Ronald L. Ruiz is the author of a memoir and seven novels. His novel Giuseppe Rocco (1998) received the national literary prize, 1998 Premio Aztlán Award, and his novel Life Long (2017) was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2017.
His work has been compared to Richard Wright’s Native Son (Publisher’s Weekly, featured review) and his writing described as “frighteningly real” (New York Newsday). Ron was born and raised in Fresno, California, and educated at St. Mary’s College, University of California, Berkeley Law, and University of San Francisco School of Law. Ron practiced law for over 30 years in California, as a Deputy District Attorney, criminal defense attorney, and Deputy Public Defender. He was appointed to the California Agriculture Labor Relations Board by Governor Jerry Brown in 1974, and later served as the District Attorney of Santa Cruz County, California. Ron retired from criminal law and continues to write every day.
“Ruiz definitely knows how to write a legal thriller… The aspects of prison life and courtroom drama feel authentic and exciting, but the personal relationship that develops takes this novel to a five-star level. There is a human element here that is only found in top-tiered crime fiction, and this book is filled with it. A truly brilliant novel. An exceptional writer. Highly recommended.”
Readers’ Favorite, on 120 Days
“Ruiz is a strikingly good writer… [he] proves to be a very sharp social critic, and no detail gets past him in this richly imagined book… A highly recommended novel that appeals to both the heart and the head.”
Kirkus Reviews (starred review), on Life Long, Named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2017
“In a penetrating look at our national myth of rags-to-riches success Ruiz tells the gripping story of the rise, unification and decline of two very American families named Rocco and Martinez. The result is a subtle recasting of America’s Horatio Alger myth by a talented, painstaking and intelligent writer.”
The Houston Post, on Giuseppe Rocco, Winner of the 1998 Premio Aztlán Award
“The sparse, simple prose lets the story tell itself… Few readers will be able to forget the chilling experiences of a forlorn hero who’s destined to take his place next to Bigger Thomas (of Richard Wright’s Native Son) in the honor roll of seminal characters in American literature.”
Publishers Weekly (featured review), on Happy Birthday Jesús
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