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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “Ruined is a great book. I can’t remember the last I actually loved, no wait....LOVED this book!! Why did I enjoy it so much? First all it takes place in New Orleans. I’ve “heard” of New Orleans for as long as I can remember. To me it’s a place of mystery, history, and dark secrets. New Orleans is...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“It took me 4 days to read this book. Since I usually read a book a day, that's not a good thing. It just didn't hold my interest for a long time. About two thirds into the book it got very interesting and I did enjoy it, but if I hadn't been reading it on the recommendation of one of my kids I would have put it down a long time ago. I guess I just don't find New Orleans Society very interesting. But the graveyard scenes were fascinating.”
Dolores S wrote this review 8 days ago. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“ It's not deep, but it is entertaining. While there is nothing wrong with the book, it isn't great or especially well written. I do love the New Orleans setting, and I learned some interesting things about Mardi Gras. ”
Laurie C wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“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. And at the snooty prep school, the 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 the city. 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 slowly learns 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?”
Nisareen - So Much To Read So Little Time wrote this review Sunday, November 22 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Eh it was alright. I liked the plot of the story but wished there was more romance involved. ”
Melissa Z wrote this review Friday, November 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Nice writing, good story, but especially good descriptions of New Orleans. ”
Ms. R wrote this review Thursday, November 19 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“3.5 Stars”
Mippy wrote this review Monday, November 16 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Laura- good, mostly a murder, but also romance.”
University School of Milwaukee 7 wrote this review Friday, November 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is the New Orleans (past and present) that you think about. Vodoo to Katrina, Marde Gras parades, Gone With the Wind type mansions in the Garden District, to those iconic and very creepy above-ground-tomb cemetaries around the city. And history, everything in New Orleans has history, and most likely- history wrapped around curses.
Richfield Library wrote this review Monday, November 9 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Ruined is about a curse- a 155 year old curse that involves new comer from NYC -Rebecca, Helena who is practically Marde Gras Teen Queen, and Lisette- murdered in the Bowman mansion long before the Civil War.
They all have something in common. And you so do not want to be turning 17 and have seen Lisette- very bad things happen if you see Lisette.
A very good read to get the feel of New Orleans, vodoo, creepy and a sickening thud of an ending.”
“My say: The only reason I do not love this novel is that it seems to be aimed at tweens. Other than that this is a great book. The author writes about New Orleans, the traditions behind Mardi Gras, race, social class, and Southern ways. Her heroine is fearless, brave, and admirable.
Juju wrote this review Tuesday, November 3 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
For my full review please visit: http://www.talesofwhimsy.com/2009/11/ruined-book-review-contest.html”
“In the middle of her sophomore year of high school Rebecca’s father suddenly has to leave on an extended business trip and sends her to live with an aunt in New Orleans. As soon as she steps foot in Temple Mead Academy she knows she has entered a whole new world. Rebecca quickly learns this town is strictly divided among blood lines making it difficult for her to fit in. One night while lost in the local cemetery, Rebecca meets a ghost, Lisette, who she comes to regard as her one true friend in town. Little does she realize the sinister history that ties the two of them together.
Debbie S wrote this review Monday, November 2 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This was a riveting read that I could not put down. At times it was predictable but this book nicely ties together a ghost story with some commentary about life in New Orleans after hurricane Katrina and the divisions that still remain among the different ethnicities that comprise the city.
Lisette’s story is a sad one and yet not all that surprising for the time she lived in. She supposedly died of the yellow fever back in 1853. She eventually tells Rebecca that she was actually murdered and the act was covered up. Lisette explains to Rebecca that normally she knows why only certain people can see her but she is not sure about Rebecca. This mystery is the first clue that maybe there is something more that may tie Rebecca to New Orleans than she thought. As mentioned above some things were easy to predict but one thing that certainly kept me guessing was what part Lisette would play in the very end. Was she truly Rebecca’s friend or was this part of an elaborate ploy to gain revenge for her murder?
There were a couple of points I did find disconcerting. Later in the book Rebecca is asked to participate in a parade that is normally only available to the elite families in town. After spending most of the book being disgusted with all the fuss over these elite families I was surprised at how excited and determined she was to participate in the parade. After how cruel these people have been to Rebecca I know I would have been suspicious of the offer. Yes she blindly goes along and is excited over being in this parade despite the prejudice she has faced from the very people who invite her to join in. Other than that this was a thoroughly enjoyable read.”
