I saw Ellen Foster in one of my favorite spots in the library to shop for books – the public school required reading section. Having never heard of it before, I decided to give it a whirl. I am so glad I did. Somehow I seem to be reading a lot of books lately about young children going through desperate times, just trying to keep their little heads above water. This one is no different, but yet it is not nearly as depressing as some of the others. I would even dare to say that, in the midst of the hard times, Ellen Foster is one funny book. There were times I laughed out loud. And I don’t just mean LOL. I mean, I LAUGHED OUT LOUD. She is a funny child.
Author Kaye Gibbons is a masterful writer. I really forgot I was reading a book NOT written BY Ellen Foster, but rather a book written ABOUT her. I was so caught up in her character that it didn’t occur to me that she wasn’t actually writing the book. That, in my opinion, is excellent writing. I highly recommend this book. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I LOVED that book. It was an Oprah book club book a few years back.