When Rebecca Brown is unexpectedly sent to live in New Orleans while her father travels in China, she is very unhappy about leaving her New York life behind. She has a hard time fitting into her new private school because she is looked down on and treated like an outsider by all the daughters of the wealthy old New Orleans families. The home that Rebecca is staying in with her aunt is opposite a cemetery and it is not long before she befriends a ghost named Lisette who is awaiting restitution for her murder years ago. As pieces of Rebecca's past and her connection to New Orleans are gradually unfolded she find herself in the middle of a life-and-death style mystery. She doesn't know who to trust and she doesn't know if her efforts to solve the mystery are actually contributing to her own dire future.

This young adult novel moved along at a steady pace and had an interesting plot. The setting and atmosphere of the book were very intriguing and vivid. While it is set in current day New Orleans, Paula Morris has included historical details that really added depth and believability to the ghost tale. Ruined is a book that is sensitive to the current day concerns of rebuilding post-Katrina New Orleans, while also tying in to the historical concerns that faced the city. Paula Morris touches on racial and socioeconomic themes in her novel and the characters demonstrate how these themes have influenced both the past and present. ( )

Rebecca is not happy when her father's job takes him to China and she has to move from New York to New Orleans to stay with an aunt she barely knows. Aunt Claudia is into spiritualism and voodoo, she doesn't fit in at school, and her aunt forbids her from exploring the cemetery or hanging out with cute Anton. Ignoring this, Rebecca goes to the cemetery at night, where she disovers she can see and communicate with a ghost. She soon learns of a curse that's been placed on one of the most well-established families in New Orleans; none of the daughters reach the age of seventeen, and popular Helena is nearing this age. As Rebecca learns more about the curse she devlops more questions and searches for the answers. ( )

My thoughts...This book can best be described as flavorful. The reader gets tastes of New Orleans history, Mardi Gras excitement, Haitian magic and an old-fashioned ghost story. The main character Rebecca is thrown into post-Katrina New Orleans in a house with a view of the famous Lafayette Cemetery. Curiosity gets the better of her and she finds herself face to face with a real ghost. Her aunt believe in old magic and voo-doo. She gives Rececca several warnings to stay out of the cemetery and out of the way of some of the local kids, but of course, they fall on deaf ears. Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an 150 year old curse.

Ruined was very well written. The characters were interesting and like-able. The plot was fast-moving and very interesting. The history of Mardi Gras created a great background for the story. I actually found it fascinating. There must have been tons of research done to complete this novel. There were several themes included in the story including racism. Many of scenes described old New Orleans, an area which is rich in history-good and bad. The ending was a bit predictable, but there was quite a bit of foreshadowing in the form of visions that gave clues. It was very well written and kept me turning pages until the end.

As for cons, I really can't think of any. It wasn't very scary, but I didn't open this book expecting to be frightened. I would recommend this book to kids 12 and up as well as adults. It was very enjoyable. ( )

I was not disappointed with this book, but I would not recommend it because it does not fit my friends' interests. I raelly liked teh cover, and it was a week before Halloween so I wanted a ghost story. AHS/TP

Rebecca couldn't feel more out of place in New Orleans, where she comes to spend the year while her dad is traveling. She's staying in a creepy old house with her Aunt Claudia, who reads Tarot cards for a living. And at the snooty prep school, a pack of filthy-rich girls treat Rebecca like she's invisible. Only gorgeous, unavailable Anton Grey seems to give Rebecca the time of day, but she wonders if he's got a hidden agenda. Then one night, in Lafayette Cemetery, Rebecca makes a friend. Sweet, mysterious Lisette is eager to talk to Rebecca, and to show her the nooks and crannies of New Orleans. There's just one catch. Lisette is a ghost. A ghost with a deep, dark secret, and a serious score to settle. As Rebecca learns more from her ghost friend - and as she begins to trust Anton Grey - she also uncovers startling truths about her own history. Will Rebecca be able to right the wrongs of the past, or has everything been ruined beyond repair?
(Dust jacket)

I have to say, I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. The story itself was unique - a ghost story with a few twists. Not sure if those twists were good or not though :) Although the book isn't terribly long there was some fluff I think I could have done without. At one point Rebecca visits NY after being away for while - nothing happens - no insights - nadda - it just filled up some space in the middle of the book. Also, some parts, some characters, where a little flat to me.

Overall though, this book was a pretty good read. I found myself wanting to know how the story ended and what happens to all the characters in the end. The insights into the New Orleans elite class (both past and present) was nice. Lisette the ghost was a different sort of character. Pretty sure it's a stand alone novel which is a nice after reading so many series.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars

Young Adult Urban Fantasy
Point (thisispoint.com)
Published August 2009
309 pages ( )