One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies, by Sonya Sones, is a teen novel that tells the story of Ruby when her mother dies. After her mother’s death, Ruby is sent to LA to live with her movie-star father who left her and her mother years back. As Ruby copes with being taken away from her best friend Lizzie and “gorgeous” boyfriend Ray, she sends emails to her mother’s email address. Ruby finds solace in sending these emails as she weathers friendship and relationship troubles. Through all of this, she grows closer to her father and learns the truth as to why he left her and her mother all those years ago. As Ruby makes new friends in LA, she learns to love her new life and to cherish every moment. The verse-style writing gives this novel an intimate feel as the reader relates to 13 year-old Ruby’s story. This novel is recommended for anyone wanting a relatable read about love and loves.
