I’m excited to share my thoughts on Claire Jimenez’s deeply moving debut novel, What Happened to Ruthie Ramirez. This powerful story follows a Puerto Rican family in Staten Island who discovers their long-missing sister on a reality TV show called Catfight. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it!
The premise of this book immediately caught my attention. It’s original, fresh, and deeply emotional. Claire Jimenez narrates her own book, adding an authentic touch to the storytelling. I found myself not only enjoying this book but also drawing parallels to my own upcoming novel, “Under The Flamboyant Tree,” which will be released in November 2024.
Both novels explore themes of family trauma, secrets, and the survival mechanisms common in the Latinx community. The representation in “What Happened to Ruthie Ramirez” is crucial, and it’s inspiring to see BIPOC authors breaking through in a competitive field.
If you enjoyed this novel, you’ll love “Under the Flamboyant Tree” as well. It delves into similar themes of hidden family secrets and the impact of trauma. I’m thrilled to see more stories like these being published and celebrated.
For more book reviews, writing tips, and behind-the-scenes content, follow my blog at www.haveacupofjohanny.com. Let’s continue to support and uplift diverse voices in literature.




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