The numerous time periods and POVs could be confusing, especially since there is this omniscient narrator POV called "CALVARY" and I couldn't figure out if it was being told through the POV of the church as if it were a person (the church they all go to is called Calvary), or if it was supposed to be the ghost of one of the dead characters watching all this go down. Either way, it was a lot to take in and I imagine that this book won't be for everyone simply because of the way it's told (content aside). It's also a very dark and at times, depressing story. The subjects in here are hard to talk about and hard to listen to, reminding me in some ways of THE HATE U GIVE, only for adults, in how it shows the devastating toll that violence can take on a community.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would, and grew to really appreciate the unusual narrative style. A lot of times, multiple POVs feel unnecessary and bog down the story but here it was like a puzzle where every piece felt crucial to the overall picture.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
3.5 to 4 stars
June 13, 2020
4 amazing stars for this brilliant debut!
Get your highlighters ready! This is one of those books where you are completely captivated by the author's writing. Ms. West's mastery of the written word is clearly evident and you will need to add her as an auto buy author for the future.
This is not a criticism of the book, but a warning to readers who have read the summary. This is NOT a mystery/thriller. This is very much an exploration of a place, its people and secrets that were kept long ago that have impacted future generations. That is very nondescript of course, but that's the best way I can summarize it. The reader has a magnifying glass held over the South Side of Chicago and you are witness to the King and Potter families lives and the story begins with a murder of Alice King.
The other warning I would mention is that this is not at all a fast paced read. With each chapter, the author slowly unveils the story of these characters until you get to about the 75% mark and then you are turning pages so quickly you find yourself at the end. And what an ending!
I'm in awe with how deliberate Ms. West's writing is. She had a plan on how she wanted this book to go and she stuck to it. In a world of popular, fast paced reads (and there are some fantastic ones), she danced circles around that style of book and as long as you have the patience for the wait and see approach - you will not be sorry.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Park Row and Catherine Adel West for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review Date: 06/13/2020
Publication Date: 06/16/2020
"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."
"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 in my name, I'm black. That's what matters. Cops cover for cops. Blue covers blue. Blue doesn't cover black. And there'd be no one to speak for me."
Get your highlighters ready! This is one of those books where you are completely captivated by the author's writing. Ms. West's mastery of the written word is clearly evident and you will need to add her as an auto buy author for the future.
This is not a criticism of the book, but a warning to readers who have read the summary. This is NOT a mystery/thriller. This is very much an exploration of a place, its people and secrets that were kept long ago that have impacted future generations. That is very nondescript of course, but that's the best way I can summarize it. The reader has a magnifying glass held over the South Side of Chicago and you are witness to the King and Potter families lives and the story begins with a murder of Alice King.
The other warning I would mention is that this is not at all a fast paced read. With each chapter, the author slowly unveils the story of these characters until you get to about the 75% mark and then you are turning pages so quickly you find yourself at the end. And what an ending!
I'm in awe with how deliberate Ms. West's writing is. She had a plan on how she wanted this book to go and she stuck to it. In a world of popular, fast paced reads (and there are some fantastic ones), she danced circles around that style of book and as long as you have the patience for the wait and see approach - you will not be sorry.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Park Row and Catherine Adel West for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review Date: 06/13/2020
Publication Date: 06/16/2020
"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."
"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 in my name, I'm black. That's what matters. Cops cover for cops. Blue covers blue. Blue doesn't cover black. And there'd be no one to speak for me."
January 20, 2021
4.5 stars
This is a stunning debut novel. West's words are both nuanced and relatable. There are so many sections that are timely to the events going on in today's world with Black people and their relationship with the police. The fact that this book was written before the recent events involving George Floyd shine a spotlight on the fact that, while it may be a new fight for many people, this is nothing new for Black people. I highlighted so many passages that made me stop and ponder these lived experiences.
There are multiple points-of-view in this novel, one of them is the church building and the secrets the building holds for its inhabitants. Themes of family, friendship, and whether or not our pasts define us resonate throughout. Church and faith play an integral part of the story, some parts of which may be uncomfortable for people who put pastors and fellow church members up on a pedestal. This book reminds us that we are all human and a role in the church isn't a pass for horrible behavior or ignoring horrible behavior. There are some difficult issues that come to light in this novel: domestic abuse, sexual and physical abuse of a child, and how families and even the church are complicit in perpetuating it by turning a blind eye or feeling helpless about what to do. Again, the themes are thought-provoking and very realistic.
Many feelings come up during the reading of this tale: compassion, anger, frustration, fear, and love. West's poignant words made me care about characters on the page and root for Layla and Ruby to overcome the large obstacles in front of them. There's a bit of a mystery to the story, but overall it is the story of relationships, both good and bad, intertwined and shaping us into who we will ultimately become.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This is a stunning debut novel. West's words are both nuanced and relatable. There are so many sections that are timely to the events going on in today's world with Black people and their relationship with the police. The fact that this book was written before the recent events involving George Floyd shine a spotlight on the fact that, while it may be a new fight for many people, this is nothing new for Black people. I highlighted so many passages that made me stop and ponder these lived experiences.
There are multiple points-of-view in this novel, one of them is the church building and the secrets the building holds for its inhabitants. Themes of family, friendship, and whether or not our pasts define us resonate throughout. Church and faith play an integral part of the story, some parts of which may be uncomfortable for people who put pastors and fellow church members up on a pedestal. This book reminds us that we are all human and a role in the church isn't a pass for horrible behavior or ignoring horrible behavior. There are some difficult issues that come to light in this novel: domestic abuse, sexual and physical abuse of a child, and how families and even the church are complicit in perpetuating it by turning a blind eye or feeling helpless about what to do. Again, the themes are thought-provoking and very realistic.
Many feelings come up during the reading of this tale: compassion, anger, frustration, fear, and love. West's poignant words made me care about characters on the page and root for Layla and Ruby to overcome the large obstacles in front of them. There's a bit of a mystery to the story, but overall it is the story of relationships, both good and bad, intertwined and shaping us into who we will ultimately become.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 22, 2020
Powerful and timely,
Saving Ruby King
really packs a punch.
On Chicago’s South Side, a wife and mother is murdered one night in her own home. While some dismiss this as just another act of violence in a city riddled with it, the woman’s daughter, Ruby, is struck with grief.
Ruby knows her mother took abuse from her father in an effort to protect her. She was the glue that kept the family tenuously together, and without her, Ruby is in danger both physically and psychologically.
As Ruby tries to make sense of her mother’s death and slips further away, her best friend, Layla, is the only one that can save her. But as age-old secrets are revealed, it’s not truly clear what all the dangers are, and if Ruby—and to an extent, all of them—can be saved.
