UpSpark is a new inspirational fiction novel geared toward young adults or anyone looking to develop a sunnier outlook. Enya, 18, gets some terrible, but not entirely unexpected news; she inherited her dad’s Huntington’s. The diagnosis is not an immediate death sentence, but more like a slow miserable demise that steals your independence and dignity one day at a time. In the face of such grave news, Enya goes through all the expected stages of grief. The story spans years of her unique life and details her lows and her highs. The inspiration comes as Enya comes to terms with the hand she’s been dealt. With the help of some supportive friends, she gains perspective. With that perspective, she also gains an extraordinary gift. This gift, as much as the Huntington’s, dramatically changes the course of Enya’s life.
Enya is not your typical superhero. Her ability to see visions is pretty low-key. She doesn’t want a flashy life or fame, and her modesty is charming. She decides early on that, “Happiness doesn’t start with the environment, it starts with me. I have to choose to be happy.” This highly introspective novel will cause you to take a step back and look at what’s really important. Via some complex characters with their own unique set of obstacles, Nicole Wells has crafted an inclusive novel that deals with some hard-hitting issues. The sensitivity is obvious, exploring the raw emotions surrounding coming out in a religiously devout family, and in dealing with the process of Native Americans being adopted into non-Native families. UpSpark is an elegant character-driven drama that will make you sob and smile, but mostly it will instill a sense of gratitude for whatever time we have.
