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Saving Ruth
When Ruth returns home to the South for the summer after her freshman year at college, a near tragedy pushes her to uncover family truths and take a good look at the woman she wants to become.
Growing up in Alabama, all Ruth Wasserman wanted was to be a blond Baptist cheerleader. But as a curly-haired Jew with a rampant sweet tooth and a smart mouth, this was an impossible dream. Not helping the situation was her older brother, David—a soccer star whose good looks, smarts, and popularity reigned at school and at home. College provided an escape route and Ruth took it.
Now home for the summer, she's back lifeguarding and coaching alongside David, and although the job is the same, nothing else is. She's a prisoner of her low self-esteem and unhealthy relationship with food, David is closed off and distant in a way he's never been before, and their parents are struggling with the reality of an empty nest. When a near drowning happens on their watch, a storm of repercussions forces Ruth and David to confront long-ignored truths about their town, their family, and themselves.
Growing up in Alabama, all Ruth Wasserman wanted was to be a blond Baptist cheerleader. But as a curly-haired Jew with a rampant sweet tooth and a smart mouth, this was an impossible dream. Not helping the situation was her older brother, David—a soccer star whose good looks, smarts, and popularity reigned at school and at home. College provided an escape route and Ruth took it.
Now home for the summer, she's back lifeguarding and coaching alongside David, and although the job is the same, nothing else is. She's a prisoner of her low self-esteem and unhealthy relationship with food, David is closed off and distant in a way he's never been before, and their parents are struggling with the reality of an empty nest. When a near drowning happens on their watch, a storm of repercussions forces Ruth and David to confront long-ignored truths about their town, their family, and themselves.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 31, 2012
Good, easy writing--and a quick read--but the plot of this book made me feel like I was reading the book equivalent of an after-school special. Maybe it's supposed to be a tween/teen book?
October 16, 2012
Review originally posted on Rather Be Reading Blog
I can remember how weird it was to come home that first summer after being away for 2 semesters. You’re used to so much freedom and all of a sudden you are under the same roof with your parents and the same rules. As for friends, it always took a little while to get back into the swing of things with people you didn’t see that often.
After reading so much YA, it was interesting to read an adult contemporary title about a 19-year old who had some very adult problems. (I actually don’t know why it couldn’t have been classfied as YA.) Ruth is forcing herself to keep a very strict diet and exercise plan. After being an overweight child, she is scared that gaining any ounce will mean she will be right back where she began. When I read about a character with an eating disorder, I’m always curious about what moment would be their breaking point. Despite the comments from her family and friends, Ruth maintains this regiment for a majority of the book. Fishman does a realistic job of painting this girl who was so affected by the people she grew up with and even the small comments made now and then by her parents. No one knew that those small moments could grow to mean so much.
In fact, Ruth is “hired” to help another overweight girl in the neighborhood after her mom sees how “fabulous” Ruth was looking. (Ironic, isn’t it?) I loved the train of thought that came out of these lessons and also the parellels between her and the youngin. That’s the thing about Ruth. She is completely aware of what she is doing. She knows she lacks the knowledge of proper nutrition but even knowing that is not enough for her to put a halt to her behaviors.
A well-done subplot of the novel was also the difficult relationship Ruth had with her brother, David. The once popular/uber successful/soccer star champion is suddenly withdrawn and Ruth has no idea how to get through to him. I was very caught up in their relationship and what might have been David’s problem. (I guessed wrong.) David’s secrets open a can of worms when an emergency occurs at the pool and Ruth is forced to face certain truths about him. Not only that, but prejudices she never encountered start to bubble and force her to see others in her community differently.
Fishman has created a well-written work that manages to weave in various storylines and not pollute the pages with too much of anything. She has a refreshing and simple style that was easy to connect with and I couldn’t put the novel down. (Sidenote: there’s also some romance and I mention that because it’s sweet but also I love how Fishman doesn’t make it bigger than it ought to be.) In fact, I was utterly sad when it was over. In the end this book is about people vying for control of their lives and how that control is so fragile. So it’s also about learning how to let go, go with the flow, and why that isn’t always the easy thing to do.
I can remember how weird it was to come home that first summer after being away for 2 semesters. You’re used to so much freedom and all of a sudden you are under the same roof with your parents and the same rules. As for friends, it always took a little while to get back into the swing of things with people you didn’t see that often.
After reading so much YA, it was interesting to read an adult contemporary title about a 19-year old who had some very adult problems. (I actually don’t know why it couldn’t have been classfied as YA.) Ruth is forcing herself to keep a very strict diet and exercise plan. After being an overweight child, she is scared that gaining any ounce will mean she will be right back where she began. When I read about a character with an eating disorder, I’m always curious about what moment would be their breaking point. Despite the comments from her family and friends, Ruth maintains this regiment for a majority of the book. Fishman does a realistic job of painting this girl who was so affected by the people she grew up with and even the small comments made now and then by her parents. No one knew that those small moments could grow to mean so much.
