Sam Carrier used to be "normal" until the the jerking and twitching began. Then, not only did Sam's life change but the way people reacted to him began to change as well. His abusive stepfather, Old Bill, (who has some issues himself) is always ready to make Sam feel worse about having Tourette's by bashing on Sam's father. You see, Sam's father also had Tourette's. The only thing his father gave him before he died.
Running is Sam's release. He loves running and is really good at it but Bill would never allow him to "waste" time after school so he can't try out for the track team. One day as Sam is running home from school he meets another runner on the path. Naomi becomes very significant to Sam as the story progresses. Another key character is an old "coot" named George. It is through George's persistence and kindness that Sam learns about himself and the true story of his family.
I really enjoyed this story. I was somewhat surprised to learn that the author, Jonathan Friesen, has Tourette's Syndrome but you could tell from the writing that he was speaking from his heart. The emotions that Sam expresses are very real.
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