The Ruby Notebook

November 22, 2010
This sequel to The Indigo Notebook (2008) blends romance and intrigue in an evocative setting. Sixteen-year old Zeeta and her free-spirited mother have just moved from Ecuador to Aix-en-Provence, where Zeeta's boyfriend, Wendall, will soon join them. While counting the days until his arrival, Zeeta befriends a troupe of street performers and two elderly companions—an ailing artist and an antique dealer, who are intent on finding the city's legendary fountain of youth. When Zeeta discovers that someone has been slipping unusual objects into her bag (all clues about the father she's never met), she endeavors to uncover the fantôme gift-giver. The longer Zeeta stays in France, the more she feels herself changing, and she feels that her connection to Wendall may be weakening, especially when she becomes attracted to one of the street performers. Characters and events in the novel are painted slightly brighter than life, but readers who become absorbed in Zeeta's passionate endeavors and romantic mishaps will likely be willing to suspend disbelief enough to accept the rather contrived resolutions. Ages 10–up.

Starred review from August 1, 2010

Thoughtful, intense Zeeta and her free-spirited mother return in this follow-up to The Indigo Notebook (2009). Perennial travelers, the two have now settled in the atmospheric city of Aix-en-Provence. Zeeta eagerly anticipates the arrival of her boyfriend Wendell from Colorado, but when he changes the terms of his visit, Zeeta is hurt and confused. Their relationship is further strained by her involuntary attraction to Jean-Claude, a member of a street dance troupe. At the same time, Zeeta begins to discover strange notes and items left in her bag. Weaving bits of magic, city lore and bittersweet romance into each of the many plot lines, Resau has again crafted a complex and satisfying novel that is both a mystery and a tender, wise meditation on love and self-identity. Characters are rich and vibrant, each of them bringing their own past to bear on the story at hand. Readers will want to read the first before starting this one and will likely be clamoring for the third, the groundwork for which is nicely set up here. (Fiction. 12 & up)

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October 1, 2010

Gr 9 Up-In this sequel to The Indigo Notebook (Delacorte, 2009), Zeeta and her single mother, who have spent each of Z's 16 years in a different country, are teaching English and making friends in Aix-en-Provence. Z always buys a new notebook in each country and fills it with observations, thoughts, dreams, and the answers to questions she asks people. As a way of making friends and getting to know her new country, she interviews people everywhere she goes. France is proving to be most intriguing: Z befriends an elderly couple who offer her a mystery to solve; the love of her life, Wendell, is flying in to spend time with her; she becomes smitten with a young street performer; and she is suddenly being given meaningful gifts by an anonymous admirer. With a hint of mystery, a bit of romance, a touch of travel, and some coming-of-age, this book covers a lot of ground without ever feeling scattered or haphazard. Resau's robust descriptions give readers a good picture of France and its people. Although one can guess where the plot is headed, teens will still want to go along for the ride, so enjoyable is the writing. The pace can be slow at times, even when Z and Wendell are sneaking about in tunnels below the town, trying to solve the mystery. But anyone who enjoys detailed settings and thoughtful narratives will be rewarded with this story.-Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

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