Yesterday I saw one of my favorite authors recommend Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy, and her post was so poignant that I immediately one-clicked. I started the novel last night and didn’t intend to stay up all night reading, but each time I started to fade Ramona Blue would lure me back in.
“.. the idea that I’m someone’s best friend fills my rib cage with summer.”
This novel is a beautiful coming-of-age story that is exquisitely written with a main protagonist who is so well developed and three dimensional that I was rooting for Ramona Blue from that very first line until the very last one and you will too. I loved that there was so much diversity in this book across all aspects of life. From race to sexual orientation to socioeconomics to educational opportunities this book had it covered. I related to Ramona on so many levels. From her impoverished childhood to her epic work ethic to coming to terms with her sexual identity when she realizes she may not fit in the one box where she always identified to her fierce loyalty to her loved ones to the delightful cast of characters who make up her life.
“ … disappears from my life like the most careful burglar, leaving not even the whisper of a fingerprint behind and stealing only parts of me I can feel and not see.”
A big part of Ramona’s journey comes with this enlightenment she has about her own sexual identity. I love the care with which the author handled this topic. The author identifies as bisexual and it’s important for the queer community to have bi-voices writing these stories. By now most of us have realized that sexuality is fluid and so is our emotional connection to other humans. I spent the first 28 years of my life identifying as straight and then I met my wife and that whole notion turned upside down. My idea of who I thought I was completely changed when I fell in love with this person who just happened to be a woman. Does this make me bi, lesbian, queer? Maybe I identify as all of the above.
“Fate is mine to pen … I choose.”
Another thing that struck me with this story was the nuanced portrait of a small Mississippi town still feeling the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We see these tragedies unfold across our TV screens, but we don’t really know what happens to the people who lost everything. Where do they go from there? Who do they become? How does this shape Ramona’s thoughts about her life and her future?
All in all this was a perfect novel for me. The pacing, the plot, the story, the writing, the characters, the diversity which included gay characters who weren’t silly caricatures. Ramona Blue had it all. I highly recommend this book. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, your heart will break and then burst open with love and hope. Bravo, Ms. Murphy!
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From the Publisher
Meet the Author
Julie Murphy
Julie Murphy lives in North Texas with her husband who loves her, her dog who adores her, and her cats who tolerate her. After several wonderful years in the library world, Julie now writes full-time. When she’s not writing or reliving her reference desk glory days, she can be found watching made-for-TV movies, hunting for the perfect slice of cheese pizza, and planning her next great travel adventure. She is also the author of Dumplin’ and Side Effects May Vary.
Ramona Blue
- 2 Starred Reviews
- Named one of Bustle '16 Young Adult Novels to Read in 2017, According to YA Authors'
- Named one of Popcrush's '10 Most Anticipated Young Adult Books of May 2017'
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Exquisite, thoughtful - Kirkus Reviews. |
Lovingly crafted - Booklist. |
A must-have - School Library Journal. |
Deeply real - Publishers Weekly. |
About the author
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Reviews with images
"It’s sad that sometimes we let ourselves believe that if it’s not bad, it must be good."
"It’s sad that sometimes we let ourselves believe that if it’s not bad, it must be good.” I carve out a corner of my memory for his words, because it’s a sentiment I don’t want to forget. It’s an idea that feels dangerous, because it makes me want more"•Right when I read the synopsis, I knew there was no way I would not love this book. And having completed it, I can now say that is true!•I am a sucker for a novel that tackles complex sexuality, identity development, family dynamics, class, SES, race... this novel does it all, and in a way that serves each topic of sensitivity justice.•Ramona is such a lovable character. She's real, raw, resilient, and strong. She is parentified, and has to fulfill a caregiving role in her family to keep everything running smoothly-- without a single complaint. She deserves time for her self, time to be selfish, and time to refine and develop who she's truly wants to be. That is what this novel is. It tackles her struggles with who she wants to be, while incorporating the trauma, disaster, and complex adolescent dynamics to truly exemplify the realness of Ramona.•4.5/5
Top reviews from other countries
Jasdeep Sandhu
Weak story line but intense characters make it a lovely read!! I loved it!!
Reviewed in India on November 21, 2017
