Design Patterns in Ruby
Russ Olsen
Addison-Wesley
Russ Olsen delivers an approachable introduction to design patterns using Ruby in a book that is as good for those unfamiliar with design patterns as it is for those unfamiliar with Ruby.  I enjoyed the, no-assumptions, opening that eases you into the basisc of Ruby; though I would caution Ruby new-comers from jumping into this book for their introduction to Ruby.  Following the Ruby overview Russ takes you right into Gang of Four ( [...] ) design patterns.    I was particularly pleased with the final section of the book, patterns for ruby, which applies the strengths of both Ruby the language and the values created within the community of developers who love working with Ruby.  The convention over configuration chapter wraps up the book with an appropriate demonstration of the power of Ruby to make life easier by embracing convention, a popular technique in the community.  While no design pattern should be generically applied to a problem this book helps ehance your understanding of the capabilities of Ruby when applied appropriately.