A review by sierra_color
Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech
5.0
I spent the whole morning reading this book. I was a little nervous about reading it, because I was afraid it would be too similar to [b:Chasing Redbird|53495|Chasing Redbird|Sharon Creech|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1200866651l/53495._SY75_.jpg|1945168]. I really didn't like how that book went, but man, was I surprised to find that this book is a hundred times better. I only have one criticism, and that's that there wasn't train travel! I was hoping for some good old train hopping, but eh.. that really didn't happen. I kinda predicted that though.
Other than that, this book is wonderful! The writing is so fun and engaging, and you get a really good feel for the characters personalities, which compliment each other well, even though Dallas and Florida are complete opposites. I also like how Sairy and Tiller's personalities are very similar to the main characters, but also very, very different, because of the way that the two twins have been raised. I also love how the topic of abuse was treated, these characters weren't belittled, or told that "they were exaggerating" when it came to the way they were treated. Instead, they were believed, heard, and loved. The adults, when told about what the characters went through, emphasized and were also angry, not at the children, but at the fellow adults.
Speaking of children, both Florida's and Dallas' development were done excellently here, while the former's trust had to be earned more, Dallas' was a bit more trusting of the older couple, which I liked, because it was realistic. That's how kids act. I also loved their dynamic, of Florida being the tough, protective one, and Dallas' being the more trusting, day dreamer type. Again, I thought they fit together really well. I love their personalities, I literally couldn't put this book down because I was wondering what would happen to them!
All of these characters are so entertaining and unique, and I love how we have a mystery combined with a good ol adventure story, it makes it a fun read! I have to admit that this book surprised me quite a bit, not only is it a realistic portrayal of children, but it's also well written. You can tell each character's personality right off the bat, and the perspective changes make the story much more interesting, and make you want to read it more. The ending could use a bit more closure, but at the same time, I love how it ended, and I couldn't really imagine ending it any other way, I honestly can't wait to read this one again!
Other than that, this book is wonderful! The writing is so fun and engaging, and you get a really good feel for the characters personalities, which compliment each other well, even though Dallas and Florida are complete opposites. I also like how Sairy and Tiller's personalities are very similar to the main characters, but also very, very different, because of the way that the two twins have been raised. I also love how the topic of abuse was treated, these characters weren't belittled, or told that "they were exaggerating" when it came to the way they were treated. Instead, they were believed, heard, and loved. The adults, when told about what the characters went through, emphasized and were also angry, not at the children, but at the fellow adults.
Speaking of children, both Florida's and Dallas' development were done excellently here, while the former's trust had to be earned more, Dallas' was a bit more trusting of the older couple, which I liked, because it was realistic. That's how kids act. I also loved their dynamic, of Florida being the tough, protective one, and Dallas' being the more trusting, day dreamer type. Again, I thought they fit together really well. I love their personalities, I literally couldn't put this book down because I was wondering what would happen to them!
All of these characters are so entertaining and unique, and I love how we have a mystery combined with a good ol adventure story, it makes it a fun read! I have to admit that this book surprised me quite a bit, not only is it a realistic portrayal of children, but it's also well written. You can tell each character's personality right off the bat, and the perspective changes make the story much more interesting, and make you want to read it more. The ending could use a bit more closure, but at the same time, I love how it ended, and I couldn't really imagine ending it any other way, I honestly can't wait to read this one again!