time to read

Ruby June arrived in Way Down Deep under mysterious circumstances. She would love to know how she came to this lovely town. Where are her parents? Why did they simply drop her off in the middle of town? Will they ever return? When the local bank is held up by a man with a plastic gun, Ruby will begin to find answers to her questions. The answers are tough to accept and will change how Ruby June lives the rest of her life.

Ruth White, renowned author of books such as BELLE PRATER'S BOY and MEMORIES OF SUMMER, has one again written an incredibly beautiful story about what it takes to make a home and create a family. The town of Way Down Deep, inhabited by some of the most eccentric characters ever to populate a town, resonates with readers. Surely, every town and perhaps every neighborhood would be better served if they were a tad more like this fictional village? And I know all of our lives will be enriched by knowing its inhabitants especially Ruby June herself.

Thanks to Jeanne McDermott from FSG for giving me a sneak peek at this lovely novel. There are so many fantastic turns of phrase (instead of hard of hearing someone is hard of listening) and fully fleshed characters (Mr. A. H. Crawford who lets slip to Ruby and Peter what those initials stand for) that I am afraid my copy is already a bit dog-eared.

A side note: one of the characters in WAY DOWN DEEP has a bad habit of cursing. The town doctor tells him the 4 step cure to this disease in one memorable scene.