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Oct 21, 2017samcmar rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
It upsets me how much this book isn't being talked about. This is one of those contemporary gems that has no buzz behind it, and it's just such a genuine and thoughtful read. Speed of Life is about two twin sisters who share everything, are dirt poor, and are looking to get out of their backwater town and make real lives for themselves and the child that one of them has had out of wedlock. While this doesn't sound like the most original plot line, there is something so engaging about the way in which Kelly shares this story. What I loved about this novel is Crystal's narrative. She's very thoughtful, has a huge sense of pride in herself and her abilities as a mechanic, and she wants to be able to rescue herself, her sister, and the baby they are raising from the poverty that they face. I love the way the author establishes the sister's relationship to both each other and their friends and family. The writing and looking at the world through Crystal's eyes are just so vivid. She has aspirations, she has goals, and she hopes that Amber will share those goals with her. When the fall out in the story occurs, it just really broke my heart into several pieces because I just connected so deeply with the sisters conflict, despite not having experienced it personally. I think the author does such a great job of sucking the reader into the story and making the reader connect with the girls and connect with their story. I think what I also loved about Speed of Life is that there is such a larger mystery going on with who is Natalie's parents, why are the girls caring for her, and I think Kelly does an amazing job keeping the reader looking for these answers. I wish more folks would read this wonderful novel, especially those who love contemporary. Speed of Life is raw, heartfelt, and it asks the reader to open themselves up to a situation that is just so emotionally exhausting. I hope when this novel releases that more readers consider checking this one out. Everything about it just left me emotionally drained in the best kind of way.