I’m a little late to the party on this one but it was a really good book. There’s so much raw emotion, so much tragedy in here. This isn’t a mystery per se, but Catherine Adel West’s storytelling ability, including the unique multiple narrators, draws you in. It's really best to go into this fairly blind, so I've kept the plot summary pretty vague.
This is such a relevant book for the world we live in, but it feels timeless as well.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at .
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at .
See all of my reviews at .
Follow me on Instagram at .
On Chicago’s South Side, a wife and mother is murdered one night in her own home. While some dismiss this as just another act of violence in a city riddled with it, the woman’s daughter, Ruby, is struck with grief.
Ruby knows her mother took abuse from her father in an effort to protect her. She was the glue that kept the family tenuously together, and without her, Ruby is in danger both physically and psychologically.
As Ruby tries to make sense of her mother’s death and slips further away, her best friend, Layla, is the only one that can save her. But as age-old secrets are revealed, it’s not truly clear what all the dangers are, and if Ruby—and to an extent, all of them—can be saved.
I’m a little late to the party on this one but it was a really good book. There’s so much raw emotion, so much tragedy in here. This isn’t a mystery per se, but Catherine Adel West’s storytelling ability, including the unique multiple narrators, draws you in. It's really best to go into this fairly blind, so I've kept the plot summary pretty vague.
This is such a relevant book for the world we live in, but it feels timeless as well.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at .
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at .
See all of my reviews at .
Follow me on Instagram at .
July 28, 2020
Wow! An incredible debut novel. Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West is about the bond of female friendship, the road to redemption and the importance of the church in a black community in Chicago. I was rooting for Ruby King, a young girl who loses her mother, Alice to murder. She has lived a difficult life and is searching for strength. While the church community suspects Ruby’s violent father, Lebanon may have killed her mother, her best friend, Layla is the only one who understands the danger Ruby may be in by living alone with Lebanon and she is relentless in her support and protection of her best friend. Layla’s father, Jackson, the pastor of the church, knows Ruby’s family history and tells his daughter to steer clear. There are long kept secrets that hide the truth of the past, and through each of these characters, plus Cavalry, the church, we piece together the truth, giving us the full picture of the tragedies the have occurred, the violence that has been endured, the loyalty between friends, the struggles of a community and the environment on the south side of the city.
WEST SETS THE SCENE WHICH SHOWS HOPE FOR CHANGE IN CHICAGO
“…a whole black world within a city; a world with only our people, who arrived barely a century ago in innumerable droves during the Great Migration, living in cramped tenements with the tennis hope of more freedom than what was doled out down south. And now there is a weird dichotomy of stilted gentrification and unpredictable violence, and yet there’s tangible opportunity if one were to look beyond hasty misconceptions and blatant prejudices.�
SHE TOUCHES ON THE STRAINED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WHITE POLICE AND BLACK CITIZENS�
“Notorious for cording favor in urban communities during elections, white politicians often look painfully out of place and horribly off rhythm in an ocean of brown faces, uncomfortable being the minority in the room, aching to return to neighborhoods in the suburbs where everyone looks like them. It’s awkward to watch this. It’s funny too.�
THE NOTORIOUS SYSTEMIC RACISM THAT CONTINUES TO IMPACT LAW ENFORCEMENT BEHAVIOR AS WELL AS INVOKE FEAR�
“Their guns raised first, we all heard them shout ordered and we obeyed, but with the distinct fear all of us have when it comes to police, that no matter the level of compliance, we might still have our caramel-colored bodies riddled with bullets nonetheless.�
AND THE UNBREAKABLE CONNECTION BETWEEN FRIENDS�
“…but more things than love bind people together, secrets and lies make just as hearty a bond as love.�
Catherine Adel West delivers a powerful punch with Saving Ruby King. In addition to covering a lot of ground when it comes to important issues like racism, police brutality, domestic abuse and female friendship from a black woman’s perspective, she also just tells a moving story of a complex family with beautiful prose and complex characters. I appreciated the map that shows Ruby and Layla’s family trees and I enjoyed the ride with these beautifully flawed, traditional families, their connection to the church and the glimpse they provided into life on the south side of Chicago. I look forward to discussing Saving Ruby King with my book club where we will be welcoming a special guest, author Catherine West! Author Q & A can be found at Book Nation by Jen
WEST SETS THE SCENE WHICH SHOWS HOPE FOR CHANGE IN CHICAGO
“…a whole black world within a city; a world with only our people, who arrived barely a century ago in innumerable droves during the Great Migration, living in cramped tenements with the tennis hope of more freedom than what was doled out down south. And now there is a weird dichotomy of stilted gentrification and unpredictable violence, and yet there’s tangible opportunity if one were to look beyond hasty misconceptions and blatant prejudices.�
SHE TOUCHES ON THE STRAINED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WHITE POLICE AND BLACK CITIZENS�
“Notorious for cording favor in urban communities during elections, white politicians often look painfully out of place and horribly off rhythm in an ocean of brown faces, uncomfortable being the minority in the room, aching to return to neighborhoods in the suburbs where everyone looks like them. It’s awkward to watch this. It’s funny too.�
THE NOTORIOUS SYSTEMIC RACISM THAT CONTINUES TO IMPACT LAW ENFORCEMENT BEHAVIOR AS WELL AS INVOKE FEAR�
“Their guns raised first, we all heard them shout ordered and we obeyed, but with the distinct fear all of us have when it comes to police, that no matter the level of compliance, we might still have our caramel-colored bodies riddled with bullets nonetheless.�
AND THE UNBREAKABLE CONNECTION BETWEEN FRIENDS�
“…but more things than love bind people together, secrets and lies make just as hearty a bond as love.�
Catherine Adel West delivers a powerful punch with Saving Ruby King. In addition to covering a lot of ground when it comes to important issues like racism, police brutality, domestic abuse and female friendship from a black woman’s perspective, she also just tells a moving story of a complex family with beautiful prose and complex characters. I appreciated the map that shows Ruby and Layla’s family trees and I enjoyed the ride with these beautifully flawed, traditional families, their connection to the church and the glimpse they provided into life on the south side of Chicago. I look forward to discussing Saving Ruby King with my book club where we will be welcoming a special guest, author Catherine West! Author Q & A can be found at Book Nation by Jen
July 27, 2020
Audio 4 Stars
I love a full cast audiobook and all except one 1 narrator gave a 5 star performance. The narrator I was not impressed with was the one used for Layla. Her performance was mostly stiff and unnatural.
Story 2.5 Stars
Not bad for a debut novel, but it did come off a preachy and soapboxy especially when it came to race.
I love a full cast audiobook and all except one 1 narrator gave a 5 star performance. The narrator I was not impressed with was the one used for Layla. Her performance was mostly stiff and unnatural.
