Ellen Foster (Abridged) Audiobook

" Sad, but intriguing. "

" This is the third Kaye Gibbons book I have read (in preparation for her appearance in Mpls). It has received the most acclaim, so I probably overanticipated it. The main character is very likeable and I feel for her, but I wasn't totally drawn into her story. I think one Kaye Gibbons book a year would be a good idea. She write short novels that are easy to read and feature a conflict that is easy to see. Not terribly deep, just enjoyable. "

" I loved this book! The voice of Ellen was so real, I could easily picture her talking to me... the ending was kind of disappointing, but maybe if I read the sequel I'll be a little more impressed. "

" A young girl finally finds a home with a foster family after her mother dies. "

" One of my favorites! Such a real, tough yet tender story. This touches me and stays with me. I've read it many times. "

" This book was really good. It talks about realistic events that happen in a lot of people's houses. GOOD BOOK! "

" The character of Ellen Foster is stunningly alive! "

" I love this character. I just want to hug this amazing little girl who just wants to find love. "

" I absolutely adored this book. The voice was endearing. I can't wait to read the sequel. Thanks to the lovely Hope for sharing these books with me!! "

" I liked it, as I usually like stories written from the point of view of a child. It was short too. Maybe too short to fully develop Ellen. "

" So, so................ "

" What talent Kaye who is a NC author brings to life. The title is part of the ending. Such an easy but important book to read. Thoroughly enjoyed being taken back to being 12 years old again and the way the mind thinks. Applause for the courage and personality of Ellen. Thank you Kaye Gibbons. "

" I have read this book several times - and each time it reminds me of how resilient young children are. This book captures the complexities of a young child's life in the midst of dysfunction. "

" Painful and beautifully written story of a girl damaged by life and family who finds the resilience to find a family who will love her. "

" So much beauty. Grounded, genius Ellen in a world that is disfunctional and shallow and cruel. "

" I can't recall how this little book ended up in my collection, but I've had it for a while. It was a story told through the eyes of an abused little abused girl who's parents are now dead and she's been adopted. She's very smart and insightful for her age. "

" Loved this book, which authentically captures the voice of a child trying to escape a bitter legacy and create herself anew. In the same class as "This Boy's Life," even though this is ficiton. "

" excellent and a fast read! "

" The only reason I read this book was for summer reading for school. This book gave me a headache. What's up with the serious lack of punctuation?! My 14 year-old brain for some reason can't understand why in the world this is considered enough of a literary genius to make it required reading. "

" I liked this book very much. It reminded me of Elizabeth Berg's Durable Goods. "

" Author did a good job of staying in the voice of an 11 year old, but I did not enjoy slogging through it. Felt that it was a bit shallow and unrealistic as I doubt that 11 year olds are quite as perceptive as Ellen purportedly was. "

" Great Read about a young girl on her own trying to find a family for herself. "

" Love, love, love this very short book (read in a couple hours or maybe I liked it so much it seemed like only a couple hours). I fell head over heals in love with feisty little Ellen. Can't wait to get another book by Gibbons. "

" love this girl "

" It continues to amaze me how tough kids can be when faced with no other options. I would recommend this to anyone...although it is older, and most people have already read it! "

" This is a great book. I read it many years ago and still it stands out. "

" Really liked it.Sometimes a bit hard to understand the way the character talks but it is still good.Very short easy read "

" One of the few books that I truly did not like at the time I read it because I thought the author was superficial, even wrong headed in the views espoused. Got myself into discussion trouble at the time over that position on my part. "

" A very quick read which didn't live up to it's early promise. I liked Ellen Foster's voice and story but found the time jumps a little disconcerting. Glad I read it but won't be rushing to her other books. "

" Great story -- Ellen is quite a girl! "

" It had a good lesson but the ending was anti-climatic. My teacher told me to look to see if Ellen's mom was murdered or committed suicide but it never said! So I am disapointed. "

" Guess I was expecting too much when a reviewer compared it to Mark Twain. It is no Mark Twain. I have read several similar books recently, and this one was nothing out of the ordinary. "

" It was very interesting - not fun to read but I'll remember the character. You really had to concentrate on it since it was so short, every word was important - I think I might have skimmed too much to really get the full impact. "

" young adult selection. Okay. Mother/daughter book club selection? "

" Excellent book - accidently came my way via a co-worker. Sad, funny and did I say sad? I admire Ellen Foster and her resilience. Great read! Thanks Jackie! "

" A fast, wonderful read with a fantastic, engaging main character. A tough Holden Caufield girl who takes her insane life in stride and sees the world with a fresh, new point of view. Lovely book and wonderful voice! "

" This book is a perfect gem "

" I had forgotten I read this book, but I keep a reading list. When I read the description of the book it was one of those "Ohhhh" moments. How could I forget? This is a haunting book, well worth the read. "