Stuck Up and Stupid
Reese’s Book Club Pick
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Walker Books Australia
Age 12+
Romance & Relationships Stories
“This sharp, hilarious, and heartfelt novel is giving major Austen vibes with a fresh twist – and we’re obsessed.”—Reese’s Book Club (Reese’s Book Club Summer ’25 YA Pick)
An ordinary girl. A Hollywood star. A love story that could change everything. Pride and Prejudice gets a modern twist in this summer romance from two debut authors who deliver the perfect beach read with heart and hilarity.
Lily has the whole summer stretched out before her—endless days of sunshine and friends at beautiful Pippi Beach. Then superstar Dorian Khan arrives, with his party of Hollywood types. While most of the locals, including Lily’s glamor-obsessed mum, are thrilled to be so close to the A-listers, Lily can’t help but see them as superficial and arrogant, especially Dorian, the most famous of them all. But as Lily’s and Dorian’s paths continue to cross, she begins to wonder if she’s got him all wrong. Playwright Kate Rice and her daughter, Hollywood actor Angourie Rice, team up to write a teen romance novel from those who know firsthand what the international film industry is really like. Inspired by the ever-popular Austen fandom, Stuck Up and Stupid is for a generation of teens who are definitely NOT looking for love.
Creators
Angourie Rice is an actor whose credits include starring roles in the movie-musical Mean Girls and Apple TV+’s The Last Thing He Told Me as well as supporting roles in the MCU Spider-Man movies. She is also a writer, producer, and host of the literary podcast The Community Library. She lives in Melbourne, Australia.
Kate Rice is an AWGIE Award–winning playwright with a PhD in ethical creative process and has written plays with and for young people. Her work has been commissioned by Melbourne City of Literature, Curtin University, Deckchair Theatre, Barking Gecko Theatre, Darwin Theatre Company, Darwin High School, and Corrugated Iron Youth Arts. She lives in Melbourne, Australia.
Reviews
Stuck Up & Stupid is a light and easy read, perfect for a summer holiday or for a rainy day when dreaming of the beach.
Reading Time
This book will hook readers aged between 12-15… A fun addition to the romantic comedy genre.
Reading Time
Angourie and Kate Rice really captured the essence of Jane Austen’s classic and have managed to take a well-known story and make it their own. All the characters you know, and love are present, with a modern twist… if you’re looking for a fresh take on a beloved story, then this fun and ridiculous book is a hilarious, fast-paced read for ages 13+.
Readings
Light and fun.
Read Plus
The depiction of the sun and surf lifestyle at the Aussie beach rings true, and adds authenticity to the setting… It is a light-hearted romantic romp and could easily be visualised as a film. It would make an easy summer read, and perhaps for the younger teen an entree to the complex world of Austen.
Read Plus
