“I’m not a kid anymore. I’m a hick. I’m a small-town girl who knows what’s up.”
— Luli reflects on her identity and experiences early in her journey.
Archivist's Choice
Hick
Andrea Portes (2007)
Genre
Literary Fiction / Thriller / Young Adult
Reading Time
350 min
Key Themes
See below
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Thirteen-year-old Luli, a quick-witted runaway, plunges into the perilous heart of American rootlessness, navigating a treacherous road trip west with a violent drifter and a fading grifter, as she grapples with her developing sexuality and the brutal realities of survival.
Synopsis
Thirteen-year-old Luli McMullen, a shrewd and street-smart girl, flees her desolate Nebraska life, dreaming of a new start and a sugar daddy in Las Vegas. Her journey westward quickly connects her with Eddie Kreezer, a volatile and obsessive drifter, and Glenda, a fading but alluring grifter. As they traverse America, Luli becomes a pawn in Eddie and Glenda's manipulative games, experiencing a harsh introduction to the underbelly of society, populated by an array of eccentric and dangerous characters. Luli navigates a world of rootlessness and exploitation, confronting her developing sexual curiosity and the perilous realities of her independence. The narrative builds to a tense climax involving Eddie's escalating violence and Glenda's betrayal, leaving Luli to face an uncertain future, forever changed by her harrowing odyssey.
Reading time
350 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Gritty, Dark, Desperate, Unflinching, Road Trip
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy raw, gritty coming-of-age stories with a strong, resilient female protagonist and a dark, picaresque journey.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer lighthearted reads, are sensitive to themes of child endangerment and sexual exploitation, or dislike morally ambiguous characters.
Plot Summary
Leaving the Nebraska Dust
Luli McMullen, a precocious and observant thirteen-year-old, lives in a small, desolate Nebraska town with her alcoholic mother, Tammy, and largely absent father. Feeling suffocated by the bleakness and constant neglect, and armed with a romanticized vision of Las Vegas as a place of escape and opportunity, Luli decides to run away. She packs a small bag, leaves a note for her mother, and begins hitchhiking west. Her initial encounters on the road are a mix of strange and unsettling, immediately exposing her to the dangers and unpredictable nature of life outside her sheltered, if dysfunctional, home. She quickly learns to use her charm and wit to navigate these early, precarious situations, a skill that will prove vital on her journey.
The First Ride with Eddie Kreezer
While hitchhiking, Luli is picked up by Eddie Kreezer, a man in his late twenties with a noticeable limp and a volatile temper. Eddie is initially charming and offers Luli food and a place to stay in his dilapidated motel room. Despite his unsettling intensity and the undercurrent of danger he projects, Luli feels a strange sense of security with him, a stark contrast to the emotional neglect she experienced at home. Eddie's possessiveness quickly becomes apparent as he begins to control her movements and interactions, establishing a complex and disturbing dynamic between them that veers between paternalistic care and menacing control. Luli, ever resourceful, tries to understand his motivations and navigate his unpredictable moods.
Meeting Glenda and the Love Triangle
Eddie and Luli eventually pick up Glenda, a beautiful, older woman with a captivating but weary allure. Glenda is a grifter, skilled in manipulation and survival, and immediately recognizes the precariousness of Luli's situation with Eddie. A complex and toxic love triangle quickly forms. Eddie is obsessed with Glenda, who, in turn, uses her charm to manipulate Eddie while also forming a complicated, almost maternal, bond with Luli. Glenda offers Luli a different kind of companionship and a glimpse into a more sophisticated, if equally dangerous, way of life. Luli finds herself caught between Eddie's possessive control and Glenda's unpredictable guidance, forcing her to mature rapidly.
On the Road: Vignettes of American Rootlessness
As the trio continues their westward trek, Luli is exposed to transient characters and seedy environments: rundown motels, dive bars, and isolated desert outposts. They encounter drug addicts, small-time criminals, and disillusioned wanderers. Each interaction further strips away Luli's naiveté. She witnesses petty crimes, drug use, and the desperate struggles of those living on the fringes of society. These experiences, while often frightening, are also a harsh education, forcing Luli to develop her street smarts and harden her emotional shell. She learns to observe, adapt, and protect herself in a world that offers little in the way of safety or stability.
The Growing Tension and Eddie's Volatility
Eddie's erratic behavior grows more pronounced and violent, fueled by his jealousy over Glenda and his desire to control both women. His emotional outbursts and physical aggression become a constant threat, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Luli witnesses Eddie's capacity for cruelty firsthand, and the bond she initially felt with him begins to fray, replaced by a growing sense of dread. Glenda, despite her own manipulation of Eddie, also becomes a target of his rage, highlighting the dangerous trap they are all caught in. Luli realizes she must find a way to escape this increasingly perilous situation, not just for herself but potentially for Glenda too.
Luli's Awakening and Sexual Curiosity
Throughout her journey, Luli becomes acutely aware of her developing body and the way she is perceived by men. Her youthful appearance and developing sexuality make her a target for unwanted attention and predatory advances. She experiences a complex mix of fear, curiosity, and a naive attempt to wield her own power. These encounters, while often disturbing, also contribute to her rapid maturation and understanding of the world's harsh realities. She learns to navigate the power dynamics of gender and desire, often using her wit and charm as a defense mechanism, but also recognizing the inherent vulnerability of her position.