Story 2.5 Stars
Not bad for a debut novel, but it did come off a preachy and soapboxy especially when it came to race.
May 6, 2021
This is a powerful debut novel, beautifully written that brought intense emotions about family, friendships, and the church of a community in Chicago’s South Side. An eye opening story for me that examines loyalties, cycles of abuse and childhood trauma. This book really shines a light on our current situation that makes this a must read.
June 14, 2020
Thank you NetGalley, Catherine Adel West, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this book!
Saving Ruby King is a poignant debut novel by Catherine Adel West. It is difficult to decide where to begin with this story, I could never do it justice in a brief synopsis. So let’s start with Alice King. Alice King is married to Lebanon King and they have a daughter named Ruby. Lebanon is abusive to both mother and daughter. Alice does her best to keep it under wraps, meanwhile, her daughter’s anger grows. Ruby is also best friends with Layla Potter, the daughter of Pastor Jackson Potter. Pastor Jackson and Lebanon’s past are deeply intertwined in ways no one can expect. When a murder occurs, Ruby is in danger and Layla will stop at nothing to help her. Secrets are discovered that have affected these families for generations.
“Forever and to the end. That’s what they say instead of I love you.�
SAVING RUBY KING
This book is a MUST read! It is emotional and feels deeply personal for the author. Yes, there is mystery but it is about friendship, faith, and family. I was hooked from the very beginning. There are multiple points of view crossing over timelines but that didn’t bother me. I felt that it flowed beautifully and shifted timelines in just the right moment. One of the points of view is the church. Not a person or persons, but a building. I felt that this aspect is so unique and quite powerful. The building is a witness, specifically to some of the events that will change the lives of generations.
The family relationships are extremely complex in this story. There is love. There is hate. There is misunderstanding. I want to dive into these complexities, but that would reveal so many spoilers. My favorite aspect is the friendships. Loyalty and doing anything for a friend shines in this story. Ruby is troubled, but Layla will not leave her side. Their friendship made me cry more than once. But the loyalty in friendships span generations as well…but again, spoilers. So I shall refrain.
The author goes into the racial divide in Chicago. The hardships that the Black community face are very real and she describes it so vividly. You just really need to read this book for yourself. I loved every aspect of this book. It is thought-provoking and deeply emotional. I will now eagerly await her next book. 5 perfect stars for Saving Ruby King.
Saving Ruby King is a poignant debut novel by Catherine Adel West. It is difficult to decide where to begin with this story, I could never do it justice in a brief synopsis. So let’s start with Alice King. Alice King is married to Lebanon King and they have a daughter named Ruby. Lebanon is abusive to both mother and daughter. Alice does her best to keep it under wraps, meanwhile, her daughter’s anger grows. Ruby is also best friends with Layla Potter, the daughter of Pastor Jackson Potter. Pastor Jackson and Lebanon’s past are deeply intertwined in ways no one can expect. When a murder occurs, Ruby is in danger and Layla will stop at nothing to help her. Secrets are discovered that have affected these families for generations.
“Forever and to the end. That’s what they say instead of I love you.�
SAVING RUBY KING
This book is a MUST read! It is emotional and feels deeply personal for the author. Yes, there is mystery but it is about friendship, faith, and family. I was hooked from the very beginning. There are multiple points of view crossing over timelines but that didn’t bother me. I felt that it flowed beautifully and shifted timelines in just the right moment. One of the points of view is the church. Not a person or persons, but a building. I felt that this aspect is so unique and quite powerful. The building is a witness, specifically to some of the events that will change the lives of generations.
The family relationships are extremely complex in this story. There is love. There is hate. There is misunderstanding. I want to dive into these complexities, but that would reveal so many spoilers. My favorite aspect is the friendships. Loyalty and doing anything for a friend shines in this story. Ruby is troubled, but Layla will not leave her side. Their friendship made me cry more than once. But the loyalty in friendships span generations as well…but again, spoilers. So I shall refrain.
The author goes into the racial divide in Chicago. The hardships that the Black community face are very real and she describes it so vividly. You just really need to read this book for yourself. I loved every aspect of this book. It is thought-provoking and deeply emotional. I will now eagerly await her next book. 5 perfect stars for Saving Ruby King.
August 4, 2020
I feel so fortunate when I discover a great new author and Catherine West has written the most stunning debut novel I’ve read so far this year. Set on the south side of Chicago, the novel examines the effects of domestic violence, murder, and racism on several generations. At first glance it would seem that West was very prescient in the writing of her novel, but police brutality and the murder of black people have been happening for years. The novel is not only extremely topical but West’s writing style is a marvel. The depth and originality of the characters, her profound insights into violence, faith, forgiveness, family, love, and hope, and the perfect pace and structure make this a book I highly recommend.
There is a fascinating interview with Catherine West at
in which she not only discusses the genesis of “Saving Ruby King,� but the recent protests and the importance of reading black writers.
There is a fascinating interview with Catherine West at
in which she not only discusses the genesis of “Saving Ruby King,� but the recent protests and the importance of reading black writers.
December 24, 2019
LOVED IT. BLURBED IT. A gem!
"Told with teeth and tenderness, SAVING RUBY KING is a surprising, pedal-down debut that explores what happens when the fabrics of family, faith, and friendship snag on violent machinations of the heart. Redemption and survival share a pew with reckoning and hope here, all tangled up with the ties that bind. Catherine Adel West gifts us Chicago, the black church, and a choir of flawed, wonderfully complicated characters who flash fresh with every turn of the page, who stand against the wind, who won't go down without a fight."
"Told with teeth and tenderness, SAVING RUBY KING is a surprising, pedal-down debut that explores what happens when the fabrics of family, faith, and friendship snag on violent machinations of the heart. Redemption and survival share a pew with reckoning and hope here, all tangled up with the ties that bind. Catherine Adel West gifts us Chicago, the black church, and a choir of flawed, wonderfully complicated characters who flash fresh with every turn of the page, who stand against the wind, who won't go down without a fight."
January 2, 2021
I loved this emotional debut novel so much. It was perfect for the times and was completely realistic. The format jumps in time and narrator but it was all clearly labeled and easy to follow and by the end all of the perspectives and stories painted a single picture. The characters were all flawed which made them realistic but the bonds of friendship and family were fascinating. I loved that the church involved in the story also got a voice and spoke of the people inside the halls. It’s hard to talk about the plot of this one without giving anything important away but the main character, Ruby, loses her mother to what looks like a home invasion turned murder and this story is the aftermath with a lot of history thrown in. I will definitely be following up on Catherine Adel West’s future works and this book was amazing. I don’t know why I let it sit in my TBR pile as long as I did.
