THE COUNTRY OF ICE CREAM STAR

by Sandra Newman
 
Every once in a while you begin a book and right away you know you are in for something special.  Ice Cream Star is one of those books and delivers on its early promise right through the entire, epic story.
 
Set in the dystopian future Northeast of America, most of the world’s population has been wiped out by a disease that continues to kill survivors as soon as they reach the age of 18.  Society is therefore made up entirely of those under 18, and the communities of what was formerly Massachusetts (now the Massa Woods) fight for scarce resources and political power. Ice Cream (the protagonist), through both choices and happenstance, begins an incredible journey that kept me reading late into the night for weeks.
 
What I find so astonishing about this book, in addition to its twisty-turny plot, is that Newman has imagined how language might evolve in the future, and the entire book is written in not-quite-English.  It took me a few chapters to feel really comfortable. But once I did, it enhanced my immersion in the book that much more.
 
My only caveat in recommending Ice Cream Star as my favorite book of the year so far, is that if you tend to get frustrated with not knowing exactly what each sentence means, this might not be the book for you.  But if you like a dystopian puzzle with action, romance and politics, read Ice Cream Star now! (Lily)