📖 Overview
Ruby Dee (1922-2014) was an American actress, poet, playwright, civil rights activist and author whose career spanned seven decades across stage, screen and television. Her written works include poetry collections, plays and the joint autobiography "With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together" which she co-authored with her husband Ossie Davis.
As a writer, Dee contributed to multiple creative forms, penning the plays "Twin-Bit Gardens" and "Take It from the Top," as well as poetry collections including "My One Good Nerve: Rhythms, Rhymes, Reasons." Her writing often explored themes of racial justice, family relationships, and African American experiences.
Beyond her literary work, Dee was a powerful voice in American theater and civil rights activism, using her platform to advocate for social change. She received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the National Medal of Arts, Kennedy Center Honors, and a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album.
Together with her husband Ossie Davis, Dee published short stories and collaborated on various written projects that documented their experiences in theater, activism, and their 56-year marriage. Their joint memoir provides insights into both their personal relationship and their roles as cultural figures during the Civil Rights Movement.
👀 Reviews
Readers connect strongly with the personal storytelling in "With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together," praising how it captures both intimate relationship moments and broader cultural history. Many reviews note the book's value as a first-hand account of the Civil Rights Movement.
What readers liked:
- Raw honesty about marriage challenges
- Behind-the-scenes theater stories
- Balanced perspectives from both authors
- Historical context through personal experiences
- Writing style that feels like a conversation
What readers disliked:
- Some sections move slowly
- Timeline can be hard to follow
- Less detail about film career than expected
Ratings:
- Goodreads: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.7/5 (150+ ratings)
One reader called it "a love story wrapped in American history." Another noted: "Their openness about their open marriage was brave and refreshing."
Dee's poetry collections received less attention, with "My One Good Nerve" averaging 3.8/5 on Goodreads (under 50 ratings). Readers praised its conversational tone but noted some poems feel unpolished.
📚 Books by Ruby Dee
My One Good Nerve (1999) - A collection of poetry, short stories, and personal observations reflecting on life, relationships, and social issues through the lens of an African American woman's experiences.
In This Life Together (1998) - A memoir co-written with Ossie Davis, chronicling their marriage, careers in entertainment, and involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.
Two Ways to Count to Ten: A Liberian Folktale (1988) - A children's book retelling a traditional African story about a leopard king who holds a contest to choose his successor.
Take It from the Top (1990) - A play script exploring the complexities of family relationships and generational differences within an African American household.
Glowchild and Other Poems (1972) - A poetry collection addressing themes of motherhood, racial identity, and social justice during the Civil Rights era.
In This Life Together (1998) - A memoir co-written with Ossie Davis, chronicling their marriage, careers in entertainment, and involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.
Two Ways to Count to Ten: A Liberian Folktale (1988) - A children's book retelling a traditional African story about a leopard king who holds a contest to choose his successor.
Take It from the Top (1990) - A play script exploring the complexities of family relationships and generational differences within an African American household.
Glowchild and Other Poems (1972) - A poetry collection addressing themes of motherhood, racial identity, and social justice during the Civil Rights era.
👥 Similar authors
Maya Angelou wrote stories exploring Black female experiences in America with themes of family, racial justice and personal resilience. Her autobiographical works share similar ground with Ruby Dee's writing about civil rights activism and Black identity.
Lorraine Hansberry focused on African American family life and the pursuit of dreams in urban settings through plays and essays. Her exploration of racial barriers and social change parallels Dee's work in theater and social commentary.
Nikki Giovanni writes poetry and essays addressing Black culture, relationships, and the civil rights movement. Her blend of personal narrative with political activism mirrors Dee's approach to storytelling and advocacy.
Gwendolyn Brooks created works centered on urban Black life and community experiences in Chicago. Her poetry and prose examine similar themes to Dee's writing about African American daily life and social consciousness.
Alice Childress wrote plays and novels depicting the struggles and triumphs of working-class Black women in America. Her focus on authentic dialogue and realistic portrayals of African American life aligns with Dee's literary style.
Lorraine Hansberry focused on African American family life and the pursuit of dreams in urban settings through plays and essays. Her exploration of racial barriers and social change parallels Dee's work in theater and social commentary.
Nikki Giovanni writes poetry and essays addressing Black culture, relationships, and the civil rights movement. Her blend of personal narrative with political activism mirrors Dee's approach to storytelling and advocacy.
Gwendolyn Brooks created works centered on urban Black life and community experiences in Chicago. Her poetry and prose examine similar themes to Dee's writing about African American daily life and social consciousness.
Alice Childress wrote plays and novels depicting the struggles and triumphs of working-class Black women in America. Her focus on authentic dialogue and realistic portrayals of African American life aligns with Dee's literary style.