Here in the middle of historical literature is a sweet, compact, vivid, dramatic story. Unlike the books surrounding it, Ruth has no great historical events, no wars, no national heroes; instead, it focuses on the private lives of three interesting people—Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz.

The book does require some background information regarding customs mentioned here, so a reader should take a look at Leviticus 19:9-10 (harvest rites), Leviticus 25:23-28 (land redemption), Deuteronomy 24:19-22 (harvest rites), Deuteronomy 25:5-10 (marriage customs), Ezekiel 16:8 (marriage customs).

Ruth is one of only two books in the Bible named after a non-Israelite (the other is Job); sympathy is shown here toward a Gentile. Note the structure of the story, from good times to disaster to positive ending—much the same structure of modern plays and TV shows. Also, note the surprise ending when it is revealed who are the descendents of Ruth and Boaz.