An overview of
The Country of Ice Cream Star
by Sandra Newman
2.Eccoa
a.2015
The Country of Ice Cream Star summarized (in two sentences or less)
The Country of Ice Cream Star is set in a post-apocalyptic America where a mysterious disease kills people before they reach 20. The story follows 15-year-old Ice Cream Star as she embarks on a dangerous quest to find a cure and save her community.
The Country of Ice Cream Star Trivia and/or (Un)fun Facts
Sandra Newman spent about a decade crafting the unique dialect in which the book is written. She mixed elements of Russian, French, and African American Vernacular English to create this one-of-a-kind linguistic
Why The Country of Ice Cream Star Is Challenging
The characters speak in a unique, almost poetic dialect that's a blend of various languages and slang. It's like stepping into a linguistic wonderland that's both disorienting and captivating. Plus, the society they've built in this dystopian world is a wild mix of the familiar and the utterly strange.
The book's unique dialect is both its charm and its challenge. It's like learning a new language while you read, and that can slow you down. Plus, the narrative dives into complex themes like power, morality, and survival, so it's not exactly a breezy beach read. But hey, if you're up for a rewarding workout, this book's got you covered!
Why The Country of Ice Cream Star Is Worth Reading
Unique Language: It's not just a story; it's a linguistic experience. You'll come out with a new appreciation for the power of language.
Complex Characters: Ice Cream Star is a badass, multi-dimensional protagonist. You'll be rooting for her from page one.
Thought-Provoking Themes: We're talking survival, morality, power dynamics—the heavy hitters. It'll give your brain a good workout.
World-Building: The post-apocalyptic setting is hauntingly vivid. It's like stepping into another universe.
Emotional Depth: This isn't a surface-level read; it digs deep. You'll find yourself emotionally invested, and that's the hallmark of a great book.
Who The Country of Ice Cream Star Is For
Language Lovers: If you get a kick out of wordplay, dialects, and linguistic gymnastics, you're in for a treat.
Dystopia Enthusiasts: Fans of post-apocalyptic worlds—think "The Road" or "Station Eleven"—will find this right up their alley.
Deep Thinkers: If you love to chew on complex themes like morality, survival, and societal structures, this book will be your intellectual playground.
Adventure Seekers: The plot is a rollercoaster of danger, quests, and unexpected twists. If you love a good adventure, buckle up!
Character-Driven Readers: If you're all about strong, multi-faceted characters, you'll fall head over heels for Ice Cream Star.
Challenge Chasers: If you're the type who loves a book that makes you work for it, this one's got your name written all over it.
How to Read The Country of Ice Cream Star
Patience is Key: The dialect is a heavy lift, but stick with it. Once it starts to click, (and it will,) the book becomes something very special.
Context Clues: Use the surrounding words and situations to decipher unfamiliar terms. It's like one of those puzzles that has the same pattern printed on both sides. And who doesn't love puzzles?
Take Notes: Jot down characters, themes, or phrases that catch your eye. Trust me, you'll want to remember these nuggets later.
Small Bites: Don't try to binge-read this one. Savor it in smaller chunks to really digest the language and themes.
Discussion Questions about The Country of Ice Cream Star
The Country of Ice Cream Star Research Prompts for Postdocs:
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Linguistic Anthropology: How does the unique dialect in the book serve as a cultural artifact, reflecting the society's history, values, and social structures?
Bioethics and Population Control: The book delves into the ethics of controlling population through disease. How does this intersect with current debates on bioethics?
Feminist Theory: Ice Cream Star is a female leader in a male-dominated world. How does her character challenge or reinforce traditional gender roles and expectations?
Post-Colonialism: The book is set in a post-apocalyptic America. How does it engage with themes of colonialism, especially considering the diverse linguistic elements?
Narrative Structure and Reality: The story is told from Ice Cream Star's perspective. How does her subjective reality shape our understanding of the world she inhabits?
Social Contract Theory: In a world without established governments, what forms of social contracts emerge among the characters, and how do these compare to classic political and/or social contract theories, like those of Hobbes, Locke, or Rousseau?
The Role of Mythology: The characters in the book have a unique set of myths and legends. How do these serve as coping mechanisms or explanatory models for their harsh reality?
Environmental Ethics: The setting is post-apocalyptic, presumably after environmental collapse. How does the book engage with current discussions on environmental responsibility?
Power Dynamics: How does the book explore the dynamics of power in a society where traditional structures have collapsed?
Metafictional Elements: Are there moments where the book seems self-aware of its own storytelling mechanisms, and if so, how does this affect your reading experience?
The Country of Ice Cream Star Conversation Starters for Normal People:
- Language and Identity: How does the unique dialect shape your understanding of the characters and their community?
Moral Dilemmas: What ethical questions does the book raise about survival and leadership? How do characters navigate these?
Gender Roles: How does Ice Cream Star challenge or conform to traditional gender roles in her society?
Social Structure: What does the book reveal about the social hierarchies and norms in a post-apocalyptic world?
Nature vs. Nurture: How do the characters' environments shape their personalities and choices?
Themes of Power: How is power distributed in this society, and what does this say about human nature?
Narrative Perspective: How does the first-person narration impact your engagement with the story and characters?
Cultural References: Are there any cultural or historical references that stand out, and what do they add to the story?
Emotional Impact: How does the book make you feel, and how do those emotions drive your interpretation of the story?
Literary Influences: Can you identify any literary traditions or genres that the book draws from or subverts?
Questions about The Country of Ice Cream Star that you can ask your dog:
- Finding Medicine: Ice Cream Star goes on a big adventure to find medicine for her sick brother. Have you ever gone on an adventure to help someone you love?
Leader of the Pack: Ice Cream Star is the leader of her friends. What would you do if you were the leader of your friends for a day?
New Words: Ice Cream Star and her friends talk in a special way with funny words. Do you have any funny words you like to say with your friends?
The Most Amusing The Country of Ice Cream Star Review I Can Find
You'll like this if you're racist and you don't know it, like the author obviously is. Otherwise, she's skilled.
★★☆☆☆
—Shereen Zaky via Goodreads
—Shereen Zaky via Goodreads