"[A] knockout...[a] bold, brash, up-yours coming-of-age story rubbed raw with gritty sexual awakening."--The San Diego Union-Tribune "In her debut novel, Portes paints a poignant picture of a teenage girl fleeing her past and landing in Vegas, where she's forced to grow up fast."--OK MAGAZINE "A bracing drama, a study in tenacity against the gnarled teeth of domestic storms." --The Los Angeles Times "Portes is an edgy writer whose talent is apparent on every page. Her honest, raw portrayal of Luli is harrowing, yet Portes also punctuates many of her observations with a keen and jaded humor. Hick announces the arrival of an exciting young voice. Portes' snappy prose shines through despite the disturbing plight of young Luli..."--The Rocky Mountain News "Portes' writing and Luli's courage make this book a standout and, at times, beautiful novel." --The Omaha World-Herald "A terrific and addicting read. It just barrels along, fueled by the adrenaline and enthusiasm of its youthful narrator."--The Kansas City Star "[A] smart and sassy tale."--The Oregonian "Her approach is so subtle and non-preachy that Hick's cinematic equivalent would be more indie drama than after-school special...Through Luli's eyes, Portes expertly captures the loneliness of poverty and the harsh monotony of being a child with no one to take care of you...She's the antithesis of the modern American teenager; she has grit. Her story is especially interesting as it is based on the real-life experiences of Hick's author, Portes...Eccentric and wild, her characters are larger than life, but they never become unreal...Luli's endurance...can only inspire."-Popmatters.com "Compelling."--Library Journal "Wonderful, touching."--The Nougat Magazine "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 acted appropriately. Luli is America gone wrong personified. Hick is the coming of age novel for our twisted times."--Jeffrey A. Tipton, author of Surviving the City "[C]ompletely blew me away...It's the best novel I've read this year...do not not read this book. this is a spectacular debut."--Tony Dushane, Drinks with Tony radio show "Luli's road trip makes Holden Caulfield's experiences in "The Catcher in the Rye" and Huck's in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" seem almost quaint. It is truly a coming-of-age story for today... Portes tells a fast-paced story and has created a memorable character in Luli." --Lincoln Journal-Star "Impressive...Luli is so well-drawn and her voice so original and authentic that the reader can't help but get caught up in her story...engrossing..." --Dallas Morning News