Reese Witherspoon has chosen the novel Stuck Up and Stupid by Angourie Rice and Kate Rice as her Book Club Summer YA Pick. The book, a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, was released in the U.S. on May 6.
The novel is the debut collaboration between actress Angourie Rice and her mother, playwright Kate Rice. Angourie Rice has appeared in films like Mean Girls and currently stars in the show The Last Thing He Told Me. Kate Rice is an award-winning playwright in Australia.
Stuck Up and Stupid centers on Australian teen Lily enjoying her summer in the fictional town of Pippi Beach when Hollywood stars arrive. Lily develops a negative view of actor Dorian Khan, finding him arrogant. The story follows their interactions as initial impressions are challenged.
The mother-daughter writing team stated the book updates Jane Austen’s work for young readers, setting the story in Australia instead of England. They said Elizabeth Bennett became the character Lily, and Mr. Darcy became Dorian Khan.
Angourie Rice and Kate Rice drew upon their own experiences within the entertainment industry to shape the novel. Kate Rice noted she had opportunity to observe the industry while accompanying her daughter on acting jobs.
The authors described the writing process as a new medium for both. "It was a new medium for both of us," Angourie Rice told People regarding writing the young adult novel. "I'd never written a novel, and neither had \Kate, so we were exploring that together." writing the young adult novel
Reese Witherspoon's book club announced the selection on social media, calling the book "sharp, hilarious, and heartfelt" and noting it gives "major Austen vibes with a fresh twist." YA book club pick
The authors aim for readers to understand the value of looking beyond first impressions and the capacity for people to change their minds. They also expressed excitement about readers experiencing the Australian setting depicted in the book.
Rice and Rice indicated they plan to continue writing together in the future. "We want to continue writing together. We loved it so much and we have more to say," Angourie Rice said.
Kate Rice added about their partnership, "We're a good team in lots of ways."
