Quick Take

What would you do if your Mormon stepfather pinned you down and tried to cast Satan out of you? For thirteen-year-old Ingrid, the answer is simple: RUN.Ingrid Ricks grew up in a dysfunctional Mormon family with an absent, freewheeling dad and an intensely religious mother who was desperate to ensure her family's eternal salvation. For years she yearned to escape the suffocating religion and poverty at home by joining her dad on the road as tool-selling vagabond. When her parents divorce and her mother marries Earl--a cruel authoritarian who exploits his Church-ordained priesthood powers to oppress her family--she finally gets her wish. At age thirteen, Ingrid begins spending her summers hustling tools throughout the Midwest with her dad and his slimy, revolving sales crew. He becomes her lifeline and escape from Earl. But when her dad is arrested, she learns the lesson that will change her life: she can't look to others to save her; she has to save herself.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Hippie Boy: A Girl's Story

Introduction

"Hippie Boy: A Girl's Story" by Ingrid Ricks is a captivating memoir that delves into the life of a young girl growing up in a dysfunctional Mormon family. The book explores themes of religion, poverty, and the struggle to find one's own path. In this article, we will delve into the author's background, analyze the views of readers, and provide reasons for both recommending and not recommending this book.

About Ingrid Ricks

Ingrid Ricks is a Seattle-based journalist, author, and teen mentor who leverages the new world of digital publishing to give teens a voice. With her New York Times bestselling debut memoir, "Hippie Boy: A Girl's Story," she has gained a significant following. In addition to her writing, Ricks is involved in various projects, including co-launching WeAreAbsolutelyNotOkay.org, a nationally recognized mentoring/publishing program that empowers teens to express themselves through writing.

Analysis of Views

Honesty and Authenticity: Readers appreciate the author's honesty and the authentic voice of the protagonist, Ingrid. They feel connected to her emotions and experiences, which make the story relatable and engaging.
Portrayal of Religion: While some readers assume that the author is attacking an entire faith, many acknowledge that she does not make all people of the Mormon or LDS faith monsters or zealots. Instead, she highlights how some individuals use religion to manipulate and control others. Ingrid's disgusting stepfather exemplifies this manipulation, while her mother's well-meaning but misguided faith is also explored.
Coming-of-Age Story: The book resonates with readers who have experienced coming-of-age struggles. It encourages readers to make their own choices and find strength within themselves to face challenges. The storyline captivates readers with its moments of joy, disappointment, and growth.
Engaging Writing Style: Ingrid Ricks' writing style is praised for its accessibility and ability to transport readers into the story. The book is described as easy to read, in-the-moment, and emotionally resonant. Readers feel they are experiencing Ingrid's struggles alongside her due to her vivid descriptions and emotional honesty.
Representation and Diversity: Some readers appreciate the representation of different perspectives and experiences within the book. They find it refreshing to read about characters from diverse backgrounds and appreciate the exploration of different cultures and beliefs.

Reasons for Recommendation

Honest Portrayal of Personal Struggles: Readers recommend "Hippie Boy: A Girl's Story" for its honest portrayal of personal struggles and the resilience of the protagonist. The book provides a relatable narrative that resonates with readers who have faced similar challenges.
Engaging Writing Style: The book's engaging writing style keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Ingrid's ability to transport readers into her world through vivid descriptions and emotional honesty is highly praised by readers.
Empowerment and Inspiration: The book offers a powerful message of empowerment and inspiration to readers. It encourages them to find their own voice and strength within themselves to overcome obstacles and make their dreams come true. This message resonates with readers looking for motivation and inspiration in their lives.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Slow Pacing: Some readers find the book's pacing slow and repetitive, which may detract from their enjoyment of the story. They feel that certain parts could be condensed or revised for a more engaging reading experience.
Negative Portrayal of Religion: A few readers express concerns about the negative portrayal of religion in the book. They believe that the author generalizes individuals within a particular faith, which may perpetuate stereotypes and misunderstandings about religious beliefs. Some readers prefer books that present a more balanced view of faith and spirituality.

Conclusion

"Hippie Boy: A Girl's Story" by Ingrid Ricks is a compelling memoir that explores themes of religion, poverty, and personal growth. Readers appreciate the author's honesty, authentic voice, and engaging writing style. While some readers find the book slow-paced or have concerns about the negative portrayal of religion, overall, "Hippie Boy" offers a relatable narrative that resonates with readers seeking empowerment and inspiration in their own lives.