Ruby Takes Chicago is the sequel to Diann Floyd Boehm’s – “Rise! A Girl’s Struggle for More!” Ruby Dismore’s story continues as she goes from small-town life in Oilton, OK to the big city life in Chicago, IL. Ruby is intent on continuing the pursuit of her dream to become a successful businesswoman. This will be no easy feat, especially during the era of the 1920s. Society may be shifting and changing, but it is still not ready to fully embrace the idea of women in the workplace. Ruby won’t let that dissuade her from forging ahead and making her own path.
When you first see this book’s cover you are greeted by warm yellow hues, a picture of the main character, Ruby herself, and a street view of old Chicago. It’s like a snapshot in time that helps to set the stage for the world and life that Ruby Dismore is about to dive into. From a quiet, quaint small town to the hustle and bustle of a big city during an era of change.
Ruby Takes Chicago is a combination of historical fiction and biographical stories. Author Diann Floyd Boehm writes an engaging and fast-paced story that gives readers a glimpse of Ruby’s life as she forged her way through the 1920s. It’s the time of Prohibition, women’s rights, and the next generation looking to establish their place in the workforce alongside the men.
The book starts with Ruby’s initial arrival in Chicago. You get a keen sense of her excitement to be there. Ruby carries the mentality that things will be easier for her here than back home. It doesn’t take long for the stars to be wiped from her eyes, but one thing that readers will appreciate is her fortitude. Day one is a touch of a rough one for Ruby, but despite the disappointments, she doesn’t let it negatively impact her attitude.
Each chapter showcases a specific era of time in Ruby’s life. This makes the story easy to follow and keeps readers engaged. We get to watch Ruby’s life unfold a little at a time as she adjusts to living in the big city. It’s nice to know that she has a good support system and people watching out for her. While finding a job doesn’t happen overnight, it also doesn’t take long for her to land one either.
A spike of concern will strike you as Ruby’s trial day on the job unfolds. The tendrils of fear unfold that she might fail and have to start from scratch. Thankfully, things end up working out for her, and she quickly settles in and finds her place.
Ruby is an interesting character in this book. She knows the pitfalls out there for young women and is determined to dodge as many of them as she possibly can. It’s nice to read how easily and quickly she makes friends at her new job as well. Granted there are some who think that she did some less than “lady-like” acts to get her job, but thankfully those speculations are saved for a later time in the story.
For readers hoping for some of the focus of the story to be on Prohibition and the impact it had on the 1920s, that won’t be given too much attention in this story. Honestly, neither will the protests or women’s rights marches. Ruby’s focus primarily remains on her job(s) and excelling at them, especially during the tumultuous times of recession and lay-offs. There are quite a few ups and downs in Ruby’s life. She takes the majority of them in stride.
Ruby is the main character of this story, but Mrs. Clark is a small gem that manages to shine brightly until her departure. Mrs. Clark becomes like a second mother to Ruby and delights in sharing the positive moments in Ruby’s life. Mrs. Clark is from the “old school” way of doing things, but she never looks down on Ruby or makes her feel less than for her choices. Instead, she takes the road of allowing Ruby to be herself and even teaching Ruby things that she (Ruby) was less than enthused about while she was at home.
As you already know, not everything was sunshine and rainbows for Ruby. Well, that was just with the initial job market exploration at the beginning of the book. Tragedy strikes multiple times throughout this book. Each moment brings life into perspective and a couple forces her to make shifts in her life that she may or may not have been prepared for. One, in particular, will make your jaw drop and your heartbreak. Not just for Ruby mind you, but for another character as well.
One thing that you’re going to appreciate about this book is how the author doesn’t try to paint Ruby as this perfect character. She has her flaws and those flaws get showcased. While Ruby’s friends are accepting of her, they still keep secrets concerning their own lives. These secrets do get revealed, but there is little to no judgment on Ruby’s part which is nice. Readers will get a few glimpses of Ruby’s relationships with her family as well. There will be some disappointing moments with Ruby, especially concerning one particular relationship, but it all works out in the end.
The only noticeable drawback concerning this book that we felt was worth mentioning is the amount of detail. The author will indulge readers here and there with more detail that really fleshes out a scene, but the detail is really lacking. It’s applied sparsely, and we wanted more to really bring this story to life. Detail breathes life into a story, and this one needed more to truly make it shine.
Ruby Takes Chicago has concise chapters that keep the story on point and streamlined. You get the character’s story without the embellishment or distractions of too many other characters coming in and drawing your attention away from Ruby herself. You get her ups and downs, her heartbreaks, and her triumphs.
For readers who enjoy historical fiction novels that mix together with a biographical twist, specially of a woman making her way in a man’s world, this book is a great choice. You’ll get to see Ruby carve her place in a world that is slowly shifting to eventually accept women into the workforce and them having a place outside the home. Haven’t read the previous book? No need to worry! This book can be read as a standalone. Trust us, because at the time of this review, we didn’t read the first one either, lol, yet this book was still enjoyable to devour. So we know you’ll enjoy it, too. Go grab a copy today.
Pros:
- Engaging storyline.
- Can be read as a standalone.
- Easy to follow timeline.
- Flaws of the character aren’t hidden away but are embraced.
Cons:
- Needed more detail.
- Wanted more attention on the 1920s era itself.
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