Book Review: Ruby

I strongly believe that life is too short to spend reading books that are not enjoyable. 
Recently, however, I've read a string of books that I've grudgingly and somewhat unwillingly forced myself to finish. 

First up was Moby Dick, a book that took me weeks to finish. It was all about whales, boats, and crazy people. 

Then I read 12 Years a Slave, which is a harrowing account of a Freeman's kidnapping and sale into slavery. While Moby Dick was just plain boring, 12 years was emotionally exhausting. The constant cruelty and abuse suffered by the slaves was upsetting and overwhelming. Of course, it is important to remember this part of our nation's history and this book serves as a great representation of that time but it was still difficult to read.

Then, as part of Blogging for Books, I started reading Ruby by Cynthia Bond. I have a bad habit of blindly choosing books without really learning what they're about. I'm about halfway through this book and I can't bring myself to finish it. It's well written, has some beautiful language and imagery but it's just too much. Too much imagery. Too much sexual violence. Too much hate and pain. My heart just can't take anymore. I'm not attached to the characters enough to want to discover what happens to them. With 12 years, I felt invested in the lives of the slaves but the characters in Ruby left me with no feelings at all.

Clearly, this book was not for me but I don't regret giving it a chance. I'm sure it will find its way into someone's heart.

Disclaimer: while I received a free copy of this book in return for a review, all opinions and views expressed are my own.