Invisible Ellen

 Invisible Ellen is a novel written by Shari Shattuck. Ellen is the main character. She is basically a broken person due to abuse, neglect, and growing up in the foster care program. She tries to be invisible because she doesn't want interaction. Ellen is 23 and lives alone in an apartment building in a scary part of Baltimore. She observes her neighbors and keeps notes on their activities. Ellen works the overnight shift at a Costco on the cleaning crew. She has no friends, no family and no one to talk to. One morning she takes the bus home from work when a blind woman sits next to her on the bus. When Ellen observes two muggers about to take the blind woman's bag, Ellen intervenes and wins the friendship of Temerity. Temerity transforms Ellen's life. The story is poignant, funny, and sad. I enjoyed this quick story about the power of friendship.