When Ruby's mother dies, she has to move to Hollywood to live with the famous actor father she doesn't remember ever meeting. This novel is written in the form of Ruby's diary and emails to her friends, which has a distinct disadvantage in Ruby's self-pitying, woe-is-me drama teen queen voice. Her narrative is constructed on the page like a prose poem, which is also difficult to read.

This could be construed as authenticity; most teen girls probably do express themselves exactly like Ruby does. However, most teen girls are not published authors for that very reason. The most glaring drawbacks to this novel, however, lie in its wish-fulfillment construction (what teen girl wouldn't want to move to Hollywood to live in a mansion with a loving father and every material object she can desire?), and in the predictability of the plot.

The ALA awarded this a Top Ten Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. It may be just the ticket for a certain demographic of 14-year-olds, but parents might be uncomfortable with 15-year-old Ruby deciding she's ready to be "de-virginized". ( )

Reviewed by Mark Frye, author and reviewer for TeensReadToo.com

With perhaps one of the catchiest titles in young adult fiction history, Sonya Sones has created a novel-in-verse that readers will breeze through and find thoroughly satisfying. With an economy of words, Sones creates an enthralling story of loss and recovery that is a wonderful edition to the genre of teen "chick-lit."

The narrator, Ruby, is sent to live with the father she's never met in person when her mother loses her battle with cancer. The fact that he's a famous movie star doesn't help matters; the world may love him, but Ruby is determined to make him pay for ignoring her all those years. As she juggles grief over her loss, resentment towards her father, and adjusting to life in Hollywood, Ruby is an increasingly sympathetic character.

But the father himself grows in the story, as well, as he tries to earn his daughter's love and respect. Teen readers will identify with Ruby's embarrassment at his dorky efforts to protect her and appear "cool," but may also wish that she would be more sympathetic to someone trying so hard to win her heart. To her credit, the author doesn't clumsily rush the revelations about Whip's relationship with Ruby's mother and others, but gradually unfolds the mystery of why he "abandoned" his daughter.

There are more than a few surprises for the reader along the way to a happy, satisfying conclusion. Sones ties up many loose ends in a believable manner and introduces many likeable secondary characters, ones essential to the story and ones who are periphery - such as "cameos" by Cameron Diaz, for instance. All of the characters have depth - strengths and weaknesses fully displayed - including Ruby herself, who learns that the mother she has marbleized had flaws of her own.

This novel will be especially appealing to teens who have lost a parent or even ones who are embarrassed by the ones they have. Highly recommended. ( )

This was a quick, interesting read. Breezed through it in a few hours. Ruby is 15 when her mother dies of cancer, sending her from her Boston home to her movie-star-dad in LA. The book is a series of short poem-like, diary-like "chapters". Its all about her adjustments, new school, missing friend and boyfriend, new dad, etc. The writing and storyline were interesting. The only negative comments I have are due to preference: There was a a fair amount of swearing, crazy sexuality discussions and homosexuality. Big disappointment! Other than that, I enjoyed the book. ( )

I enjoyed this book. I think that Ruby is a character that people can connect to and understand her feelings throughout the story. I wanted to keep reading to see if her feelings towards her father would change. I feel that the format of the book makes it an easy and quick read. I think the plot could have been a little more exciting and less predictable. ( )

Ruby is a very strong-willed and likable character that young adults will be able to relate to. It appropriately approaches the issues of grief, relocation, starting at a new school and gay parents.

The strengths of the book include its format which would appeal to reluctant readers, the strong characterization and the strong first person voice. The plot lacks action. ( )