Book based in NIdaho gets rave reviews

The word “Idaho” has a mysterious origin, yet a variety of meanings.

“There are a lot of things ‘Idaho’ could mean, like ‘gem of the mountains,’” author Emily Ruskovich said Friday. “The conclusion I came to is I think that it’s not a native word. It’s a magnetic word that people have put their own hearts and stories into and want it to mean something. I think that’s quite lovely.”

The Gem State’s formal moniker has again been reinvented with Ruskovich’s debut novel, “Idaho.” It is a tale of a family’s loss, grief and faded memories and takes place in the fictional town of Ponderosa in North Idaho, a setting derived from Ruskovich’s memories of growing up in Athol and Blanchard. She graduated from Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy in 2004 and now lives and teaches in Colorado.

Ruskovich investigated the true origin of “Idaho” and found that it may have come from a miscommunication when delegates were figuring out what to name the new state of Colorado.

She incorporated her findings into the book through her character, Ann/ Devin Heilman , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here . (Emily Ruskovich, courtesy photo via Coeur d’Alene Press)