One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Sonya Sones |
| Products | Young adult novel in verse |
One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies (2004) is a novel in verse authored by Sonya Sones. This young adult novel centers on Ruby Milliken, who moves to Los Angeles to live with her well-known actor father, Whip Logan, following the passing of her mother. The narrative delves into Ruby's internal conflict between her familiar upbringing and the artificial environment of Hollywood. The story is mainly presented in blank verse, complemented by emails and letters.
Plot
After her mother succumbs to cancer, fifteen-year-old Ruby moves from Boston to Los Angeles. Her father, Whip Logan, an actor who divorced Ruby’s mother before her birth, was previously only known to her through his on-screen appearances. Ruby harbors resentment toward Whip’s sudden attempts to build a relationship after years of absence. At her new high school, she initially feels like an outsider but forms a friendship with Colette, whose mother is also a celebrity. Ruby uncovers that her boyfriend Ray has been unfaithful with her best friend Lizzie. With support from Whip and his partner Max, who also serves as his assistant, Ruby gains insight into her father’s history and family complexities. The story culminates with Ruby making amends with Lizzie after ending her relationship with Ray and securing the lead role in the school’s production of Pygmalion, performing alongside her new boyfriend Wyatt.
Reception
One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies earned favorable reviews for its sincere depiction of mourning and life in Hollywood. School Library Journal commended it as a skillfully crafted verse novel addressing themes of personal development and finding happiness. Booklist emphasized its combination of Hollywood fantasy elements with an honest portrayal of grief. The book was recognized as a 2005 YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and included among the Best Books for Young Adults in 2005.
Reviewers at Kirkus Reviews highlighted its witty and incisive portrayal of Los Angeles through free-verse poetry. Publishers Weekly praised Ruby’s authentic emotional expression despite occasional melodramatic moments. Horn Book Guides noted the depiction of celebrity culture but found Ruby’s skeptical tone somewhat repetitive at times. BookPage acknowledged Sonya Sones as a prominent figure in young adult verse literature, affirming this novel’s strong appeal to teenage audiences.