Glenda's Betrayal and the Abandonment
In a moment of desperation and self-preservation, Glenda makes a decision that leaves Luli behind. Whether it is to escape Eddie's clutches herself or to protect Luli in some misguided way, her actions effectively abandon Luli, forcing the young girl to confront the harsh reality of her isolation. This betrayal is a significant turning point for Luli, shattering any remaining illusions of a stable support system and deepening her cynicism about human relationships. It reinforces the lesson that she must rely solely on herself for survival, pushing her further into a world where trust is a luxury she cannot afford.
Luli Alone and the Libertarian
After Glenda's departure, Luli is left to fend for herself, her journey becoming even more precarious. She continues hitchhiking, relying on her wits and growing resilience. During this period, she encounters a kind but eccentric Libertarian man named Lloyd and his dog, Karl. Lloyd offers Luli temporary respite and a glimpse of a different, if unconventional, way of life. His philosophical ramblings and a sense of benign detachment provide a brief, almost surreal, break from the constant danger she has been experiencing. This interlude, while fleeting, offers Luli a moment of reflection and a chance to process some of the trauma she has endured.
The Return of Eddie Kreezer
Just when Luli believes she might be free, Eddie Kreezer re-enters her life, his obsession with her undiminished and his volatility heightened. His reappearance brings with it a renewed sense of terror and the realization that she cannot truly escape him until their conflict is resolved. The chase becomes more desperate, and Luli understands that she is in a fight for her life and her freedom. This final confrontation pushes Luli to her absolute limits, forcing her to tap into reserves of courage and cunning she didn't know she possessed. The stakes are higher than ever, and Luli must make a definitive stand.
The Climax and Resolution
The narrative culminates in a violent and harrowing confrontation between Luli and Eddie. Driven by desperation and a fierce will to survive, Luli uses all her intelligence and street smarts to outwit and ultimately escape her tormentor. The exact details of the resolution are brutal and definitive, marking the end of Eddie's threat to her life. This climactic event is a traumatic but ultimately empowering moment for Luli, signifying her liberation from his control and a profound shift in her understanding of her own agency. She emerges from the ordeal forever changed, but undeniably stronger and more self-reliant.
Aftermath and Uncertain Future
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Luli is left to process the traumatic events and their profound impact. She is no longer the naive girl who left Nebraska, but a hardened, resilient survivor. While the dream of Las Vegas may have faded or transformed, Luli has gained something far more valuable: a deep understanding of herself and her capacity for survival. The ending leaves her future open-ended, suggesting that while she has escaped immediate danger, her journey of self-discovery and navigating the complexities of her world is far from over. She faces the road ahead with a new sense of independence, forged in fire.
Principal Figures
Luli McMullen
The Protagonist
Luli transforms from a naive, dreaming girl into a hardened, self-reliant survivor who understands the harsh realities of the world and her own inner strength.
Eddie Kreezer
The Antagonist
Eddie remains a static character, his violent and obsessive nature escalating until his ultimate defeat.
Glenda
The Supporting
Glenda's arc involves her struggle to escape Eddie's control, culminating in her choice to abandon Luli for her own survival.
Tammy McMullen
The Supporting (mentioned)
Tammy's character is static, serving as the initial catalyst for Luli's escape.
Lloyd
The Supporting
Lloyd's character is static, providing a temporary safe haven and a moment of philosophical reflection for Luli.
Karl
The Mentioned
Karl is a static character, serving as a companion for Lloyd and a brief source of comfort for Luli.
Themes & Insights
Loss of Innocence / Coming-of-Age
The novel charts Luli's rapid and brutal transition from childhood to a grim understanding of adulthood. Her journey exposes her to the darkest aspects of human nature, forcing her to shed her naiveté and romanticized notions of the world. Each encounter, from the neglect of her parents to the predatory advances of strangers and the violence of Eddie, strips away a layer of innocence, replacing it with cynicism, resilience, and a profound self-awareness. This theme is central to Luli's development, as she learns to navigate danger and rely solely on her own wits for survival, fundamentally reshaping her identity.
““I was thirteen years old, and I was already an expert at being alone.””
American Rootlessness and the Underbelly of Society
The narrative explores the transient and often desperate lives of those living on the fringes of American society. Luli's journey takes her through a landscape populated by drifters, addicts, grifters, and small-time criminals, revealing a forgotten or ignored segment of the population. The constant movement, the lack of stable homes, and the reliance on fleeting connections highlight a pervasive sense of displacement and hopelessness. The broken roads and rundown motels are symbolic of a society that has left many behind, forcing them into a precarious existence outside conventional norms.
““The whole world was just a bunch of people looking for a place to land.””