In fact, Ruth is “hired” to help another overweight girl in the neighborhood after her mom sees how “fabulous” Ruth was looking. (Ironic, isn’t it?) I loved the train of thought that came out of these lessons and also the parellels between her and the youngin. That’s the thing about Ruth. She is completely aware of what she is doing. She knows she lacks the knowledge of proper nutrition but even knowing that is not enough for her to put a halt to her behaviors.
A well-done subplot of the novel was also the difficult relationship Ruth had with her brother, David. The once popular/uber successful/soccer star champion is suddenly withdrawn and Ruth has no idea how to get through to him. I was very caught up in their relationship and what might have been David’s problem. (I guessed wrong.) David’s secrets open a can of worms when an emergency occurs at the pool and Ruth is forced to face certain truths about him. Not only that, but prejudices she never encountered start to bubble and force her to see others in her community differently.
Fishman has created a well-written work that manages to weave in various storylines and not pollute the pages with too much of anything. She has a refreshing and simple style that was easy to connect with and I couldn’t put the novel down. (Sidenote: there’s also some romance and I mention that because it’s sweet but also I love how Fishman doesn’t make it bigger than it ought to be.) In fact, I was utterly sad when it was over. In the end this book is about people vying for control of their lives and how that control is so fragile. So it’s also about learning how to let go, go with the flow, and why that isn’t always the easy thing to do.
March 3, 2024
I love a coming of age tale and this did not disappoint. If you’re a fan of Mary Jane, We Run the Tides, In Zanesville, or Schmutz, you’ll appreciate this tale that also looks closely at the relationship of sisters and brothers and race relations and how we can positively impact them in our own small way.
June 16, 2014
This was a very good young adult read. Goes to show, that in real life even the perfect family you see on the outside is as dysfunctional as the rest of us. This novel, has quite a few mishaps going on, but has some nice self learning in the end. I thought that this book with the subjects it covered, was not sugar coated in the least. And was happy to see that while it was a good ending for the main characters, it wasn't your average happily lives ever after.
June 23, 2012
Ruth Wasserman, home from her first year of college, attempts to reconnect with her brother while undergoing struggles revolving around an eating disorder. I liked the book's premise, really wanted to like it, but I feel the publisher got the genre mixed up--this should definitely have been categorized as young adult fiction, not in the adult women's fiction genre. This is a book teen girls should love, but since it's not marketed to them, they probably won't read it. Unfortunately, there's not much here for many adult women to love, unless they've undergone similar issues as the protagonist.
June 13, 2024
since i know zoe personally, this book was really special to read. i really loved the plot and characters, but most of all loved reading a family friends’ story of being an out of state jewish college student coming home to the south. can’t wait to recommend this to friends!
March 16, 2020
This book takes us on a journey with Ruth, a college student, home for the summer after her first year away. Ruth has an eating disorder and an inability to see herself realistically. The relationship with her brother, with whom she was at one time close, is strained. She gains the confidence she needs to survive progressively through the book while her brother, once the perfect son, battles depression. I thought the writing and the insight into these young adults was thoughtful and right on point. I guess I wanted more at the end of the book because I did enjoy it. I found myself disappointed toward the end that there wasn't more.
July 8, 2012
A quick, entertaining read, with some great insights into families and the drama of trying to get your head straight in college. Ruth and David are lovable and it was fun to read about a sibling relationship for a change. But pretty lightweight when all was said and done--skimmed the surface of the swimming pool so to speak.
June 18, 2016
I enjoyed Ruth. A good summer read. The characters were believable. It was not a perfect read ; I expected a bit more crisis and a bit deeper revelation by the various characters. I did not get the sense that resolution was or would be reached. 4 stars only because I liked the swim team references and pool setting which I can relate.
November 7, 2017
A nice diversion. I'm closer to Ruth's mothers age, but I enjoyed reading about her struggles. No big surprises or reveals here. A look at racism, anorexia, depression and family. No great revelations. But again, I enjoyed the diversion.
June 18, 2012
This was a perfect summer read- only fitting that I read 75% of it while lying at the pool!
June 29, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. Lots of ‘story’, but i think the heart of the story is being honest to others and to yourself, trusting those who love you. Mostly the story feels pretty natural, in part to the author using what she knows - her hometown/family/experiences to base her story upon. We don’t get characterizations of people or place, but she does poke gentle fun here and there…
There are issues for many to turn a mirror to themselves. Food issues, finding your own path vs living up to others’ vision and expectations for you, marriage issues, racism, stereotypes, reactive behaviors. The author takes a look at how parents shape their children’s views of themselves for good or bad…and possible repercussions.
Oh dear! This makes it sound dreary but really, it was not! I enjoyed watching this story unfold, lots of sweet moments.
There are issues for many to turn a mirror to themselves. Food issues, finding your own path vs living up to others’ vision and expectations for you, marriage issues, racism, stereotypes, reactive behaviors. The author takes a look at how parents shape their children’s views of themselves for good or bad…and possible repercussions.
Oh dear! This makes it sound dreary but really, it was not! I enjoyed watching this story unfold, lots of sweet moments.
