Why read What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez?

Book cover of What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez

Book description

A powerful debut novel that's "hilarious, heartbreaking, and ass-kicking" (Jamie Ford), of a Puerto Rican family in Staten Island who discovers their long‑missing sister is potentially alive and cast on a reality TV show, and they set out to bring her home.

A Most Anticipated Book of 2023 by Elle…

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Why read it?

1 author picked What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Jessica Stilling

Author

This book hurt me. It really, really hurt me. First, it gave me hope. Then, it gave me a sinking feeling deep in my chest, followed by a sense of hopelessness and despair that really struck a nerve. And because it was all fiction and I was completely safe, it was an awesome and beautiful experience.

This novel explores a Puerto Rican American family living in Staten Island, New York, set in two timelines: the 1990s and today (in a nebulous time, pre-COVID). This book explores the Ramirez family as they grapple with the disappearance of the middle child, Ruthy,…

From Jessica's 3 favorite reads in 2023.