Saving Ruth – Zoe Fishman
Genre: Adult Fiction
Publisher: William Morrow & Company
279 pages
ISBN: 9780062059840
Source: Publisher via TLC Book Tours
Meet Ruth.
Funny-out-of-necessity, girl of Jewish heritage, sister of the “brilliant and talented” sibling, struggling with body image and perfection issues.
Me?
Nah, not something I know very much about.
While I didn’t grow up in the south, I ended up here after all was said and done so there is a minor reflection, there, as well.
Ruth Wasserman, however, dealt, lifelong, with the lovely luck of navigating the blond, WASPy social circles of Alabama whiteness with barely a synagogue in sight.
She managed to pull out of adolescence without much trauma and escaped to more diverse Michigan for college. When she returns for the summer, however, it turns out that the once chubby teen has put worry into the minds of her friends and neighbors. She debuts a body that has seen its share of beer, bud, stress and starvation.
Now, back on her old stomping grounds for three months, Ruth is determined to convince everyone that she is fine. As always with these acts of magic, however, it is herself that she needs to convince the most of all.
A hard look at the way we attach and detach from our families and communities of origin, Saving Ruth is more than a simple anorexia afterschool special. Thick with racial, sexual and other social tension, the book is perfect for those looking for a bit of a heavier summer read.
Sure, my religion of youth, my weirdness about food, my relationship to the south and other anxieties of adolescence were showcased, front a center for this one but I do think that even if those things are unfamiliar to you, this is a book that will hit home on some emotional level.
About Zoe Fishman
Zoe Fishman is the author of Balancing Acts. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and son.
Listen to Zoe talk about Saving Ruth with Book Club Girl on the Book Club Girl on Air show on Tuesday, June 12th at 7 pm ET.
Zoe’s Tour Stops
Tuesday, May 22nd: The Book Bag
Wednesday, May 23rd: West Metro Mommy
Thursday, May 24th: Travel Spot
Wednesday, May 30th: Tiffany’s Bookshelf
Monday, June 11th: Bloggin’ ‘Bout Books
Tuesday, June 12th: Confessions of an Avid Reader
Thursday, June 14th: It’s a Crazy, Beautiful Life
Monday, June 18th: A Bookish Way of Life
Tuesday, June 19th: Iwriteinbooks’ blog
Wednesday, June 20th: StephTheBookworm
Thursday, June 21st: Lisa’s Yarns
Friday, June 22nd: I Read. Do You?
Iwriteinbooks's Blog 
Looks like a book many people could relate to. Thanks for posting
This sounds like a book I’d love – especially because of the Alabama setting.
Wow, sounds like this book touched on a lot of issues that were close to your experiences. I like my summer reading of a meatier sort so I’ll definitely consider picking this one up!
Thanks for being on the tour. I’m featuring your review on TLC’s Facebook page today.