Ramona Blue

Firstly I ordered this second hand with the quality rating ‘very good’ yet when it came it was battered, had a big coffee stain running through middle of the book with warped pages and the book was poorly looked after. There were creases on the cover and heavily damaged corners. I don’t know who rated this ‘very good’, but they must have really low standards.Now I’ve finished the book I’m glad I didn’t buy it full price because it was poorly written. The author constantly informed me of everyone’s ethnicity and the character descriptions blatantly told you everyone’s race. It was as if the author was purposefully trying to come across as diverse, but it became tiresome that she did it for every character. A good writer describes a character well enough for you to know their colour without telling you they’re race every time they are introduced.The book really lacked the confusion Ramona’s character must have been going through as a young lady once defining herself as gay to then realising she also likes boys. It felt like the transition happened too easily to come across realistic, especially as she is a teenager when every feeling feels even more intense.Ramona’s sister Hattie was really whiny and the whole time I was reading I wished she would just disappear. I couldn’t help thinking that if she wasn’t in the book, it wouldn’t have drag on for so long with Ramona constantly going on about having to take care of her. It just got annoying.I did really like the cover and that is what initially drew me to the book, that is it’s one redeeming feature.

Julie Murphy's second book, Dumplin', was one of my absolute favourite young adult novels of 2016, and I had high hopes for her third novel, Ramona Blue. Murphy's writing has proven to be thoughtful, with well crafted characters and good politics threaded through. I was very pleased to once again be bowled over by her work.Now, do not be alarmed but this is not a slight novel for the average young adult contemporary, coming in at 400 pages altogether. But there's a reason for that, and allow me to reassure you that the size is not indicative of filler.This is a story that needs to be told slowly. This is a story of the grinding reality of inescapable poverty, the importance of both chosen and biological family, and the fluidity of human sexuality.Ramona lives in Eulogy, Mississippi, a town known for its summer holiday makers, who have shaped Ramona's life as much as its permanent residents. The novel opens with her saying goodbye to her first girlfriend, Grace, as she and her family pack up ready to return to their home as the new school year approaches. Shortly after Grace leaves, Ramona's childhood best friend and former summer visitor Freddie and his grandmother Agnes return to Eulogy to live permanently. Freddie and Ramona re-bond over a love of swimming and the shared pain of long distance relationships. But when that bond starts to head towards romantic feelings, Ramona begins to question everything about her identity.Meanwhile, Ramona's sister Hattie is pregnant with her boyfriend Tyler's baby, and Tyler seems to have moved himself into the tiny trailer she shares with her sister and father. As a tall girl, things were feeling cramped to begin with...Ramona Blue spans 10 months of her life as she struggles to balance her school life, her possible futures and her many part time jobs. Of all the young adult novels I've read, this one expertly relays the realities of being inescapably poor as a teenager, and having to take responsibilities far above your station as a child.Murphy explores the complexities of LGBTQ+ identity and fluidity between labels with great care, creating a thoughtful, honest and open-hearted novel.Ramona Blue is currently only available in hardback until late Spring 2018, but I really think it's worth the money. Also the cover underneath the dust sheet is such a pleasing shade of cream.What to read next:The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily DanforthGirl Mans Up by M. E. GirardGeorgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit by Jaye Robin BrownThank you kindly to the team at Harper Collins, Balzer & Bray and the lovely Ammara at Harper Insider for sharing this copy with me.