June 15, 2020
Ruby King is twenty-four-years-old when her mother, Alice, is found murdered in the home she shared with Ruby and Ruby's father, Lebanon. The police show little interest in--to them--another death in the King's black neighborhood, but Alice's death unhinges Ruby and leaves her alone with her violent, abusive father. Her only confidante is her best friend, Layla, who knows how long Alice and Ruby have suffered under Lebanon's wrath. But Layla is angry that Ruby won't do more to get away from Lebanon and she's even angrier at her father, a pastor, who has been close to Lebanon all these years and yet never did anything to free Alice or Ruby from his abuse. Layla is determined to save Ruby, but as she works to rescue her friend, she starts to uncover a world of secrets and lies flowing back generations.
"I'm stitched together by the lies I tell myself and the lies people want to believe about me." ~Alice
I found this excellent and timely book to be incredibly well-written, with a power and tenderness to it that goes far behind your typical debut novel (I had to double check that this was actually West's first novel, I was so impressed).
West tells her story from a variety of points of view--Ruby; her late mother, Alice; her father, Lebanon; her best friend, Layla; Layla's father, a pastor; and more. We even hear from a central figure in all of these characters' lives--their church, via its omnipresent voice. The plot spans generations, with West giving a nuanced look at each of her complex characters. She does an amazing job of showing the power of family, for both good and bad. How choices can affect generations: one person's bad decisions can pass poison on, with their children reliving dysfunction and sins.
"How can there be a me without her?" ~Ruby
No one is simply good or bad here, though Lebanon is not an easy-to-like man. Abused and neglected by his own parent, Sara, we see how Sara's neglect has turned Lebanon hard. But West is such a good writer that Lebanon is not a one-dimensional bad guy, as much as you want to hate him. I was incredibly impressed at how she could create sympathy for so many of her players, even when they did despicable things.
"Without Sara, who do I blame for...being me? Are children supposed to forgive their parents for the horrible things they've done?" ~Lebanon
This novel does an impressive job at delving into racism, domestic abuse, and sexual assault and trauma. The city of Chicago appears as its own character, springing to life via West's lovely prose. She expertly shows the difficulties black people face on the south side (and in general). I read this book during George Floyd's murder and found myself highlighting passages about police brutality that just hit me right in the gut. It's very powerful.
West's book features a variety of characters--they can be hard to keep track of at first, and I was glad to have the family tree in the beginning of the book. A few times the plot felt repetitious and the middle dragged a bit, but it picked up in the second half. There's a surprising amount of twists and turns. Overall, this is a realistic look at racism and domestic violence, but also friendship. It's quite well-written and layered with a twinge of hope throughout. I can't wait to see what West writes next. 4+ stars.
I received a copy of this book from Harlequin/Park Row and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. It releases on 6/16/2020.
You can support indie bookstores and a buy a copy of this book .
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I'm stitched together by the lies I tell myself and the lies people want to believe about me." ~Alice
I found this excellent and timely book to be incredibly well-written, with a power and tenderness to it that goes far behind your typical debut novel (I had to double check that this was actually West's first novel, I was so impressed).
West tells her story from a variety of points of view--Ruby; her late mother, Alice; her father, Lebanon; her best friend, Layla; Layla's father, a pastor; and more. We even hear from a central figure in all of these characters' lives--their church, via its omnipresent voice. The plot spans generations, with West giving a nuanced look at each of her complex characters. She does an amazing job of showing the power of family, for both good and bad. How choices can affect generations: one person's bad decisions can pass poison on, with their children reliving dysfunction and sins.
"How can there be a me without her?" ~Ruby
No one is simply good or bad here, though Lebanon is not an easy-to-like man. Abused and neglected by his own parent, Sara, we see how Sara's neglect has turned Lebanon hard. But West is such a good writer that Lebanon is not a one-dimensional bad guy, as much as you want to hate him. I was incredibly impressed at how she could create sympathy for so many of her players, even when they did despicable things.
"Without Sara, who do I blame for...being me? Are children supposed to forgive their parents for the horrible things they've done?" ~Lebanon
This novel does an impressive job at delving into racism, domestic abuse, and sexual assault and trauma. The city of Chicago appears as its own character, springing to life via West's lovely prose. She expertly shows the difficulties black people face on the south side (and in general). I read this book during George Floyd's murder and found myself highlighting passages about police brutality that just hit me right in the gut. It's very powerful.
West's book features a variety of characters--they can be hard to keep track of at first, and I was glad to have the family tree in the beginning of the book. A few times the plot felt repetitious and the middle dragged a bit, but it picked up in the second half. There's a surprising amount of twists and turns. Overall, this is a realistic look at racism and domestic violence, but also friendship. It's quite well-written and layered with a twinge of hope throughout. I can't wait to see what West writes next. 4+ stars.
I received a copy of this book from Harlequin/Park Row and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. It releases on 6/16/2020.
You can support indie bookstores and a buy a copy of this book .
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
June 3, 2020
What a poignant read for this time in which we are living. I cannot believe this is a debut work from Catherine Adel West - it is phenomenal! I laughed, I cried, I experienced all the feels while reading this one and was sad to reach the final page and to say goodbye to its characters.
The book opens with Ruby's mother's murder, and Ruby's best friend, Layla's fear concerning Ruby's own safety. Layla’s father, Jackson, is the pastor of the local church, where Ruby's mother spent much of her time. Everyone in the church knew that Ruby’s father, Lebanon, abused his wife, and they all suspect that he may have finally gone too far and killed her. Layla, while trying to come up with a plan to save Ruby from Lebanon, unravels a tangled web of secrets that has ensnared the two families for several generations. While seemingly at odds, the two fathers, Jackson and Lebanon seem to have a strange, unlikely alliance, and Layla's father basically forbids her to help Ruby in any way. Layla must defy her controlling father in order to save her friend, and both Ruby and Layla confront enormous challenges in this endeavor - from racism to their family's secrets and expectations, all which come full circle in a dynamic manner.
I thought West's POVs and timelines were masterful, and her characters were both memorable and compelling. I thought the most brilliant POV in the book though was the Calvary Hope Christian Church, which West uses to reveal some of the most jaw-dropping moments. By providing the church a voice, there was a clever, fresh approach to covering the most complex themes of the book, including how the effects of secrets and trauma can pass down through the generations, and the striking difference between religion and relationship with God.
The setting, plot, and characters all come together for an ending that is resplendent in painful truths, insight, and hope that history does not have to determine the present, and the deep bonds of friendship and commitment can positively alter the future - something we should all be striving for during this troubled time.
This book deserves all the stars, but that being said, this was an ARC, and while there are always a few errors here and there in ARCs, this book had so many glaring grammatical and wording errors that it bordered on distracting - at times there were multiple errors on the same page. I so hope a good editor cleans this up before its release, so that it can be heralded as the masterpiece it is!
