“A soft-spoken yet resounding reminder of the power plays tied to religion… Ricks’ voice is true, and her prose has a poised confidence missing from the repertoires of many established authors.” Booklist Magazine

What would you do if your Mormon stepdad pinned you down and tried to cast Satan out of you? For thirteen-year-old Ingrid, the answer is simple: RUN.
Hippie Boy: A Girl’s Story is a gripping memoir about a feisty teenage girl who escapes her abusive Mormon stepfather and suffocating religious home life by joining her dad on the road as a tool-selling vagabond – until his arrest forces her to take charge of her life.

What Others are Saying:

• “Ingrid Ricks has shined a light on American Mormonism no less important than the light Kathryn Stockett shined on the degradation of black maids in “The Help.” Hippie Boy” is for anyone who has ever felt left out, alone, bereft, bewildered, betrayed…in other words, everyone.” —  Libby Maxey , Pastor, Tennessee
• “When Ingrid describes life on the road with Dad, I was reminded of a movie I saw in the 80’s staring Ryan O’Neil and his daughter Tatum O’Neil called “Paper Moon”…I would recommend this book to anyone! –Michelle C.
• “I gave this book to a friend of mine because I was curious if my reaction to it was normal. Why did I, a man in my forties, relate so strongly to this young girl who I had absolutely nothing in common with? Paul, in his fifties, read it in two sittings and loved it as much as I did. No matter who you are, you won’t be able to put the book down until you find out if this indomitable spirit gets her night in a Holiday Inn, a promised gift from her loving but struggling father, support from her troubled mother, and freedom from her dirt bag stepfather who smells like old meat.”  –J Craig“
• I chose this book because it was a good price to try out my new Kindle, and the premise seemed interesting enough. I did not expect to be totally hooked in to the story. I planned to read this book over several days of commutes, starting on Monday. I was so curious about (and concerned for!) the young protagonist that I devoted Tuesday evening to finishing the last 30% because I couldn’t wait until Wednesday morning.” – Michelle Mann
• “Some people are great storytellers, and some people have a great story to tell. Ingrid Ricks is both. I’d recommend this book to just about anyone: adults, adolescents, armchair travelers, those who had a difficult childhood and those who didn’t, people who’ve been stuck in one place most of their lives, and people who can’t stay tied down.” — Alysa Salzberg, Editor, Bequile, France
• “Hippie Boy brought me back to the Judy Blume books of my teenage years, though it is still a very grownup story.  If you like coming-of-age stories, tales about complicated but loving relationships between fathers and daughters, or relating to a child who knows she is different but can’t do anything about it until she is grown, then this is the book for you.” – Betsy Talbot, Founder, Married with Luggage

About the Author
Ingrid Ricks is a Seattle-based writer and speaker who focuses on overcoming adversity and embracing life.  Her stories have been published in Salon, Ladies’ Home Journal, The Seattle Times and a variety of other publications.  Hippie Boy: A Girl’s Story is her first book.  For more information, visit: www.ingridricks.com