Saving Ruby King: A Novel
Written by Catherine Adel West
Narrated by Kim Staunton, Imani Parks, Ron Butler and
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
“Forever and to the end. That’s what they say instead of I love you.”
When Ruby King’s mother is found murdered in their home in Chicago’s South Side, the police dismiss it as another act of violence in a black neighborhood. But for Ruby, it’s a devastating loss that leaves her on her own with her violent father. While she receives many condolences, her best friend, Layla, is the only one who understands how this puts Ruby in jeopardy.
Their closeness is tested when Layla’s father, the pastor of their church, demands that Layla stay away. But what is the price for turning a blind eye? In a relentless quest to save Ruby, Layla uncovers the murky loyalties and dangerous secrets that have bound their families together for generations. Only by facing this legacy of trauma head-on will Ruby be able to break free.
An unforgettable debut novel, Saving Ruby King is a powerful testament that history doesn’t determine the present and the bonds of friendship can forever shape the future.
Editor's Note
An absorbing mystery…
Catherine Adel West’s timely debut is an absorbing mystery set in her own hometown, the predominantly Black South Side of Chicago. When Ruby King’s mother is murdered, police write it off as yet another violent death in a violent town, but Ruby’s best friend is convinced there’s more to the story. A gripping novel of race, family, and faith.
Catherine Adel West
Catherine Adel West was born and raised in Chicago, where she currently resides. She graduated with both her bachelor's and master's of science in journalism from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her work is published in Black Fox Literary Magazine, Five2One, and Better Than Starbucks, among many others. She is the author of Saving Ruby King and The Two Lives of Sara is her sophomore novel.
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Reviews for Saving Ruby King
113 ratings6 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Catherine Adel West tells a deeply troubling, but unmistakeably human story of the lives of a Black community, several Black families, people struggling to live in spite of the cruel hands dealt to them by life and society through the people closest to them. Friendship. Doing the best you know to do. Survival. "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." -- James Baldwin
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Excellent writing, vivid imagery, a captivating story. This is a must read!! A new literary star is born!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Great story about the complexities of life. Things ain't always what they seem and the South Side of Chicago ain't no different.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Wonderful full cast narration. A fantastic debut novel, full of complex characters with stories that were beautifully told. A book to read slowly and savour.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I enjoyed this story, as it illustrated how lies and secrets can consume families and close relationships. It showed how generational curses are created, continued and how truth and healing can break them.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Great book. I read the two lives of Sara first, but it still all made sense.