Book Review #1: Ellen Foster

The first book I am choosing to review is one that I finished reading less than a month ago - Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons. This book was actually written decades ago and was a first novel for Gibbons, but is still considered a valuable literary piece.

I can remember my mother trying to get me to read this when I was younger, most likely in an effort to make me thankful for the life I led, but alas, it took me 10+ years to actually pick it up and read it cover to cover. Though I think it would have been a meaningful read for me at the time, I think that I was all the more able to appreciate it now, relating to it as an adult (and having the prospect of raising kids on the horizon).

The book essentially details the life of a ten year old girl who never quite knows what 'home' means or feels like. She moves around to houses of friends and family after various crises, but life always seems to upset her plans.Once she is settled somewhere, she is made to pack up a small box with the few objects she can call her own. Though it is a depressing narrative for the majority of the book, it is an honest and vulnerable recounting of what a girl like this would go through. One of the things I appreciated most was the raw voice of our main character, and that she stayed consistent with the time and geographical settings of the book. 

It is a short book, just over 100 pages, and is a poignant, thoughtful read. I would recommend this book to all adults, and even middle- and high-schoolers to gain some perspective on life outside of their own. It certainly helped me to count my blessings for my upbringing, and reminded me how not to be whenever I get around to having children. 

I found this book exceptional for its rich content, ease of reading, and originality. This is one you should think about adding to your shelf. And if you prefer your novels in movie form, you're in luck! Its film adaptation was made 1997.