This fall, the film festival circuit will be introduced to the indomitable Luli McMullen in Hick, the new film made from the acclaimed novel by Andrea Portes, who also adapted the screenplay. The film--directed by Derick Martini--stars Chlo euml; Grace Moretz, Blake Lively and Eddie Redmayne and features Rory Culkin, Anson Mount, Juliette Lewis and Alec Baldwin in supporting roles. Hick is the story of Luli (Moretz), a bright kid from a hick town who's had enough and strikes out on her own with some "borrowed" cash, a .45 and her wits. On the road, Luli is taken under the wing of a glamorous young grifter named Glenda (Lively), who has experienced worlds barely imaginable to Luli. As the two make their way across the American landscape, they encounter a captivating and dangerous young man named Eddie Kreezer (Redmayne), a disturbing criminal subculture, and some hard truths about what it means to be a young woman on the run, grasping at a future. Hick the movie is produced by Lighthouse Entertainment and Taylor Lane Productions, with Stone River Productions serving as executive producer. Though its first-person narrating voice is fast-paced, powerful and unquestionably authentic, Hick is a debut novel. Beyond this voice, what makes the book so extraordinary is that, although all of the worst things imaginable do befall this 13-year-old girl, she is never defeated by them. Luli always fights back; she always resurfaces. Set as a coming-of-age novel, Hick tracks the real perils that modern teenagers so often face. And it does so with bright wit, energy, and an indomitable spirit. This is a book that will grab the reader from the first page and not let go. And it is written by a woman who is becoming a cultural force in the hippest parts of Los Angeles.
i read about 6 - 12 novels per month depending on how many authors i need to interview....and then there are those precious moments when i can read a couple of novels for pleasure. i was contacted by the publicist and sent this novel. i agreed to interview andrea, but only skimmed the synopsis of the book before agreeing to the interview since i like to read the book a couple of days before interviews to have it fresh in my mind. the book completely blew me away. i'm so happy i wasn't too cool for school and blew off the interview or i never would've read this book. it's the best novel i've read this year. i don't want to give any storyline away, but the voice of the pubescent female is nailed. flawless. it reads poetic, almost like a song. i finished my novel where the narrator is a pubescent boy, and there were passages in here so amazing i seethed with jealousy for not thinking of them first. do not not read this book. this is a spectacular debut.
What a Great Debut
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I loved this book. It's dark and gives you a lot to think about, even months after finishing it. Portes is a gifted writer and I can't wait to read more. Perfect for book groups--that is, book groups who like darker reads. If you like Virgin Suicides (the book, not the movie), read "Hick."
The Fast Track to the Adult World
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
There probably was a time in the U.S. when parents read books to their kids at night; a time when people really cared about their neighbors and children said their prayers before bed. Luli is America gone wrong personified; hanging in there, but the thread is getting weaker everyday. Hick is the coming of age novel for our twisted times and is a spirited read. Jeffrey Tipton
Powerful
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
This is a novel you can't put down. It drives you to follow it even when you can no longer breathe. The resonance of Luli's voice will take you by surprise, the world she describes seen through her eyes darkly yet steely with wit. Luli will set up camp in your heart. A mirror for our times. A tragic, courageous and indomitable pursuit of the America just on the other side.
Bright Beguiling Sharp Shiny
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I'm about to read this black diamond of a novel again. However, my first review stands: James Joyce meets Toni Morrison meets Charles Bukowski meets Dorothy Allison meets Hubert Selby Jr. meets Will Self meets Andrea Portes. They all rumble in a dark alley and something wonderful stalks out.
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