content warnings: biphobia/homophobia (challenged on page), poverty, hurricanes, emotional abuseRamona is just trying to keep her head above water. Her family lives in a trailer (caravan) after hurricane Katrina ruined their lives. Ramona works crazy jobs for terrible pay just so she can afford to live and and maybe save a little. But then her childhood friend Freddie returns, and her sister gets pregnant and suddenly everything is up in the air and Ramona doesn't know what's going on. She thought she was a lesbian but she can feel romantic feelings growing for Freddie, and she feels like she isn't as sure of herself as she once was.What a fantastic portrayal of poverty. I feel like that's one thing that's missed out on in YA. But this did not beat around the bush. Ramona lives in a trailer in Louisiana and has done since Hurricane Katrina with her dad and her older sister. And as someone that has affected so many people in America I'm actually so surprised I haven't read something from this perspective before. And to be honest I'm surprised I've never read a book from a teen in poverty like this. It was no holds barred and so harsh but that's what poverty is.There was also some discussion about racism in the book, as Freddie is black and Ramona is white and she isn't as aware of the racial problems in America and they have fights and discussions about that and I thought that was important and you could see Ramona learning from it.Ramona was a very interesting character. She's very real, in that I went through stages of really liking her and then not really caring for her. And I loved that. It didn't feel like Murphy was pandering by making her overly likeable in such a terrible situation.The characters around Ramona were a mess. Her mother was just ugh, her dad tried really hard, her sister was supportive of Ramona but easily walked over, her friends were at time super supportive and others not the best, and Freddie was definitely an idiot a lot of the time. But the person I loved the most was Freddie's grandma. She was an absolute sweetheart and I wish I knew someone like her.I grew up really loving swimming and still love it so that element of this was so nice. Like he scenes where Ramona was in the pool and getting back into the swing of the strokes was so relatable and lovely.I've read all but one of Murphy's books that are out so far and at this point she is 100% an autobuy author. Everything I have read has been so good. She has this wonderful way of making some heavy topics light hearted but not in an offensive way, and hitting you in the feelings when you least expect it, whilst also being so easy to read.This book was hit with negative press before it was released because people read the blurb in an entirely wrong context and thought it was about a lesbian being turned. Which is just a mess, and more than a bit biphobic to be honest. Don't let the negative press sway you. This book is GOOD.

Von Julie Murphy habe ich bereits ein Buch gelesen, das mir leider so gar nicht gefallen wollte. Doch da mein bester Freund mir „Ramona Blue“ ans Herz gelegt hat, konnte ich nicht widerstehen und habe dem neusten Werk der Autorin eine Chance gegeben – und es in keinster Weise bereut.Ramona Blue ist zwar kein perfektes Buch, folgt auch keinem spektakulärem Plot, der einen mit seinen Twists schockt, ABER dieses Buch beinhaltet Dinge, die viel wichtiger sind. Es geht darum herauszufinden, wer man ist und sein möchte. Es geht um Sexualität in sämtlichen Formen. Um Akzeptanz dem Unbekannten gegenüber. Armut. Vorurteile – gegen Menschen unterschiedlicher Herkunft, Menschen unterschiedlicher Sexualität. Es wird in Fettnäpfchen getreten, es wird hinterfragt, gestritten, vergeben und es geht viel um Familie, Zusammenhalt und Liebe. Besonders um Liebe. Liebe für seine Familie, Liebe für sich selbst und Liebe anderen Menschen gegenüber – egal, wer sie sind, woher sie kommen oder wen sie zuvor in ihr Herz gelassen haben.Die Autorin hat es geschafft unheimlich viele, wichtige Themen in diese alltägliche Geschichte zu packen. Und sie hat dabei einen tollen Job gemacht. Alles an diesem Roman wirkt echt, authentisch und trifft mitten ins Herz. Die realistische Note der Story hat mich oftmals innehalten lassen und zum Nachdenken gebracht. Allein deshalb lohnt es sich dieses Buch zu lesen.Ramona war eine sympathische Protagonistin, die viele Fehler hat, welche man ihr im Verlauf der Handlung aber immer irgendwie verzeiht. Man wächst mit ihr zusammen, fängt an zu begreifen wie sie tickt und kann nicht verhindern, sie zu mögen. Die Nebenfiguren blieben neben ihr etwas blass, aber das hat mich im Großen und Ganzen nicht allzu sehr gestört. Die Liebesgeschichte fand ich auch sehr gelungen, schön erzählt und überhaupt nicht kitschig. Und obwohl hier keine wirklich ungewöhnlichen Dinge passieren, bin ich nur so durch die Seiten geflogen und wollten wissen, wie alles am Ende ausgeht.Ramona Blue ist ein toller Coming-Of-Age Roman über genau die Themen, die einem beim Erwachsenwerden begleiten. Mit toller Botschaft, interessanten Fragen und einem Schuss Realismus konnte mich das Buch von sich überzeugen!

