Imagine living with an undiagnosed illness that causes violent outbursts, uncontrollable tics and your eyes to pop right out of your sockets. Icy Sparks, the protagonist of Gwyn Hyman Rubio's novel by the same name, doesn't have to imagine. For her that is reality. Rubio transports you into Kentucky in the 1950's where you become acquainted with the troubled Icy, her beloved grandparents (nicknamed Matanni and Patanni) and Icy's obese friend, Miss Emily. Since Miss Emily is quite different than the rest of the town, she and Icy become friends straight away. Soon after the uncontrollable tics and eye popping begin, Icy finds comfort in Miss Emily's arms. The children at school are fearful of Icy, and this fear soon turns to torment.
After Icy is secluded by the teachers and staff at her school from the rest of the students, she is sent off to a school for children with mental disabilities. At first she is afraid, but Icy soon gains compassion for the children, knowing they too can't help themselves. Here she gains many friends, all different from her but with a deep rooted similarity - they all have problems that make them outsiders to the rest of the world.
After Icy leaves the school and returns home her life endures many changes. She believes she's fallen in love, her relationship with her grandparents grows stronger, and Icy grows up. As an adult, she is diagnosed formally with Tourettes Syndrome, the ailment that undefined, led to her alienation.
Narrated by an adult Icy, this story is not only emotional and heart wrenching, it is one that educated in respect and compassion. I highly recommend it to everyone. Happy reading!
