Ruth Harris

Ruth Harris is an award-winning author, renowned for writing works that explore the lives of everyday people in ways that allow them to see the world with a new perspective. Her books have been praised by critics and readers alike for their vibrant and emotionally honest portrayals of life, offering unique and captivating tales of love, loss, and adventure.

Ruth Harris was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, where she developed a passion for literature at a young age. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in English, she began her freelance writing career, offering her services as an editor, copyeditor, and writer for magazines and newspapers. Her love of storytelling and vivid imagination led her to pursue a career in fiction writing, and since the release of her debut novel, My Louisiana Sky, in 2000, she has gone on to write several other critically acclaimed novels, including Welcome to Camden Falls and Big Skies.

My Louisiana Sky follows the story of Tiger Ann, a 12-year-old living in 1950s Louisiana. Tiger Ann is tasked with taking care of her disabled grandmother and protecting her little brother, Franklin, from their abusive father. Tiger Ann's story is both a heartbreaking and inspiring one, as she has to find the courage to overcome her difficult circumstances and build a better life for her family. This coming-of-age novel is an unforgettable tale of courage and resilience, characterized by vivid imagery, sharp dialogue, and a strong sense of authenticity.

Welcome to Camden Falls follows the story of Liam, a teenage runaway from Ireland who finds himself in the sleepy coastal town of Camden Falls. Despite his struggles with his former life, Liam is soon adopted by a local family and begins to adjust to life in the small town. The book focuses on the themes of redemption and healing as Liam learns to cope with his past and find his place in the community. Ruth Harris creates a captivating world with her storytelling, showing readers the beauty of life and the solace that can come from accepting one's own struggles and ultimately finding peace.

Big Skies is set in post-war Oregon and tells the story of three generations of a displaced family, spanning three decades. Each chapter centers around one family member's story and reveals the struggles of trying to identify with a new community and create a new beginning. The novel is an intimate and emotive exploration of identity and the importance of home, subtly capturing the unsettled emotions of its characters in a way that will stay with readers for a long time.

In addition to her novels, Ruth Harris has also written a memoir, How To Be A Fly, which documents her experiences growing up as the daughter of a Deaf father. This touching and thought-provoking book offers a unique perspective on communication, identity, and what it means to belong.

Ruth Harris is one of the most compelling storytellers of her generation. Her distinct but relatable characters join together in books that are deeply human in their exploration of emotions and relationships, revealing moments of beauty and inspiration that stay long after readers have flipped the last page. Whether it's a heartbreaking story of courage in Tiger Ann's My Louisiana Sky or a fascinating exploration of identity in Big Skies, Ruth Harris always creates stories that feel vibrantly alive and have the power to stay with readers for years to come.