Plot Summary
Unexpected Encounters
Morgan, a new student and track star, collides with Ruby, a pageant queen with a penchant for fixing cars. Their first encounter is fraught with tension as Morgan nearly gets hit by Ruby's car. Despite the rocky start, there's an undeniable spark between them. Ruby is drawn to Morgan's confidence, while Morgan is intrigued by Ruby's complexity. This unexpected meeting sets the stage for a relationship that challenges both girls to confront their true selves.
Secrets and Struggles
Ruby and Morgan navigate their high school lives, each grappling with personal struggles. Ruby is caught between her mother's pageant dreams and her own passion for cars. Morgan, dealing with the fallout from a lawsuit against her old school, seeks a fresh start. Both girls are hiding parts of themselves—Ruby her sexuality, and Morgan her past. As they grow closer, the weight of their secrets threatens to pull them apart.
Unlikely Alliances
Despite their differences, Ruby and Morgan find themselves drawn to each other. They partner on a school project, which forces them to spend more time together. Through shared experiences and late-night conversations, they begin to understand each other's worlds. Ruby's tough exterior starts to crack, revealing a vulnerability that Morgan finds endearing. Meanwhile, Morgan's determination and courage inspire Ruby to reconsider her own path.
Hidden Desires
As their friendship deepens, Ruby and Morgan's feelings for each other become harder to ignore. Ruby struggles with her attraction to Morgan, fearing the repercussions of coming out. Morgan, on the other hand, is open about her sexuality but hesitant to push Ruby. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the fear of judgment and rejection looms large. Both girls must decide if their budding romance is worth the risk.
Breaking Barriers
Ruby and Morgan's relationship faces external pressures from friends, family, and societal expectations. Ruby's mother is fixated on her pageant success, while Morgan's past continues to haunt her. Despite these challenges, the girls find solace in each other. They begin to break down the barriers that have kept them apart, realizing that their connection is stronger than the obstacles they face.
Heartfelt Confessions
In a moment of vulnerability, Ruby confesses her feelings to Morgan. This confession is a turning point, allowing both girls to embrace their true selves. Morgan's unwavering support gives Ruby the courage to stand up to her mother and pursue her own dreams. Their relationship becomes a source of strength, helping them navigate the complexities of identity and acceptance.
Facing the Truth
As their relationship deepens, Ruby and Morgan must confront the realities of their situation. Ruby's fear of coming out clashes with Morgan's desire for openness. They must decide if their love is strong enough to withstand the pressures of the outside world. This chapter explores the difficult choices they must make to stay true to themselves and each other.
A New Beginning
Ruby and Morgan find a way to balance their individual aspirations with their relationship. Ruby decides to pursue her passion for cars, while Morgan continues to fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Together, they create a new path forward, one that allows them to be true to themselves and each other. Their journey is a testament to the power of love and the courage it takes to embrace a new beginning.
Characters
Ruby Thompson
Ruby is a high school senior torn between her mother's pageant dreams and her own passion for cars. She struggles with her sexuality, fearing her mother's reaction and societal judgment. Ruby's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to embrace her true self and pursue her own dreams.
Morgan Matthews
Morgan is a confident and openly gay athlete who transfers to a new school after a lawsuit against her old one. She is driven by a desire for justice and acceptance, both for herself and others. Morgan's relationship with Ruby challenges her to confront her own fears and insecurities.
Everly Jones
Everly is Ruby's best friend and confidante. She supports Ruby through her struggles, offering a safe space for her to express her true feelings. Everly's unwavering loyalty is a source of strength for Ruby.
Tyler Portman
Tyler is Ruby's on-again, off-again hookup. Despite their casual relationship, Tyler genuinely cares for Ruby and becomes a supportive friend. His presence in Ruby's life highlights her internal conflict between societal expectations and personal desires.
Dylan Matthews
Dylan is Morgan's older brother and guardian. He provides a stable home for Morgan and supports her in her fight for justice. Dylan's protective nature and unconditional love are crucial to Morgan's journey.
Charlene
Charlene is Ruby's pageant coach, who sees potential in Ruby beyond the pageant stage. She offers guidance and support, helping Ruby navigate the pressures of her mother's expectations.
Billy
Billy is Ruby's father figure and mentor in the world of cars. He provides a safe haven for Ruby, encouraging her to pursue her passion and be true to herself.
Plot Devices
Dual Narratives
The story is told through alternating chapters from Ruby and Morgan's perspectives. This dual narrative structure allows readers to understand the internal struggles and motivations of both characters, creating a richer and more nuanced story.