Read this one during my holidays and it was just what I expected/wished for. Loveable characters who aren't cookie-cutter/average and just this typical, nobody does it quite like the Americans, long, long hot summer that seems to become almost another character in the book.Definitely rereading this.

After reading this book, I have begun to question all my responsibilities and commitments. Do I really love, who I say I love? And more importantly, do they even love me back? It really pulls at all the right strings and makes a most emotional connect with the reader. I felt as if Ramona was a character that I could relate to, and it was an amazing read.The characters were intense, however the story line in my opinion was a little weak. However, this book is lovely overall and certainly worth your while.

Me encantó!! Una historia que fluye como el agua, recomendado en especial para personas de la comunidad LGBT+, sobretodo bisexuales, pansexual, y todo aquel que este entre tonos de gris y no en el blanco y el negro.

No bookmark.

I loved Dumpling and also thoroughly enjoyed Ramona Blue. I think young adults who don't usually interact with people who are among the working poor should definitely read this book to gain some empathy. A situation that is an inconvenience to some can set off a cascade of catastrophe for people who are working hard and struggling to get by. I know I grew up in a middle-class area and had no clue.Julie Murphy gets into complex issues regarding poverty, race, and sexual identity without being preachy or condescending. It's simply a good story about kids who are not cis, white, petite, middle class.One note, in case kids or parents are reading this who are in the same situation as Ramona: You don't need to be an athlete to get scholarships for community college. Community colleges have foundations and scholarships just like 4-year schools do and they have financial aid counselors who help kids like Ramona get Pell grants and private scholarships. At my local high school, which has mostly low-income students, basically, every kid who applies for a scholarship from the community college's foundation gets something. Lots of aid goes out to older students, too. Community colleges have programs that can help you get a well-paying job without having to go to a 4-year school. So, thank you Julie Murphy for putting the wonderful, amazing option of community college in your story! I don't know if I have ever read a book that did, so thank you!

It's another "lesbian turns straight for the right guy" story. I had hoped that garbage trope was over, but Murphy brings it back and tries to pass it off as bi representation. What makes it even worse? The guy is homophobic and doesn't respect her boundaries or sexuality at all, while pointedly reminding her to be careful with his race. Then he rescues her from a lousy future mostly by dragging her places, belittling her plans, and using his family's money. Oh how lucky Ramona is to have a guy come along and save her from herself. Would not recommend for young women or LGBTQ readers. This isn't good representation for queer youth or women

"It’s sad that sometimes we let ourselves believe that if it’s not bad, it must be good.” I carve out a corner of my memory for his words, because it’s a sentiment I don’t want to forget. It’s an idea that feels dangerous, because it makes me want more"•Right when I read the synopsis, I knew there was no way I would not love this book. And having completed it, I can now say that is true!•I am a sucker for a novel that tackles complex sexuality, identity development, family dynamics, class, SES, race... this novel does it all, and in a way that serves each topic of sensitivity justice.•Ramona is such a lovable character. She's real, raw, resilient, and strong. She is parentified, and has to fulfill a caregiving role in her family to keep everything running smoothly-- without a single complaint. She deserves time for her self, time to be selfish, and time to refine and develop who she's truly wants to be. That is what this novel is. It tackles her struggles with who she wants to be, while incorporating the trauma, disaster, and complex adolescent dynamics to truly exemplify the realness of Ramona.•4.5/5

This was 5/5 stars read for me. I think the writing style was great, and even the start its a little slow, we get to know a lot of backstory that's is needed to understand Ramona's actions and thoughts.Ramona its a great character, full of live and pretty sure about herself, at least she think she is. We can see how she grows up in the book, learning and challenging some things she gave for granted. Understanding you can't always be in control, sometimes things you need to let things flow.Heartbreaks and new loves, family and friends, this book explores all of them. Its a self-discovery story worth the read!It was my first book from this author and I will definitely keep reading more of her books.