The book opens with Ruby's mother's murder, and Ruby's best friend, Layla's fear concerning Ruby's own safety. Layla’s father, Jackson, is the pastor of the local church, where Ruby's mother spent much of her time. Everyone in the church knew that Ruby’s father, Lebanon, abused his wife, and they all suspect that he may have finally gone too far and killed her. Layla, while trying to come up with a plan to save Ruby from Lebanon, unravels a tangled web of secrets that has ensnared the two families for several generations. While seemingly at odds, the two fathers, Jackson and Lebanon seem to have a strange, unlikely alliance, and Layla's father basically forbids her to help Ruby in any way. Layla must defy her controlling father in order to save her friend, and both Ruby and Layla confront enormous challenges in this endeavor - from racism to their family's secrets and expectations, all which come full circle in a dynamic manner.
I thought West's POVs and timelines were masterful, and her characters were both memorable and compelling. I thought the most brilliant POV in the book though was the Calvary Hope Christian Church, which West uses to reveal some of the most jaw-dropping moments. By providing the church a voice, there was a clever, fresh approach to covering the most complex themes of the book, including how the effects of secrets and trauma can pass down through the generations, and the striking difference between religion and relationship with God.
The setting, plot, and characters all come together for an ending that is resplendent in painful truths, insight, and hope that history does not have to determine the present, and the deep bonds of friendship and commitment can positively alter the future - something we should all be striving for during this troubled time.
This book deserves all the stars, but that being said, this was an ARC, and while there are always a few errors here and there in ARCs, this book had so many glaring grammatical and wording errors that it bordered on distracting - at times there were multiple errors on the same page. I so hope a good editor cleans this up before its release, so that it can be heralded as the masterpiece it is!
August 14, 2021
Set in the South side of Chicago, we meet the characters who set the stage for a novel that I'm still left with my jaw on the floor.
Ruby King is struggling with the death of her mother. Coming to terms with the abuse Alice constantly suffered at the hands of her father Lebanon. Her best friend, Layla Potter is determined to save her over and over again. I loved the writing from this debut novelist. Told in multiple perspectives (this works really well with 6 different narrators on audio) Adel West deftly weaves the tale of church and state and how two family trees twist eerily together. I still can't believe that this is her first novel. The characters are drawn so full and while there were a few unnecessary threads, I will not easily forget about the heartbreak in these pages. Adel West plays with the timeline a bit, which was a bit hard to keep track of at times, but just know it's not important for the story to piece it together perfectly while reading.
Looking forward to more by this author in the future. Bravo!
Ruby King is struggling with the death of her mother. Coming to terms with the abuse Alice constantly suffered at the hands of her father Lebanon. Her best friend, Layla Potter is determined to save her over and over again. I loved the writing from this debut novelist. Told in multiple perspectives (this works really well with 6 different narrators on audio) Adel West deftly weaves the tale of church and state and how two family trees twist eerily together. I still can't believe that this is her first novel. The characters are drawn so full and while there were a few unnecessary threads, I will not easily forget about the heartbreak in these pages. Adel West plays with the timeline a bit, which was a bit hard to keep track of at times, but just know it's not important for the story to piece it together perfectly while reading.
Looking forward to more by this author in the future. Bravo!
June 17, 2020
Even though I was invited to read this book by the publisher back in May, I let so much time go that I ended up downloading
Saving Ruby King
via Audible. With six narrators, I knew that I would have some very interesting hours ahead of me.
This #ownvoices debut novel was written long before the death of George Floyd, but recent events definitely flavored my intense interest in this book.
When twenty-four year old Ruby King’s mother is murdered in their home, Ruby's already tragic life takes a different turn. Even though detectives are assigned the case, it seems that it is just another death in a poor black neighborhood, Ruby still remains in the home of her violent and abusive father, Lebanon. Ruby’s best friend Layla wants her to get away. As if that isn’t enough to frustrate Layla, she is angry that her pastor father appears to stand by Lebanon.
And that is how this tragic story is delivered. From several different points of view: Ruby, Layla, Lebanon and Layla’s father, Jackson Potter. Even Calvary Hope Christian Church has a voice in this story.
I knew this book was going to be difficult. I knew that on May 18th when I received the email request from the publicist. Then with the obvious anger in the world right now, I didn’t know if I could read it. But I did, thus this review. While I can certainly provide facts about this book, conveying my emotions is entirely different.
For one thing we see how certain things, like hatred, were passed down by generations. Admittedly, that is not what I thought this book would be about, but that is something that came through the pages and viewpoints as I read. Another thing that this book did was to make me very, very sad. I felt for Ruby, for Alice, her mother, and for all the years she suffered abuse. I even got to understand Lebanon, although I never, ever liked him. Pastor Potter was a tormented soul, and so his story conveyed so much. Other characters were Potter's and Lebanon's mothers, and their shared past. All very, very telling.
When it comes to reading books from POC, I have a peculiar position. My ancestors simply are not black. Oh there was inter-marriage two generations ago, but even then, my bloodlines are so mixed that, along with the way that I was raised, that I never “sided� with issues of race. I simply was never equipped to. But especially now I often think if I should allow my brown skin to make me finally choose. So when it comes to #ownvoices books I will make a better attempt to seek them out, to support a people still suffering terribly from injustices happening for over 400 years. Should I walk out of my house at any given time, I am not going to viewed as anything but black, so it is probably high time for me to act like it.
Please let me give special thanks for the publisher for bringing this incredible timely debut novel to my attention. Quite naturally the circumstances in this book are fictional and do not correlate to the current situation, but it is timely nonetheless. And, considering that this book took place on the south side of Chicago, where I lived for over ten years, gave me an even deeper connection to this story.
Lastly, I feel Catherine Adel West deserves huge accolades for writing such a well-written debut novel. She truly touches on the pulse of how many black people feel. I feel impelled at this point to include a few poignant quotes from the book.
“There are things they both suffered. Things that don’t go away with love or prayer or good intentions.�
It’s okay to be my garbage man but not my neighbor. It’s okay to be my housekeeper but not my doctor.
Know your place. Stay in your place. As a result, much of our majesty and power remained invisible to us� lost, entombed, obscured, hidden among the rubble of the past; in demolished buildings and omitted paragraphs in history books.
If we saved ourselves, what could we become? They fear our skin and we fear our power. It’s a perfect storm for destruction. Our destruction.
From Layla - "This thought is insipid at the very least and most likely racist, but I allow myself these moments because I spend so many others feeling less than or proving why I am just as good as the next person by working twenty times as hard.
Many thanks to Park Row and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
This #ownvoices debut novel was written long before the death of George Floyd, but recent events definitely flavored my intense interest in this book.
