Up in Flames

By: Jamie Steinberg

Up in Flames by Hailey Alcaraz is a bit convoluted. When we first meet main character Ruby Ortega, she is an eighteen-year-old spoiled young woman who is used to getting what she wants – whether it be attention from guys or fancy things from her parents. However, Ruby only has eyes for her neighbor Ashton, who makes his way home from college on the day of her sister’s quinceanera. Unfortunately for her, Ruby’s hopes of finally romantically connecting with Ashton are dashed when she learns he has a girlfriend. This sets off a series of events that change Ruby’s life forever while also creating a disjointed tale that opens our lead’s eyes and sets her on a new path that still keeps readers from truly rooting for Ruby.

Ruby is determined to get Ashton’s attention – girlfriend or not. In fact, Ruby makes it a point to attend the same college as Ashton in hopes of putting a wedge between Ashton and Millie (the girlfriend). Millie is not the only one who has an issue with this as someone Ruby has a run-in with at the quiceanera makes his intentions known towards her – Remy. He’s a few years older than her, charming, a wealthy app creator and is determined to make Ruby fall for him.

Things go awry when wildfires devastate her hometown and destroy Ashton’s home and the business her own parents run. Ruby leaves school to help lend a hand with the family and rebuild their business. When an even bigger tragedy hits Ruby’s life, she is shattered to her core. This is also when things become disjointed…It becomes two tales in one: Ruby’s love life and Ruby’s familial obligations. No longer focused on her fancy former needs, but still hoping that Ashton will give her the time of day, Ruby is determined to make a better life for everyone – including local migrant workers.

Up in Flames is a good description of Ruby’s life, whether it is matters of the heart or matters of the home. Sadly, it’s also my thoughts on the story itself. It’s very hard to invest in self-absorbed Ruby when her sole focus is her love life, which remains a point of contention even through the personal tragedies that she suffers.