Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library discussion

A time traveling gene runs in Gwen’s family, pulling the gene carrier uncontrollably into the past sometime during their sixteenth year. Everyone expects Gwen’s cousin Charlotte to become the time traveler. Charlotte has been preparing her whole life for the trips back in time, so Gwen is shocked when she is the one that feels the warning symptoms of time traveling at age sixteen instead of her cousin. When Gwen wakes up a hundred years in the past after a dizzy spell, she is completely unprepared. Can she change the future by talking to people in the past? Will she fall to the ground if she travels back in time and the building she is in doesn’t exist yet? The possibilities of time travel are exciting and overwhelming, but Gier explains the logistics well instead of glossing over things.

Ruby Red is a whirlwind of adventure as Gwen bounces back and forth in time. Gwen is a fun character and I loved reading the witty dialogue between her and Gideon, the other time traveler of her generation. He has the same genetic condition as Gwen and they go back to the past together to complete missions for the time traveling society that has been a secret in their families for generations. At first Gwen thinks Gideon is an insufferable know-it-all (who happens to be extremely good looking), but their friendship grows as she gets to know him. The chemistry between the two is delicious and I loved reading the scenes with them together.

Ruby Red is the first in a trilogy that is already a best seller in Germany. The books are being translated into English and released in the United States one at a time. I’m eagerly waiting for the next one to come out in spring 2012. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a fast paced and fun read. Even if you don’t normally enjoy fantasy, Ruby Red will keep you hooked as Gwen unravels the secrets that her family is keeping in both the past and present.

Way to use Goodreads, Lena!

This book sounds very entertaining. I'm going to have to add it to my list. Thanks!

I was very surprised at how fast this book read once I got into it. As soon as I got past the first fifty pages this book was a two day read for me. It's nice to read a foreign translated book because it gives you a window into a different culture, and this one being set in London, everyone is so proper. It's funny. But this is a great book in any event.

This is a wonderfully fun romantic time travel adventure. The characters are great, the plot keeps you interested and I couldn't put it down. I can not wait until Sapphire Blue comes out.

I really loved this book when I first read it in german (since I am from germany) and was quite curious about the english translation, since I'd translated the first chapters myself for a couple of british friends, because I couldn't stop talking about it and I wanted them to have a share in what I kept talking about <3

I have to say I like the original version better, since the english loses bits and bobs here and there which is, for me, a bit annoying.

still, all in all it remains a lovely book in whichever language, I guess :)

keep your eyes open for the next two books in the series, because it's going to get really exciting!

I've heard people say ruby red reads a bit like an extended introduction to the story and there may be some truth in that, but sapphire blue and emerald green won't feel that way at all, and the story is really original and absolutely worth it <3


some trivia for english/ american readers: a few names have been changed in the translation (why, nobody knows).
so is the main character Gwnyeth Sheperd originally called Gwendolyn Shepherd,
her best friend Libby Hay is called Leslie Hay
and a schoolmate of Gwin's is called Gregory Gelderman instead of Gordon Gelderman

Katja wrote: "I really loved this book when I first read it in german (since I am from germany) and was quite curious about the english translation, since I'd translated the first chapters myself for a couple of..."

Thank you for your comment, Katja! I can't wait for the next two books in the series to come out. That's weird that they changed some of the names, especially since they changed them to names that are very similar. Did you notice any other funny changes in the English version?

Lena wrote: "Did you notice any other funny changes in the English version? "

You're welcome, I just couldn't resist ;)
Well, now that you've asked, I noticed that some sentenced where missing, or shortened compared to the orginial version, which I found kind of annoying and unneccessary. Also, sometimes I think the translator took too many liberties translating...

Once I get my english copy of Ruby Red back from my friend, I'll point out which parts I mean exactly.

(I'm referring to the UK version by Chicken House, which is called "Girl about time - book one: ruby red, but I do believe that the translation in all english versions remains the same, the one by Anthea Bell)

Catya wrote: "Lena wrote: "Did you notice any other funny changes in the English version? "

You're welcome, I just couldn't resist ;)
Well, now that you've asked, I noticed that some sentenced where missing, or..."

When someone commented on my Ruby Red quiz I noticed that the names WEREN'T changed in the US edition by Macmillian.

Btw, the Ruby Red Movie trailer is finally out :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ayNXR...

I didn't realize they were making a movie. I'm pretty excited now. :)

I'm late to see this, but that trailer looks awesome! I REALLY need to learn German!