Awakening Foster Kelly

Awakening Foster Kelly
Age Range
14+
Release Date
June 22, 2013
ISBN13
1478263644
ISBN10 or ASIN
      

If only a pile of wayward curls and the inability to stay on her feet were seventeen year-old Foster Kelly’s most pressing concerns. Unfortunately, stubborn hair and clumsiness is just the tip of it. It was only a mistake, but when at the age of five Foster is told “You don’t belong here” the result is one broken heart. These four carelessly spoken words have shaped and shadowed Foster, and now—a senior at Shorecliffs High-school—she seeks the wallflower’s existence, denying herself the most casual of friendships, much too afraid that someone will see what Foster believes is certain: she does not belong anywhere – or with anyone. This reality would continue to suit her just fine, however . . .

Love has a long-standing history of undoing broken hearts.

Like a comet, an unexpected arrival knocks Foster out of the crowded, starry sky, sending her directly into the limelight. Exposed and afraid, she will attempt to regain anonymity; but it isn’t so easy now that someone is watching. He pursues this shy enigma, confronting Foster’s deepest fears head-on, and in the process falls wholly and completely in love with her. But there is something he is not saying; a secret capable of certain ruin. There are two probable outcomes: either he will break her heart once and for all, or he will heal it.

In the end, though, it is Foster who must decide if she is worth mending.

If only a pile of wayward curls and the inability to stay on her feet were seventeen year-old Foster Kelly’s most pressing concerns. Unfortunately, stubborn hair and clumsiness is just the tip of it. It was only a mistake, but when at the age of five Foster is told “You don’t belong here” the result is one broken heart. These four carelessly spoken words have shaped and shadowed Foster, and now—a senior at Shorecliffs High-school—she seeks the wallflower’s existence, denying herself the most casual of friendships, much too afraid that someone will see what Foster believes is certain: she does not belong anywhere – or with anyone. This reality would continue to suit her just fine, however . . .

Love has a long-standing history of undoing broken hearts.

Like a comet, an unexpected arrival knocks Foster out of the crowded, starry sky, sending her directly into the limelight. Exposed and afraid, she will attempt to regain anonymity; but it isn’t so easy now that someone is watching. He pursues this shy enigma, confronting Foster’s deepest fears head-on, and in the process falls wholly and completely in love with her. But there is something he is not saying; a secret capable of certain ruin. There are two probable outcomes: either he will break her heart once and for all, or he will heal it.

In the end, though, it is Foster who must decide if she is worth mending.

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2 reviews
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5.0
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5.0(2)
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5.0(2)
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5.0(2)
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Depth and Originality
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5.0
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Absolutely recommended.
Good Points
* Review written by: Kristin Yuki via Goodreads

Nowadays, I always feel a slight thrill upon picking up a contemporary young adult novel. In a market abound with post-apocalyptic worlds and survivalist female archetypes (not that I'm complaining, mind), there's always that potential of originality afforded to those on the contemporary end of the spectrum. And that is exactly the word I think best sums up Awakening Foster Kelly: original.

Just a few pages into the novel, we learn Foster Kelly is not your typical high-school student. She's introspective and kind, but ultimately an outcast due to a social neurosis I think all but the most extroverted person can relate to. Not only does this affliction help in immediately separating Foster's voice from her YA counterparts, but the depths at which this character is explored transcends the page beautifully. (At one point I was crying and hadn't even realized it because I was so engrossed in Foster's story.)

Not to imply this character-driven novel is lacking in plot – the relationship between Foster and mysterious new kid Dominic unfolds deliciously, and also happens to parallel some pre-tty mysterious happenings. Fantastical little bits rationed out in such tiny doses, you *will* be turning the pages at a frenzied pace while over-analyzing every detail left behind in search of the breadcrumb trail. But be warned: This is not a book to be read in one sitting, and I think the pacing more than suits both Foster's voice and journey throughout. In fact, Foster's gradual growth as she navigates her way through high-school, first love, and life at seventeen is, in the end, satisfyingly inspiring. So much so, my past teenage self couldn't help but feel the nudge to fear less and risk more, too.

Awakening Foster Kelly is the hugely ambitious debut novel of Cara Rosalie Olsen, and a highly recommended read for fans of Dianna Gabaldon's descriptive writing - or simply anyone looking for a substantial character to befriend.
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Brilliant Characters
(Updated: July 21, 2013)
Overall rating
 
5.0
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Highly recommended.
Good Points
* Review written by: Shannon Moreno, via Amazon & Goodreads

Awakening Foster Kelly, by Cara Rosalie Olsen, is a wonderful and captivating read. Her characters are well-developed in such a way, that it is easy to see some of oneself in at least one of the cast. Not only are the characters brilliantly brought forth, but the story is full of twists and turns that keep one guessing as the story continues to unfold. Not only is it a sweet and tender story of first love, but one of healing and reconciliation, kindness and compassion that is extended throughout the read. I actually delayed reading the final chapter for a few hours, as I found myself longing for the story not to end... Brilliant. Beautiful. A highly recommended read!

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