When twenty-four year old Ruby King’s mother is murdered in their home, Ruby's already tragic life takes a different turn. Even though detectives are assigned the case, it seems that it is just another death in a poor black neighborhood, Ruby still remains in the home of her violent and abusive father, Lebanon. Ruby’s best friend Layla wants her to get away. As if that isn’t enough to frustrate Layla, she is angry that her pastor father appears to stand by Lebanon.
And that is how this tragic story is delivered. From several different points of view: Ruby, Layla, Lebanon and Layla’s father, Jackson Potter. Even Calvary Hope Christian Church has a voice in this story.
I knew this book was going to be difficult. I knew that on May 18th when I received the email request from the publicist. Then with the obvious anger in the world right now, I didn’t know if I could read it. But I did, thus this review. While I can certainly provide facts about this book, conveying my emotions is entirely different.
For one thing we see how certain things, like hatred, were passed down by generations. Admittedly, that is not what I thought this book would be about, but that is something that came through the pages and viewpoints as I read. Another thing that this book did was to make me very, very sad. I felt for Ruby, for Alice, her mother, and for all the years she suffered abuse. I even got to understand Lebanon, although I never, ever liked him. Pastor Potter was a tormented soul, and so his story conveyed so much. Other characters were Potter's and Lebanon's mothers, and their shared past. All very, very telling.
When it comes to reading books from POC, I have a peculiar position. My ancestors simply are not black. Oh there was inter-marriage two generations ago, but even then, my bloodlines are so mixed that, along with the way that I was raised, that I never “sided� with issues of race. I simply was never equipped to. But especially now I often think if I should allow my brown skin to make me finally choose. So when it comes to #ownvoices books I will make a better attempt to seek them out, to support a people still suffering terribly from injustices happening for over 400 years. Should I walk out of my house at any given time, I am not going to viewed as anything but black, so it is probably high time for me to act like it.
Please let me give special thanks for the publisher for bringing this incredible timely debut novel to my attention. Quite naturally the circumstances in this book are fictional and do not correlate to the current situation, but it is timely nonetheless. And, considering that this book took place on the south side of Chicago, where I lived for over ten years, gave me an even deeper connection to this story.
Lastly, I feel Catherine Adel West deserves huge accolades for writing such a well-written debut novel. She truly touches on the pulse of how many black people feel. I feel impelled at this point to include a few poignant quotes from the book.
“There are things they both suffered. Things that don’t go away with love or prayer or good intentions.�
It’s okay to be my garbage man but not my neighbor. It’s okay to be my housekeeper but not my doctor.
Know your place. Stay in your place. As a result, much of our majesty and power remained invisible to us� lost, entombed, obscured, hidden among the rubble of the past; in demolished buildings and omitted paragraphs in history books.
If we saved ourselves, what could we become? They fear our skin and we fear our power. It’s a perfect storm for destruction. Our destruction.
From Layla - "This thought is insipid at the very least and most likely racist, but I allow myself these moments because I spend so many others feeling less than or proving why I am just as good as the next person by working twenty times as hard.
Many thanks to Park Row and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Shelved as 'unable-to-finish'
December 19, 2020The writing is heavy-handed and YA-like. And at page 135 I was just bored.
July 15, 2020
4.5 stars
This book was so deep. Saving Ruby King deals with generational trauma and how the sins of the past hurt us in the present. I thought it was clever of Adel West to include the church as a character in this novel as the church is the center of the Black community. In Saving Ruby King we get to see the hopes and dreams of the families as they arrive in Chicago during the Great Migration. We get to see them as their hopes are shattered through racist policy. We also get to see how the community comes together during these stressful times and how the church serves as their salvation for the meantime:
The book opens with a violent murder in the South side of Chicago. But Alice King is more than a statistic. The focus of Saving Ruby King is not so much on the mystery behind the murder, but on the open wounds within her family and community. You see - everyone in the church suspected that Alice was a victim of domestic violence. They saw the bruises. Witnessed her fear. Heard the lies. So when she ends up on the wrong side of a bullet they feel guilty and complicit in her murder. Had they addressed the signs of abuse earlier would she still be alive today? What if the church had pulled their errant son aside? Would that have stopped this tragedy from happening? And what of Ruby? Now she is left to fend for herself in the home of the man everyone believes is guilty of murdering her mother. It seems as if Ruby only has one good thing going for her and that is the devotion of her best friend Layla Potter.
The King and Potter families go back for generations. They are knit tightly enough to rely on each other as family. But they are so entangled by each generation's secrets that their past threatens the future of both families.
As each secret is revealed we get a better understanding of why the characters act the way they do. Personally, I did not find that this knowledge made them any more endearing. I still did not like Lebanon or Sara. But it was evidence of the impact that these secrets had on other people around them and on their descendants. The only way to break a generational curse is to first shed light on the secret. Be honest about your part in it and take responsibility for your actions. In order to heal we must not "look to others to save us" but save ourselves. And this salvation starts with the truth.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin-Park Row and Catherine Adel West for access to this book.
This book was so deep. Saving Ruby King deals with generational trauma and how the sins of the past hurt us in the present. I thought it was clever of Adel West to include the church as a character in this novel as the church is the center of the Black community. In Saving Ruby King we get to see the hopes and dreams of the families as they arrive in Chicago during the Great Migration. We get to see them as their hopes are shattered through racist policy. We also get to see how the community comes together during these stressful times and how the church serves as their salvation for the meantime:
"These are people to who the indifference of the world felt many times over is too much to bear. Brown bodies will arrive through my doors, seeking an impossible solution to injustices not provided by the nation at large. But the relief they feel need not be complete, just enough so that they can return to their normal lives with strength to deal with the indignities large and small suffered because of skin color."
The book opens with a violent murder in the South side of Chicago. But Alice King is more than a statistic. The focus of Saving Ruby King is not so much on the mystery behind the murder, but on the open wounds within her family and community. You see - everyone in the church suspected that Alice was a victim of domestic violence. They saw the bruises. Witnessed her fear. Heard the lies. So when she ends up on the wrong side of a bullet they feel guilty and complicit in her murder. Had they addressed the signs of abuse earlier would she still be alive today? What if the church had pulled their errant son aside? Would that have stopped this tragedy from happening? And what of Ruby? Now she is left to fend for herself in the home of the man everyone believes is guilty of murdering her mother. It seems as if Ruby only has one good thing going for her and that is the devotion of her best friend Layla Potter.
The King and Potter families go back for generations. They are knit tightly enough to rely on each other as family. But they are so entangled by each generation's secrets that their past threatens the future of both families.
