Point of View

"One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies" is recounted from the first-person point of view. The story is told in blank prose by Ruby Miliken, the fifteen-year-old heroine of the book. Occasionally, Ruby's poems are supplemented by emails she exchanges with Lizzie and Roy. Each of Ruby's poems is about a page in length and has a descriptive title which doubles as the first line of the poem. Ruby's poems related her daily interactions, her personal feelings, and her dreams. Ruby has a very readable voice and is identifiable as a typical fifteen-year-old girl. Ruby's experiences, thoughts, and feelings are chronicled in her narrative. However, the thoughts and feelings of those around her are unknown unless they are expressed directly by the character.

Setting

Ruby Miliken's story takes place in Los Angeles, Hollywood, California. Most of the story takes place in her new home...