Richard Rothman never knew his grandfather, who left behind a wife and young daughter to fight—and die—in the Spanish Civil War. What drove a young, idealistic New Yorker with everything to live for to leave it all behind? This lucid investigation into a family history will explore the social idealism and selfless passions that drew the author’s grandfather into the Communist Party and, in 1937, onto the bloody front lines in Spain. But his search will also reveal the darker truths behind treasured family lore, as Rothman discovers how fervent idealism blinded not only his grandfather, but also other family members to ugly realities of the movement to which they devoted their lives. Written with compassion and insight, Finding Ruby takes the reader on a journey from the trenches in the Spanish Civil War to the courtrooms of the segregated South in the epic case of the Scottsboro Boys, which helped launch the Civil Rights movement. This deeply personal story sheds light on not only one family, but an entire swathe of American history. “A thoroughly engrossing, sweeping detective story. Rothman deftly takes the reader on a page-turning journey of discovery, through the Spanish Civil War, the Communist Party, obscene poetry, the trial of the Scottsboro Boys, with cameos from Jimi Hendrix and Joe Cocker. At once an exploration of one family's unique history, and a reflection on what moves any of us to pursue our passions-for better or worse.” David Cole, Legal Director, ACLU, author of Engines of Liberty “In this touching and beautifully written memoir, we accompany Rich Rothman on a bold exploration of his family's past, as he tries to understand why both his grandfathers, first-generation Jewish immigrants in the United States, enlisted as volunteers to fight fascism in Spain. Finding Ruby grants us a revealing glimpse into a forgotten chapter of U.S. history whose relevance is arguably greater today than it has been in a long time.” Sebastiaan Faber, author of Exhuming Franco: Spain's Second Transition “In Finding Ruby Rich Rothman weaves together the intersecting threads of his family history, the Spanish Civil War, the American Communist Party and the U.S. Civil Rights Movement into a compelling fabric that is part carefully researched history and part pure literary enchantment.” Tom Glocer, former CEO of ThomsonReuters Exceptionally well-crafted, reader engaging, inherently interesting, ... author and biographer Richard Rothman's skill at storytelling raises "Finding Ruby: The Bright and Dark Sides of a Family's Fervent Idealism" to an impressive level of literary excellence and a very special, unreservedly recommended addition to community and college/university library American Biography/Memoir collections and supplemental 20th Century American History curriculum studies lists.--Midwest Book Review Rothman's journey to uncover his family's hidden stories is compelling. It is a reminder of the impact of idealism, the costs of personal sacrifices, and the long shadows they cast over future generations. The narrative blends historical investigation and personal introspection, making Finding Ruby an appealing and Pulitzer-worthy memoir. I highly recommend it. - Carol Thompson, Readers' Favorites Readers unfamiliar with the Abraham Lincoln Brigade or the complex details of the Spanish Civil War will find Rothman's primary subject fascinating...[R]eaders seeking a fresh perspective on 20th-century history will be drawn into Ruby's world, just as the author was. - Kirkus Reviews This book opens a Pandora's box of family secrets and the darker intents of an idealistic family in the twentieth century.... Finding Ruby is a riveting and compelling story. The corollaries between the rise of fascism in the 1930s and the upsurge in populist strongmen autocrats in today's political climate are certainly not lost. -- Grant Leishman— Readers' Favorite Finding Ruby is a carefully meditated and introspective biography of the author's biological grandfather, Rubin 'Ruby' Schechter, who volunteered to Fight in Spain against fascism. The story is a complex one spanning Communist Party manuals, government documents, and family interviews. ... Rothman excels at parsing through family lore and cross-examining his growing body of evidence, demonstrating excellent storytelling as the narrative arc is pieced into a more cohesive whole." -Elizabeth Upshur, Reader Views