As each secret is revealed we get a better understanding of why the characters act the way they do. Personally, I did not find that this knowledge made them any more endearing. I still did not like Lebanon or Sara. But it was evidence of the impact that these secrets had on other people around them and on their descendants. The only way to break a generational curse is to first shed light on the secret. Be honest about your part in it and take responsibility for your actions. In order to heal we must not "look to others to save us" but save ourselves. And this salvation starts with the truth.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin-Park Row and Catherine Adel West for access to this book.
Shelved as 'dnf'
December 4, 2020DNF @ 40%. For me, the writing was too on the nose. Either she told the reader way too much, assuming they wouldn't be able to read between the lines, or the characters (who all sort of sound the same) would go on paragraphs-long soliloquies about sociopolitical topics that clearly the author believes. I have no issue with the content of her writing at all—I actually agreed with a lot of what the characters said—however, it didn't feel like they were characters anymore, but mouthpieces for the author. So I never got a good sense of who they were as people; instead they were just fictionalized props for voicing a particular message. It felt very 'debut' novel, so maybe West will overcome that in her next book. And it could also very likely be a case of 'it's not you, it's me' because this book has an average rating about 4 stars. Clearly lots of people loved this one, but I just couldn't connect with the writing style.
November 16, 2020
4.5 stars!
This is such a phenomenal novel, and the fact that it is a debut is even more impressive! This book was a bit out of my comfort zone, as it was definitely not an easy book to read... it is extremely heavy (trigger warnings for emotional, physical, and sexual abuse) - but it is so important, relevant, and is still ultimately hopeful. It is also very literary, so it took me longer than usual to read to appreciate the beautiful language. The characters were very well-developed; I adored Ruby and Layla and their friendship. The book is told through multiple POVS: Ruby, Layla, Lebanon, and Jackson. There are also chapters from the POV of the Calvary, commenting on what was happening inside the walls of the church starting in the early 1960s, which I thought was a really unique perspective. I highly recommend picking up this gorgeous book. I can't wait to read whatever West writes next!
This is such a phenomenal novel, and the fact that it is a debut is even more impressive! This book was a bit out of my comfort zone, as it was definitely not an easy book to read... it is extremely heavy (trigger warnings for emotional, physical, and sexual abuse) - but it is so important, relevant, and is still ultimately hopeful. It is also very literary, so it took me longer than usual to read to appreciate the beautiful language. The characters were very well-developed; I adored Ruby and Layla and their friendship. The book is told through multiple POVS: Ruby, Layla, Lebanon, and Jackson. There are also chapters from the POV of the Calvary, commenting on what was happening inside the walls of the church starting in the early 1960s, which I thought was a really unique perspective. I highly recommend picking up this gorgeous book. I can't wait to read whatever West writes next!
June 17, 2020
What an amazing, remarkable debut from the author! This is a phenomenal story about redemption and survival. Catherine Adel West wrote her a** off! The characters are so well written you’re actually able to empathize with the people you’re supposed to hate. Definitely an emotionally intense ride that won’t let you go until the very last page.
June 29, 2020
Thank you Harlequin, Park Row, BookClubbish and Catherine Adel West for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Saving Ruby King
By: Catherine Adel West
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆�
"She(Alice) had too much faith. It's what we learn in church, that if you have enough God in you, you can pray to Him and He can move mountains and shape circumstances and do great miracles on your behalf. You just have to believe enough. And Mom believed God would change Lebanon, but some people can't be saved. You can't pray away evil. You can't ignore its destruction. But Mom certainly tried all of that, and now I'm here and the one person who deserved a bullet more than anyone I know is here with me."
So begins the tragically stunning debut novel Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West, narrated by several characters in dual timelines of the 1960's and present day. The lines quoted above come from Ruby, whose mother, Alice, was recently murdered in their home. Ruby is left with her cruel abusive father, Lebanon. In this neighborhood, one murder is the same as another to the police.
"Many people believe it was a random act of violence, and our lives, black lives, are like that...And on the South Side of Chicago, we exist with a unique kind of knowledge of how fragile life unfolds among these clustered rows of brick, cement and asphalt."
Ruby's best friend, Layla, is deeply concerned about her and wants to help but isn't sure how. "Lebanon easily could have done it. But should I say anything?" Layla wants to spare Ruby the same tragic life that Alice lived. "Together we can come up with a plan to get her away from Lebanon..."
Will Layla's good intentions amount to real life change or failure?
Lalya's mother and Alice were best friends. Layla's father is Reverend Jackson Potter, Sr., and he and Lebanon have always been, and remain, friends. Layla questions:
"...why my father remains so loyal? How can you see someone you claim to be your friend hurt someone in the ways Lebanon hurt Auntie Alice and still want to be his friend? I've never understood...why...father would bend over backward to help a man who abuses his family."
Lebanon and the Reverend share a troubled past filled with secrets. Lebanon uses this to ask the church for "favors", knowing the Reverend won't deny him. Now, Ruby is living with this monster in the type of situation where everyone knows, but no one says a word.
"The people at church glossed their eyes over bruises and swallowed the poorly explained reasons of why these things always seemed to happen to Alice. "It ain't any of my business," was a common refrain. But now, they shake their heads and cry their tears, wondering how this could've happened...No one daring to say anything true..."
Have you ever suspected abuse and ignored it? Would you look the other way? I honestly don't know what I would do because I'm a keep to myself kind of person. Ruby antagonizes Lebanon. "To clean the kitchen like he demands is so simple. Don't fight it." Instead, Ruby says, "It's your house. You clean it," because "Those two sentences...are freedom. They are the words I wanted my mother to speak so many times." Defiance or death wish? In the 1960's timeline, people and events related to Lebanon's past are explained. There is no excuse for Lebanon's behavior; however, he had a horrible cruel upbringing. I want to pity him, but does he deserve it?
As events unfold, Ruby learns something about the past, and so does Layla. This knowledge could potentially lead to the unearthing of some deep dark secrets that will change everything for everyone. Layla is independent and so determined. Ruby is a strong character, but has the death of her mother crushed her beyond saving?
Relationships and loyalties are tested. Faith and the church are examined. This remarkable story brings forefront the issues of racism, elitism, progress, abuse, politics, the importance of the collective community and the value of the individual. In this world, family and friends are everything, and some choices are life or death. I absolutely loved everything about this sharp gritty unforgettable novel that arrived at a time when its message could not be more relevant.
Saving Ruby King
By: Catherine Adel West
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆�
"She(Alice) had too much faith. It's what we learn in church, that if you have enough God in you, you can pray to Him and He can move mountains and shape circumstances and do great miracles on your behalf. You just have to believe enough. And Mom believed God would change Lebanon, but some people can't be saved. You can't pray away evil. You can't ignore its destruction. But Mom certainly tried all of that, and now I'm here and the one person who deserved a bullet more than anyone I know is here with me."
