Review Detail

* 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.