Symbolism of Cars
Ruby's love for cars symbolizes her desire for independence and self-expression. Her journey to restore and maintain her car mirrors her own journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Pageantry as a Metaphor
The world of pageantry serves as a metaphor for the societal expectations and pressures Ruby faces. It represents the conflict between external appearances and internal desires, a central theme in Ruby's character arc.
Analysis
"Some Girls Do" delves into the complexities of identity, love, and acceptance in a world that often demands conformity. Through Ruby and Morgan's journey, the story highlights the courage it takes to embrace one's true self and the power of love to overcome societal barriers. The book challenges readers to consider the impact of societal norms on personal identity and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can be their authentic selves. It is a poignant reminder that love, in all its forms, is worth fighting for.
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FAQ
Synopsis & Basic Details
What is Some Girls Do about?
- A Queer YA Romance: "Some Girls Do" by Jennifer Dugan follows Ruby Thompson, a closeted pageant queen with a secret passion for fixing cars, and Morgan Matthews, an openly gay track star new to town after a public legal battle. Their unexpected attraction forces them to confront their identities, past traumas, and the societal pressures that threaten to keep them apart.
- Navigating Identity & Love: The novel explores the complexities of first love, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to live authentically, especially when family expectations and personal fears create significant internal conflict.
- Finding Your Own Path: At its heart, the story is about two girls from different worlds finding common ground and inspiring each other to break free from the paths laid out for them, whether by family, school, or societal norms.
Why should I read Some Girls Do?
- Authentic Queer Representation: Readers seeking a heartfelt and nuanced portrayal of a sapphic romance, particularly one exploring the challenges of coming out and internalized homophobia, will find this book deeply resonant. It offers a realistic look at the emotional journey of self-discovery.
- Rich Character Development: Jennifer Dugan crafts complex protagonists in Ruby and Morgan, whose individual struggles with family, ambition, and vulnerability are as compelling as their evolving relationship, making their growth feel earned and impactful.
- Themes of Self-Acceptance: Beyond romance, the novel delves into powerful themes of finding your voice, pursuing your true passions (like Ruby's love for cars vs. pageants), and the importance of chosen family, offering a message of hope and resilience.
What is the background of Some Girls Do?
- Contemporary Small-Town Setting: The story is set in a modern-day small town, Harrington Falls, which, despite outward appearances of progress (like a Pride Club), harbors underlying conservative attitudes that impact characters like Ruby and Lydia. This cultural context highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in seemingly accepting environments.
- Exploration of Pageant Culture: The novel provides an intimate look into the demanding and often financially draining world of beauty pageants, revealing the intense pressure on contestants and the sacrifices made by their families, particularly Ruby's mother. This background serves as a metaphor for Ruby's constrained identity.
- Legal & Activist Undercurrents: Morgan's backstory involves a lawsuit against her former private Catholic school for discrimination, grounding the narrative in real-world issues of LGBTQ+ rights and activism within educational institutions, and the personal toll such battles can take.
What are the most memorable quotes in Some Girls Do?
- "I'm not spending my life pretending I'm something I'm not, or making myself smaller and quieter, just because someone else thinks I should." (Morgan, Chapter 15): This quote encapsulates Morgan's fierce commitment to authenticity and her refusal to be silenced, directly contrasting with Ruby's initial tendency to hide. It's a pivotal statement of her core values and a key insight into Morgan's motivations.
- "You don't owe your mom your future just because you think she gave up hers for you." (Morgan, Chapter 29): This powerful line from Morgan challenges Ruby's deep-seated guilt and obligation to her mother's unfulfilled dreams, directly addressing a central theme of intergenerational sacrifice and personal agency in "Some Girls Do." It's a crucial moment in Ruby's journey toward self-liberation.
- "I love you... I've been in love with you since you handed me that bag of peas." (Morgan, Chapter 34): This confession is a raw, vulnerable declaration of love, marking a significant emotional turning point. It highlights the unexpected, almost mundane moment where Morgan realized her profound feelings for Ruby, contrasting with the dramatic circumstances of their initial encounters and revealing the depth of her affection.
What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Jennifer Dugan use?
- Dual Narratives: The novel alternates between Ruby and Morgan's perspectives, allowing readers to intimately understand both characters' internal struggles, fears, and growth. This technique creates a balanced narrative that explores the complexities of their relationship from both sides.
Review Summary
Some Girls Do received mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.70 out of 5. Readers praised the LGBTQ+ representation and well-developed characters, particularly Ruby. Many found the romance sweet and relatable, with compelling themes of self-discovery and acceptance. However, some critics felt the relationship lacked chemistry and found Morgan's character frustrating. The book's handling of coming out and privilege was both commended and criticized. While some readers loved the emotional depth, others found the plot cliché and characters underdeveloped.
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