Me encanto Ramona, su personaje plantea tantas aristas que enriquecen la historia. La identidad definida atraves de las personas que queremos, depender de nadie también puede ser depender. Me gustó y rogue porque las cosas mejorarán para ella al mejor estilo Disney pero no sé hubiese sentido original ni propio. Ramona es una historia para jovenes adultos que todos deberían leer, te recuerda a esa época pasada y te ayuda a entender lo que pasa a tu alrededor. Lo recomiendo y ya tengo el siguiente libro de Julie Murphy ☺️

This book caused a kerfuffle at first because of the way the blurb was written. However, this was a beautifully written questioning narrative, and I thoroughly enjoyed how Murphy took special care with the poverty rep and Hattie's pregnancy. I was really impressed, and even suckered my best friend into listening to it with me on a road trip.

Yesterday I saw one of my favorite authors recommend Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy, and her post was so poignant that I immediately one-clicked. I started the novel last night and didn’t intend to stay up all night reading, but each time I started to fade Ramona Blue would lure me back in.“.. the idea that I’m someone’s best friend fills my rib cage with summer.”This novel is a beautiful coming-of-age story that is exquisitely written with a main protagonist who is so well developed and three dimensional that I was rooting for Ramona Blue from that very first line until the very last one and you will too. I loved that there was so much diversity in this book across all aspects of life. From race to sexual orientation to socioeconomics to educational opportunities this book had it covered. I related to Ramona on so many levels. From her impoverished childhood to her epic work ethic to coming to terms with her sexual identity when she realizes she may not fit in the one box where she always identified to her fierce loyalty to her loved ones to the delightful cast of characters who make up her life.“ … disappears from my life like the most careful burglar, leaving not even the whisper of a fingerprint behind and stealing only parts of me I can feel and not see.”A big part of Ramona’s journey comes with this enlightenment she has about her own sexual identity. I love the care with which the author handled this topic. The author identifies as bisexual and it’s important for the queer community to have bi-voices writing these stories. By now most of us have realized that sexuality is fluid and so is our emotional connection to other humans. I spent the first 28 years of my life identifying as straight and then I met my wife and that whole notion turned upside down. My idea of who I thought I was completely changed when I fell in love with this person who just happened to be a woman. Does this make me bi, lesbian, queer? Maybe I identify as all of the above. “Fate is mine to pen … I choose.”Another thing that struck me with this story was the nuanced portrait of a small Mississippi town still feeling the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We see these tragedies unfold across our TV screens, but we don’t really know what happens to the people who lost everything. Where do they go from there? Who do they become? How does this shape Ramona’s thoughts about her life and her future?All in all this was a perfect novel for me. The pacing, the plot, the story, the writing, the characters, the diversity which included gay characters who weren’t silly caricatures. Ramona Blue had it all. I highly recommend this book. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, your heart will break and then burst open with love and hope. Bravo, Ms. Murphy!

It was a beautiful story. The only thing Julie Murphy gets wrong is the collegiate swim program in New Orleans, a detail I'm willing to overlook because the story was written well. This is the first book I've read by Julie Murphy but Dumplin and Puddin are on my list and have even moved up after reading Ramona Blue. Great story and she wrote the LGBTQIA+ aspect in a way I found unique as a reader. Great read.

Ramona Blue is unique, fun, and real. If you liked Dumplin, this book is even better. You may be more than you think you are.

Pleasantly surprises by this story. A journey of self discovery for a heroine who thought she has everything figured out