by Julie Murphy
Balzer + Bray
2017
400 pages (page count taken from arc)
ISBN: 9780062418357
Ramona Blue is author Julie Murphy's most memorable character yet. A strong female on the brink of discovery, Ramona is learning about life and love and how both can change and that change is okay.
Ramona Blue longs to escape her seedy beach town of Eulogy, Mississippi--Eulogy--even sounds desolate right? Ramona's world is made up of her pregnant sister Hattie, her inept father, her idiot mother and no where to go or to be except at one of her jobs. Ramona is the only one who seems to "get" that the family is struggling for their existence. Since Hurricane Katrina destroyed their home, they have been living in a FEMA trailer that is little better than sleeping outside.
Ramona is a larger than life figure--standing at over 6' tall, she has to duck and navigate her "home" and showering in the tiny shower is laughable. Ramona, far from a shrinking violet, sports electric blue hair...always. After saying good bye to her summer romance Grace, Ramona realizes that for her, it was more than just a summer fling. She is worried that Grace will go back to her "real" life and forget all about their summer together.
When old friend Freddie arrives back in town, Ramona is happy to spend time with him. It is easy being around Freddie and their friendship seems just right.
Ramona is on the edge of something great--her life is before her, her past behind her. This coming of age story will strike a chord in readers. It is real life. Fiction just says it better! Thank you, Julie Murphy, for making terrible things beautiful.
This book is for anyone who is at the crossroads whatever they may be. Ramona Blue will choose and it will be alright.
Heartfelt and deep, Ramona Blue will pull readers in, and Julie Murphy has another winner on her hands!
Highly recommended grade 9-up. Mature subject matter.
FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the ARC from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.
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