Review: some lovely elements here, but can't quite bring myself to love the story...
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 03 14, 2014
Ruby is a somewhat isolated, overprotected teen - but frankly I wouldn't have understood that until about 1/4 of the way into the book had it not been for the book description.  I really liked the friendship that develops between Ruby and Mrs. Wheeler, and wish that the book had been longer just to allow more descriptions of their time together.  I also liked Joshua's character: leading man with Tourette's and a recent death in the family.  Hooray for breaking out of the cheesy character mold!But...**WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!Back to Ruby - she's 17, and understandably wanting to spread her wings.  Hmmm, why not go on a nice trip - with a boy she met a couple days ago, hitchhiking across the country.  Seriously?!  People are saying this is a warm, fun story that they'd pass on to their daughters?  I'm a Mom, and this is definitely not an idea I want to encourage! Ruby's actions were irresponsible and dangerous, not inspiring!  They wander into a bar, end up with an injury that requires hospital care, have a shortage of money (and Ruby calls her tutor and he cheerfully wires them cash?!?)  Too many strange happenings scattered throughout their little trip that simply didn't sense...Lastly, it's very clear that this book was written by someone who learned English as a second language, as many of the terms/phrases are just a bit "off."  A few examples:"The email from my friend Tanya was impatiently waiting to be read." (Kindle location 149)"It was as if the walls had been evaporating some strange, almost tangible sentiment that slowly filled the entire room." (location 343)"I never thought I could feel such repulsiveness for a four-year-old child." (location 1397)