January 4, 2019
Easy read but dramatic issues. Ruth Wasserman comes home for the summer following her freshman year at college a different person - 35 lbs lighter. Her brother and her parents are acting different too- each deal with their own issues. Then a near drowning at the community pool opens up even more drama.
November 7, 2021
I don't think the summary/blurb does this book justice. Yes, there is a lot about wanting to fit, but what I found more important was the caring description of someone with an eating disorder and how the world around them pressures them - and how these pressures are internalized. And then there is a lot of other stuff in this coming-of-age novel.
And, one tiny reference to Auburn, just saying.
And, one tiny reference to Auburn, just saying.
June 14, 2017
Ruth is someone you may have met. She's kind and compassionate. She's lacks self esteem and finds it in a way that many of us struggle with. Ruth Wasserman is REAL and once again, Zoe Fishman puts a lot of herself into her novels which always makes me like them that much more!
September 4, 2017
I liked the book. It has a happy? ending - or not. The main character seems more together but her life isn't pie in the sky. This is not Jane Eyre, yet I found it worthwhile. I wish I could write books like this instead the sad sack sorrowful characters I dream up.
October 18, 2017
This was an intensely great read. Very well written and the story is not anticipated in my opinion. I thought it dealt with the issues in a very realistic way yet it wasn't a depressing book to read. I thought it was excellent!
July 15, 2018
3.5 - Definitely a YA read. It was okay, but lacking. I think it could have been better, had the author chosen only one turmoil in this poor family’s life - anorexia, racism, depression, empty nest... Too much to resolve. The plot went on forever, and there were no pages left to end it...
June 19, 2019
This book was ok - it held my interest, but it was really not that great. There was quite a bit of foul language that did not add anything to the writing. I had read another book by Zoe Fishman that was better than this one. Can't win 'em all.
April 23, 2020
Meh.
Ruth didn’t feel very realistic. A little too self aware, perhaps, but without the character development that would make the self awareness make sense. So, there were times when the book just felt kind of preachy.
But, entertainment, I suppose.
Ruth didn’t feel very realistic. A little too self aware, perhaps, but without the character development that would make the self awareness make sense. So, there were times when the book just felt kind of preachy.
But, entertainment, I suppose.
March 15, 2024
Coming of age, summer story of two siblings who go home for the summer from college, with their individual baggage, working at the community pool. Lots of surprises and twists. I read it quickly. Very good!
August 22, 2017
I loved this book. Just great!
May 1, 2018
This was on my "to read" list for a long time. Unfortunately, it did not capture my attention in the way that I'd hoped. I gave up about half way through.
February 20, 2020
Solid beach read
April 27, 2020
A quick and easy, engaging read.
July 16, 2020
kinda humorous, kinda real. it was a good read for gently getting back into reading a bit more in summertime.
July 24, 2020
Great, easy, lighthearted read!
February 24, 2022
This is mainly a story of a brother and sister who are each battling their own demons.
May 1, 2024
Ruth has an eating disorder and her brother is depressed. Through the love and support of their family they work through their issues.
June 22, 2012
It's the start of summer in the small Alabama town when siblings, David and Ruth Wasserman, arrive home from college. David, the older of the two, is not quite the same as when he first left town. He's not sociable, talkative or even anxious to play soccer. He's withdrawn, secretive, non-talkative and spends way too much time drinking and smoking weed.
Ruth is completely different; she's come home about 35 pounds lighter and feeling good about her self for the first time in her life. She's enjoying all the positive attention she's been getting and blowing off all the negative comments about her not eating and looking like a prison camp survivor.
She does have a problem, a big one, but will not admit it out loud. Through Ruth's inner dialogue, the reader gets a glimpse of her true feelings about food and her self esteem.
" ..thought about what it would be like to go back to the way I used to be. I couldn't do it. Not now. And it was stupidly easy to fool everyone, including myself, into thinking that this was just dieting. Deep down, I knew damn well that it wasn't. That it was a problem. But I was too scared of the alternative to do anything about it."
Even the parents have their own issues. Dad is angry and frustrated most of the time. Mom is a wishy-washy mess. They are feeling the empty nest and middle age creeping up on them resulting in some marital issues. They argue about the kid's seeming lack of responsibility. David and Ruth have typical teen attitudes; they just want to get away from home and their parents. They want idependence and not to be hovered over; all part of growing up, separating from parents and finding their own identity.
The siblings are once again lifeguarding at the local pool. One day, their composure is shaken as a little girl nearly drowns. Even though David was in the lifeguarding station, he didn't see what was happening but Ruth did. She jumped in and saved the girl. It took this near tragedy and the ensuing repercussions to get David and Ruth to face their problems.
In the author's note at the end, Fishman admits to an eating disorder while in college. This must be what gave her the insight at how a person with anorexia views food and themselves. Although I am sure I am not the target audience for this book, I thought it was reasonably well done but the end ties up a little too neatly for me. 3***
Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by William Morrow/LT in exchange for my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews