Saving Ruby King

A Novel

By: Catherine Adel West

Narrated by: Kim Staunton, Imani Parks, Ron Butler, Adam Lazarre-White, Lloyd Roberson II, Terra Strong Lyons

Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2020 by Ms. Magazine, USA Today Book Riot, The Rumpus, Library Journal, PureWow, The Every Girl, Parade and more.

“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.

Don't let the bad reviews cause you to miss out.

After reading the reviews I wondered if I would really like this book. it was fantastic. A great who done it. I will concede that some of the narrators were not that great but it did not take away from the story.

Amazing transformative book

When I listened at the first words and heard this childish voices I thought I am turning this in. But I didn’t. I can see why this was a highly anticipated novel. The performances using multiple voice brought the story to life. What a story to tell. With a back drop of church it explores hidden secrets the importance of cleansing one’s souls and so many other emotions. Saving Ruby is a definite must read.

Great story

This book hit me different and I think its because I dealt with a lot of abuse as a kid and my mother was murdered by her abuser, but this book took a turn that I never expected! Normally you can tell what is going to happen but this is different. This story is in depth and wonderfully written. It sets the tone well and it kept me wanting to know what will happen next. I hope to read more about Ruby one day.

starts slow, picks up and holds your attention

overall, good story, would recommend. starts slow buts picks up after the 3rd chapter, keep with it and it will not disappoint

very very good

story of secrets and how they screw us up generation after generation. great believable characters. gonna be thinking about this one for a while.

Life is so complicated

This is not the type of book I listen to, and I'm so glad I chose it. It's the first book I've listened to with multiple narrators, and it made all the difference in grabbing my attention and bringing me into the lives of the characters.

This book is heavy. Be prepared to struggle with your own thoughts and emotions depending on your own life experiences, biases and beliefs.

Excellent story!

Well worth reading!! Loved the pace, mostly, at times wordy and felt like a lot of filler material. But it had some great twists and turns!

Amazing Read

This was an amazing story and I couldn’t stop. Ruby will stay with me for a while.

What You Don't Know Can Destroy You

This novel has so many things I usually don't like. I don't like multiple narrators. I don't like dysfunctional families, having learned enough first hand. Most of all I hate secrets. This book had all of these elements in abundance. And yet...and yet, it worked. The story was so universal. Secrets that were meant to protect the "innocent" turned toxic. Moral rectitude was a cover for hypocrisy. A terrible crime kept secret warped and twisted people unto the third generation. But it was also about friendship and love. On top of that, it was a pretty good murder mystery with a surprise at the end. I had to just stop after it was over and absorb it, thinking about all the myriad complications of human relationships. I am glad that the author didn't end it on a dark note. It could have been a real downer, another thing I don't like. All in all I thought it was really good and I highly recommend it.

Excellent Read

Loved this book! Powerful story telling! Although some of the stories it told were not stories I have lived persay, I related to the emotions and trauma these experiences create and perpetuate in generations of families. Reading this story helped me understand some of my family's relationships better and I now have empathy in a different way. I couldn't put the book down once I started. I listened to Saving Ruby King first on audible book and now plan to purchase a hard cover book from a black owned book store to support black business and writers, and will read again.