Survival and Resilience
At its core, 'Hick' is a story of Luli's unwavering will to survive against overwhelming odds. Despite her young age and the constant threats she faces, Luli consistently shows remarkable resilience, adapting to dangerous situations and finding ways to protect herself. Her quick wit, sharp observations, and innate street smarts are her primary tools for survival. This theme is evident in her ability to endure Eddie's abuse, Glenda's betrayal, and the general harshness of the road, ultimately leading her to confront her tormentor and emerge, though scarred, still standing.
““I was a weed, and I was going to grow wherever I was planted.””
The Power and Peril of Sexuality
The novel explores Luli's developing sexuality and the complex ways it impacts her journey. As she develops, she becomes acutely aware of her attractiveness and the predatory gaze of men, which is both a source of danger and, at times, a tool she attempts to wield for her own survival. The story explores the vulnerability of young women in a world where their sexuality can be exploited, but also Luli's nascent understanding of her own power within these dynamics. It highlights the fine line between attraction and danger, and the difficult lessons she learns about trust and self-preservation in the face of unwanted attention.
““Beauty was a weapon, and it could cut you just as easily as it could protect you.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Picaresque Narrative
A episodic journey following a roguish protagonist through a series of adventures.
The novel employs a picaresque structure, with Luli, the 'picara,' embarking on an episodic journey across the American landscape. Each encounter with new characters and situations, though often dangerous, serves to advance her understanding of the world and herself. This structure allows for a broad exploration of different societal fringes and character types, emphasizing Luli's resilience and adaptability as she navigates a series of disconnected, yet cumulatively impactful, 'adventures' on her quest for survival and a better life. It highlights the episodic nature of her transient existence.
First-Person Narration (Luli's Voice)
The story is told entirely through the perspective and voice of Luli McMullen.
The use of first-person narration allows the reader direct access to Luli's precocious mind, her cynical wit, and her raw emotional experiences. Her unique voice, characterized by its blend of innocence and street smarts, shapes the entire narrative. This device creates a strong sense of intimacy and immediacy, immersing the reader in her harrowing journey and making her struggles and triumphs deeply personal. It also emphasizes her subjective interpretation of events, allowing the reader to experience the world through her unvarnished, often darkly humorous, perspective.
Symbolism of Las Vegas
Las Vegas represents a mythical, unattainable dream of escape and opportunity.
Las Vegas serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel, initially representing Luli's idealized vision of escape, wealth, and a better life. It is her North Star, a glittering mirage of hope in her bleak existence. However, as her journey progresses and she experiences the harsh realities of the road, the dream of Las Vegas gradually transforms. It becomes less about a specific destination and more about the abstract concept of freedom and self-determination. The city symbolizes the elusive nature of 'the American Dream' for those on the margins, and how that dream can be corrupted or redefined by experience.
The Road as a Metaphor
The physical journey on the road symbolizes Luli's journey of self-discovery and maturation.
The literal journey Luli undertakes, constantly moving from one place to another, functions as a potent metaphor for her internal journey of growth and self-discovery. Each mile traveled, each new town, and each encounter on the road contributes to her education and the shedding of her innocence. The unpredictable and dangerous nature of the road mirrors the uncharted territory of her own coming-of-age, forcing her to confront harsh realities and forge her identity. The 'broken roads' she travels symbolize the fractured and uncertain path of her life.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“The world was a big, dangerous place. And I was just a little girl with a big mouth and a pretty face.”
— Luli muses on her vulnerability and perceived assets in a harsh environment.
“Sometimes you just gotta run. Run as fast as you can, and don't look back.”
— Luli's philosophy on escaping difficult situations.
“It’s funny how you can miss someone you never even really knew.”
— Luli contemplates her feelings about her absent mother.
“Being pretty is a curse sometimes. People see what they want to see, not what you are.”
— Luli reflects on the downsides of her physical appearance and how it influences others' perceptions.
“You don't get to choose your family, but you do get to choose who you let into your heart.”
— Luli considers the nature of chosen family amidst her dysfunctional background.
“Fear is a funny thing. It can make you do things you never thought you’d do, or it can freeze you solid.”
— Luli experiences the paralyzing and motivating effects of fear.
“There are some people who are just broken. And no matter how much you try, you can't fix them.”
— Luli's realization about certain individuals she encounters, particularly relating to Eddie.
“Hope is a dangerous thing. It can make you believe in things that aren't real.”
— Luli expresses a cynical view on hope after repeated disappointments.
“Sometimes the only way to get through something is to pretend it's not happening.”
— Luli's coping mechanism for dealing with traumatic events.
“You gotta be tough in this world, or it'll chew you up and spit you out.”
— A harsh lesson Luli learns about the necessity of resilience.
“I wasn't looking for trouble, but trouble always seemed to find me.”
— Luli's recurring experience with unfortunate circumstances.
“The only thing worse than being alone is being with someone who makes you feel alone.”
— Luli's reflection on the quality of companionship and emotional isolation.
“Every time I thought I was safe, something else would happen. Like the world just didn't want me to be.”
— Luli's persistent struggle to find security and peace.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The novel centers on 13-year-old Luli McMullen, who, disillusioned with her small-town life, runs away from home to seek a sugar daddy in Las Vegas. Her journey westward quickly devolves into a perilous road trip as she encounters dangerous individuals who vie for control over her.