So begins the tragically stunning debut novel Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West, narrated by several characters in dual timelines of the 1960's and present day. The lines quoted above come from Ruby, whose mother, Alice, was recently murdered in their home. Ruby is left with her cruel abusive father, Lebanon. In this neighborhood, one murder is the same as another to the police.
"Many people believe it was a random act of violence, and our lives, black lives, are like that...And on the South Side of Chicago, we exist with a unique kind of knowledge of how fragile life unfolds among these clustered rows of brick, cement and asphalt."
Ruby's best friend, Layla, is deeply concerned about her and wants to help but isn't sure how. "Lebanon easily could have done it. But should I say anything?" Layla wants to spare Ruby the same tragic life that Alice lived. "Together we can come up with a plan to get her away from Lebanon..."
Will Layla's good intentions amount to real life change or failure?
Lalya's mother and Alice were best friends. Layla's father is Reverend Jackson Potter, Sr., and he and Lebanon have always been, and remain, friends. Layla questions:
"...why my father remains so loyal? How can you see someone you claim to be your friend hurt someone in the ways Lebanon hurt Auntie Alice and still want to be his friend? I've never understood...why...father would bend over backward to help a man who abuses his family."
Lebanon and the Reverend share a troubled past filled with secrets. Lebanon uses this to ask the church for "favors", knowing the Reverend won't deny him. Now, Ruby is living with this monster in the type of situation where everyone knows, but no one says a word.
"The people at church glossed their eyes over bruises and swallowed the poorly explained reasons of why these things always seemed to happen to Alice. "It ain't any of my business," was a common refrain. But now, they shake their heads and cry their tears, wondering how this could've happened...No one daring to say anything true..."
Have you ever suspected abuse and ignored it? Would you look the other way? I honestly don't know what I would do because I'm a keep to myself kind of person. Ruby antagonizes Lebanon. "To clean the kitchen like he demands is so simple. Don't fight it." Instead, Ruby says, "It's your house. You clean it," because "Those two sentences...are freedom. They are the words I wanted my mother to speak so many times." Defiance or death wish? In the 1960's timeline, people and events related to Lebanon's past are explained. There is no excuse for Lebanon's behavior; however, he had a horrible cruel upbringing. I want to pity him, but does he deserve it?
As events unfold, Ruby learns something about the past, and so does Layla. This knowledge could potentially lead to the unearthing of some deep dark secrets that will change everything for everyone. Layla is independent and so determined. Ruby is a strong character, but has the death of her mother crushed her beyond saving?
Relationships and loyalties are tested. Faith and the church are examined. This remarkable story brings forefront the issues of racism, elitism, progress, abuse, politics, the importance of the collective community and the value of the individual. In this world, family and friends are everything, and some choices are life or death. I absolutely loved everything about this sharp gritty unforgettable novel that arrived at a time when its message could not be more relevant.
March 14, 2022
The evidence the officials discover, labeled the crime a home invasion. Ruby’s mother lied dead at the scene. In this Chicago black community, this was just another crime committed and marked in the books. Yet, some individuals knew exactly what had occurred behind the doors of this house throughout the years. They knew the truth. The abuse that had been silenced and buried for years was finally over and Alice was finally free from her husband, Lebanon. Ruby knew it too for she lived it, day in and day out. Alone now with her father, Ruby faces the reality that it’s just her and her abusive father.
Layla is Ruby’s friend and what a great friend she is. Although Layla was told by her father Jackson, to stay-out-of-it, Layla can’t. Jackson, a pastor of this community’s church and some members of the congregation know what Lebanon is capable of but their actions and voices are silent. Layla steps up to help Ruby providing much more than I realized she had in her.
Crossing timelines and hearing from multi-viewpoints, it took me a while to get into the flow of this book. I liked how Layla kept at Ruby, she never gave up and she questioned Ruby and didn’t preach at her constantly. I thought having all the different characters and viewpoints was interesting and made for a more-rounded book, although keeping them separate took some work, on my part. Set in Chicago, the book addresses many issues such as domestic violence, race, a church community, family and friendship. I received this book from NetGalley and Park Row in exchange for an honest opinion (a few years ago).
Layla is Ruby’s friend and what a great friend she is. Although Layla was told by her father Jackson, to stay-out-of-it, Layla can’t. Jackson, a pastor of this community’s church and some members of the congregation know what Lebanon is capable of but their actions and voices are silent. Layla steps up to help Ruby providing much more than I realized she had in her.
Crossing timelines and hearing from multi-viewpoints, it took me a while to get into the flow of this book. I liked how Layla kept at Ruby, she never gave up and she questioned Ruby and didn’t preach at her constantly. I thought having all the different characters and viewpoints was interesting and made for a more-rounded book, although keeping them separate took some work, on my part. Set in Chicago, the book addresses many issues such as domestic violence, race, a church community, family and friendship. I received this book from NetGalley and Park Row in exchange for an honest opinion (a few years ago).
August 4, 2020
When is a secret not a secret? If everyone knows your secret but never addresses it in a meaningful way, is it still a secret or is it aiding and abetting?
When Alice King is found dead in her South Side Chicago home, there’s little doubt that her abusive husband Lebanon did it. The ladies at church know and whisper about it. Her pastor knows and does nothing about it. Her daughter, Ruby, knows and can’t do anything about it.
West’s portrayal of the Black church and its close, multigenerational membership is as accurate a description of small Black churches that I’ve read. The King, Morrison and Potter families are long-standing members of Calvary Hope with a history so intertwined that I had to refer to the family trees in the front of the book a few times to keep them straight. It’s those deeply connected histories that are at the heart of the book.
Another aspect of the story that’s emphasized is women of each generation showing up for each other - whether it’s wiping tears, physically defending them or helping them escape.
There are so many twists and turns and secrets in Saving Ruby King that it becomes this page turning book that you just can’t put down because you need all of the secrets exposed and can’t rest until they are and Ruby is safe.
When Alice King is found dead in her South Side Chicago home, there’s little doubt that her abusive husband Lebanon did it. The ladies at church know and whisper about it. Her pastor knows and does nothing about it. Her daughter, Ruby, knows and can’t do anything about it.
West’s portrayal of the Black church and its close, multigenerational membership is as accurate a description of small Black churches that I’ve read. The King, Morrison and Potter families are long-standing members of Calvary Hope with a history so intertwined that I had to refer to the family trees in the front of the book a few times to keep them straight. It’s those deeply connected histories that are at the heart of the book.
Another aspect of the story that’s emphasized is women of each generation showing up for each other - whether it’s wiping tears, physically defending them or helping them escape.
There are so many twists and turns and secrets in Saving Ruby King that it becomes this page turning book that you just can’t put down because you need all of the secrets exposed and can’t rest until they are and Ruby is safe.
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